Spring has sprung!  Regardless if the weather is here or not it’s time to lighten and brighten things up for spring, which is why Jill from My Sweet Obsessions and I have teamed up again to bring you some styling tips for the new season.  First up, dressing for Easter!  I always feel this is the kick off point for spring looks.

Alicia’s Tips for Dressing for Easter:

1.  Add in a new dress to the wardrobe.

Growing up, Easter always meant a new dress, hat and purse, which always made a little girl happy!  As a grown up, I still do the same thing, add in a new spring dress to the wardrobe this time of year.  Here’s my tip, pick a dress that’s something you can use for all those upcoming spring and summer occasions like baby and bridal showers, weddings, brunches, etc…  This way you’ll maximize your wardrobe and be making a smart purchase.  I went with the mark. About Lace Dress.  It has a flirty cut but yet conservative for things like church on Easter.

2.  Brighten things up.

Come spring we want to lighten and brighten things up.  We’re so over the dark and gloomy outfits (even if the weather still is).  Easter dresses are the perfect piece to embrace spring colors and/or prints, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your spring pastels.  Try a jewel tone, it’s still a bold color but sometimes helps against that winter complexion (cough, cough, my white legs, cough cough), and it will look just as good come summer.

3. Add a unique spring accessory.

There is never a more appropriate time to wear a fun hat then on Easter.  I prefer a wider brimmed hat for this occasion, it’s a little more dressy, and I’m definitely not opposed to details like flowers, ribbons, etc. but this solid blue Panama hat from Brooks Brothers has been my Easter go-to for years (as seen last year).  Invest in one hat that you can use for years to come since it’s not an every day thing.  If hat’s aren’t your thing try a spring scarf.  This mark. All Season’s scarf is the perfect mix of a fun spring print, lightweight material, and oversized shape.  This makes it perfect to wear wrapped as a scarf or open as a shawl for chilly spring breezes.  Or if you’re like me wear both!  Then add some oversized pearls for a modern yet girly finishing touch.

4.  Keep it appropriate.

I love the flirty lace back detailing of this dress, but a sheer back isn’t necessarily appropriate for church.  I added a white cami underneath to still show the detailing but keep it appropriate.  Now if you were going to a brunch with your friends, totally rock the sheer back!  This is why this mark. About Lace Dress is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe, it has that playful side you can maximize for your other occasions.

5.  Put some spring in your step.

One of the biggest pet-peeves, and I see it every Easter, are girls in their pretty Easter dresses with rubber flip flops.  Maybe it’s my East coast classic coming out when I live in a West coast world, but when dressing up rubber flip flops are a no no.  Easter is a dressier Sunday regardless of what you’re doing so step up your shoe game.  It doesn’t have to be heels, but it does have to be a little nicer of a shoe (ex: see Jill’s chic flats in her look) .  There are so many good sandals, flats and heels out there that this should be an issue.  I love the mark. Sassy Stepper Pumps because they are SO COMFORTABLE and a shoe that adds miles to your shoe wardrobe.  They can be worn with jeans to work wear to dresses and beyond.  You can see my love for them here, here, here and here, told you I loved them.

Jill’s Styling Tip:  Be ready for Easter church and your Easter picnic by casually styling pretty spring colors.