Springing Forward:

Washington, D.C. is known for its vibrant fashion scene, with boutiques and clothing stores setting the stage for new trends and styles. As the spring season approaches, fashion enthusiasts and employees in the city shared their insights on what defines D.C. fashion and the latest trends to look out for.  

 

Alana Herseg, a 23-year-old employee at Lou Lou Boutique who resides outside D.C., said the nation's capital is not typically associated with one specific fashion style. Instead, she noted that the city's fashion scene is characterized by a duality between existing fashion trends.

 

"I feel like D.C. is a collective mix of people going to the hill wearing business clothes and then college students wearing streetwear," Herseg said.

 

Herseg is among many people who see a correlation between work life and fashion. Felix Flores, a 31-year-old sales associate at Madewell from Gaithersburg, Maryland, said she sees this current fashion as a fun but contrasting look.  

 

"It's very like kinda conservative somewhere between business casual and business formal and then with like sneakers on the bottom," Flores said.

 

Daniel Ervin, a 21-year-old student from Potomac, Maryland, who is currently enrolled at Towson University, had drawn attention to the fact that there is a noticeable difference in fashion styles based on the age of the individual wearing the clothing.

 

"I see a lot of grown men wearing sneakers with jeans as a casual and formal look," Ervin said. "I think with college students and young adults, I notice a lot of baggy clothes and cool gym shoes."

 

As the seasons shift and fashion trends evolve, employees and businesses understand the need to update their wardrobes with new styles. Elise Hamrick, a 20-year-old employee at Secondi Inc. in Dupont Circle, is one such individual who recognizes the importance of staying on top of fashion trends.

 

"We consign based on the upcoming season because nobody wants a winter coat in the summer," Hamrick said. "That is the biggest predictor of trends for us."

 

Hamrick said her consignment shop sells an immense array of vibrant colors to reflect the changing seasons. She said the time of year profoundly influences the types of items her team chooses to sell. As a result, shoppers can find a diverse range of colors, perfect for each season.

 

"Right now, we are putting out brighter colors because spring is approaching," Hamrick said.

 

That's not the only reason she decides to sell these certain pieces of clothing. Hamrick said she takes cues from customers and co-workers when deciding which clothing items to stock.

 

"Our regular customers all have particular personal styles, so I find it interesting to see what they choose to buy," she said. "My co-workers are also extremely stylish, so I look to them for the trends."

 

With each passing season, fashion trends come and go, and the world of style is constantly evolving. As we head into spring, fashion professionals and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the latest trends to hit the scene.

 

"I feel like we're just waiting for the next big sneaker trend. I feel like sambas are on their way out, and we're going to see something else. I just don't know what it is yet," said Flores.

 

Other people, like Hamrick, said sneakers are losing their charm. But unlike in the past, people are not ditching them for another style. Instead, Hamrick predicts a complete shift toward a different type of shoe in the coming days.

 

"Personally, I believe the sneaker wave we were just riding is coming to an end, and people will be wearing more loafers, heels and sandals," Hamrick said.

 

As for Ervin, he said the retro trend is making a grand comeback with a fresh, fun and appealing look that will soon sweep through the streets of D.C.

 

"I think vintage clothing will become even more popular," Ervin said. "I also think people are going to be into more vibrant colors this spring."

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As the seasons change, so does fashion. Warm weather is upon us, and it's the perfect time to step out in style and make a statement with your fashion choices. From bold shoe styles to vibrant looks, keep your eyes peeled for these latest trends this blossoming spring season.