Winter has been particularly harsh in Northeast Ohio this year, but fashion fans can rejoice, it’s finally time for spring and all that comes with it. Brighter colors, lush patterns and textures are abundant in this season’s biggest trends.
When it comes to your infants through teens, local retailers around the region chimed in on what trends are flying off the shelves, when to shop for spring, and tips for hitting the stores with young kids or reluctant shoppers.
Spring Spotlight
Now that the temperatures are warming up, dresses without tights, shorts and bare arms are all fair game. Our region boasts some great local shopping spots, big and small, to get you geared up for the warmer months ahead.
M.J. Lehman, owner of girl’s clothing retailer Nicky Nicole, shared some trends she’s seeing this spring.
“Stripes — navy and white, grey and white — look so great for spring. Anchors are a great motif to enjoy too. The trendiest prints are daisies and hearts. Look for daisy motifs everywhere.”
Renee Sanden, director of marketing and business development at Great Lakes Mall, offered her two cents as well. “There is a lot going on for spring. This is really when color is reintroduced into our lives after a cold, cold winter.
“For girls, that means a lot more pattern, from floral to polka dots to ombre in jeggings, in cardigans and in jackets. There is a lot of pattern. With boys there has been a shift in trends geared toward little men — we’re seeing polos for young boys and even babies. That style is really in, along with a sportier short that can be plaid, or cargo shorts that are always in for spring,” Sanden says.
“There are a lot of spring-time holidays and events going on, so dress up for girls in pinks and purples and lace and tulle is a big trend. Skirts or dresses that almost look like a tutu for newborn to 12 years old, and layered looks, with a lace overlay where there is a solid color underneath are very popular,” Sanden continues.
Keep It Bold
Aside from the usual shift from neutrals to colors, this spring offers a refreshing mix of both dress and casual clothing. Spring offers many occasions to dress up, but it also allows kids to play and be outside in casual wear.
“The hottest trend is palazzo pants in fun, bold colors and patterns,” says Lehman. “Crop tops look new and fun layered over camis paired with palazzo pants. Maxi dresses will (also) continue to be a popular item.”
Katie Duncan of Love Bugs Resale in Akron also mentioned some trends that are hard to keep stocked on shelves.
“For boys, rompers or jean overalls are very popular, and for girls, (we’re seeing) a lot of dresses. The (fabric) I’ve been asked about the most is denim.”
Sanden shares that sentiment, “Denim is a hot seller for spring. There are a lot of different changes in denim, like the classic skinny jean, but we’re seeing more styles introduced, like a boyfriend jean or relaxed fit. Dark denim for boys is huge.”
Timely Tips
Some kids might not look forward to shopping, whether they are school age or teenagers. Lehman offers some advice on how to handle a reluctant shopper.
“Include the child in the shopping decisions as much is age appropriate. Stay on task and be sure your sales associate knows what you are looking for. Allow them to pull several ideas for you, so you can stay on track with your child in the dressing room. Working as a team can be great for making everyone happy.”
Sanden also recommends involving the kids in your shopping trip — and avoiding mealtime or naptime. “Let them express their own style. If they want to wear (superhero character clothes such as) a Spiderman shirt and that’s it, look for other items with Spiderman. If there is a character they like, use that character to convince them. Make your shopping trip a game like “I Spy”. There are wonderful things to see in a shopping mall setting.”
Duncan agrees and suggests giving kids a task, asking them to hold items for you or even use your kids to help each other. “My sister has two boys and she’ll have the younger boy look at clothes for the older one — just get them involved in the process as much as you can.”
Spring collections also come out early and can sell out before temps even make it above 50 degrees. Sanden advises, “Although it may not feel like spring, now is a better time than any to get out there and take advantage early. The day we wake up and it’s 60 degrees, you’re going to need those dresses and shorts, so don’t wait until the weather turns, shop early.”
Get The Fashions
Retailers at local malls are a great way to find something for everyone. The selection is vast and diverse, and retailers like Gap, Gymboree, H&M and Stride Rite have plenty of locations to track down that perfect outfit. As well, many of these retailers will offer to track down stock, put items on hold or order them online to be delivered to any location.
Baby Gap’s new Paddington Bear collaboration is filled with something for boys and girls alike. Boys will find checkered and plaid button-up shirts, brightly colored pullovers, rain parkas and canvas sneakers. Girls can pick from pleated dresses, pastel stripes, denim jackets and metallic accessories.
Gap Kids and Gap offer classic silhouettes and wardrobe staples at moderate price points. Simple khaki pants, graphic tees, sweaters and jeans come in a variety of fabrics, patterns and colors. Gap has locations at Beachwood Place, Belden Village, Crocker Park, Great Lakes Mall and Summit Mall, as well as others.
Gymboree, Stride Rite and H&M offer great clothing at affordable price points and these retailers can be found at several area malls and outlets like Great Lakes Mall.
If shopping online sounds more reasonable, Zara Kids, Zara Mini and Zara are great places to find affordable and trendy pieces. With everything from classic trench coats, embellished sweatshirts, quilted faux leather jackets, floral skirts, pleated trouser shorts and ankle boots for girls to khaki trousers, striped tees, moccasins, army jackets, chambray shirts and sweaters with elbow patches for boys.
No matter what method you shop or trend you follow, Northeast Ohio offers plenty of options to get your family fitted and fashionable for spring.
