Every spring I find myself totally overwhelmed by a wave of new fashion trends ushering in the warmer weather. But rather than buy into anything and everything—and inevitably end up donating all those items a few months later, unworn—I’m determined to invest only in the those pieces I think have real staying power or that will be easy to mix in with my existing wardrobe. And now I’m passing my hot list on to you, with a breakdown of the top three spring fashion trends I think are just too good to pass up. So without further ado, here are all the trends you won’t regret adding to your shopping cart ASAP.
The Only 3 Trends You Need to Buy This Spring, According to a Fashion Editor
They’re versatile, fun and work for any budget
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Updated Feb 18, 2025
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1. Animal Prints
Leopard spots may have been the reigning print of winter, but come spring prepare yourself to embrace a whole zoo full of animal patterns. Zebra and tiger stripes are a popular pick for accessories, especially boots, and cow print (that beloved Y2K throwback) has been popping up by way of miniskirts, calf hair jackets and even barrel-leg jeans. If you want to invest in something a little more classic, opt for a leopard or cheetah print jacket or coat, otherwise feel free to start incorporating any of these animal-inspired patterns into your wardrobe in both large and small ways.
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2. Belts
It may seem odd to call belts a trend—could such a basic staple ever really go out of style?—but this spring they’re enjoying a major return to the spotlight. The best thing about this trend is that there are so many different ways to embrace it. If you’re a minimalist, look for leather in black or brown with a metallic buckle that draws just enough attention to itself without stealing the show. If you’re really loving the Boho 3.0 aesthetic, try an obi belt or extra-long style that can drape dramatically down from your waist, like the gal pictured above. Animal print belts, knotted belts, chain belts, statement belts, rope belts—literally any of these will fit the trend, so have some fun figuring out exactly which variations will fit in well with your other spring must-haves.
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3. Practical Jackets
Barn coats have been growing in popularity for some time now, but I predict the craze is only just getting started. And you can add to it a wave of other equally practical jackets, like trench coats, Barbour jackets, Carhartt cargos and chic rain slickers. Choose whichever silhouette most grabs at your heart strings, but be sure to opt for one that is truly practical—it should have weatherproofing of some level, roomy pockets and a utilitarian vibe that looks just as fabulous with durable denim as it does with contrasting sheer skirts.
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