While spring weather has been fickle, spring fashion is in full bloom in stores and boutiques throughout Buffalo.
Many popular clothiers have laid out their fashions for the season, revealing a clear transition from bulky materials to light, soft materials like linen and cotton.
Rob Egan, who works for the Gap in the Boulevard Mall, said that cotton and linen are trendy during the spring season because they are breathable, comfortable materials.
With a line of fashion that reflects natural surroundings, Gap has drawn its inspiration from the atmosphere of the beach, and offers many different shades of blue to choose from in the store.
Gap also attempts to bring back the elegance of simple black-and-white patterns, while providing a variety of tops designed to be worn in layers.
"The idea of layering is making it work for you," said Egan. "Our motto is, 'How do you wear it?' "
Their tops come in different cuts such as halters, spaghetti straps, tank tops and boat neck cut. Egan said the idea is to layer different colors and different cuts to create a playful yet comfortable look.
In addition to layered tops, Egan suggests pairing the appearance with a fun skirt, of which Gap offers a wide selection. They come in a longer, three-quarter length and a short to mid-thigh length.
The longer skirts are A-line cut in cotton and linen. The material doesn't add or take away from the frame, but flows naturally. The shorter skirts are puffier, with two to three layers of ruffle cotton, one on top of the other.
According to Egan, an ideal outfit for spring consists of a flowing bottom and a fitted top. And it's easy to create a stylish look with Gap's "classic yet trendy" designs.
"The Gap receives its fashions from New York City and from current fashion trends, and makes them relatable to everyday life," said Egan.
While Gap may pride itself in its feminine and ultra chic styles, Hollister, a store inspired by the trends in sunny California, is known more for its youthful and fun apparel.
Becky Knight, assistant manager of Hollister in the Boulevard Mall, said there wouldn't be any dark colors sold this spring. There will however be lots of white, pink, and green.
"In my opinion the biggest things are tank tops and lacy tops," said Knight.
For the best seasonal outfit Knight recommended a lacy top in burgundy, destroyed denim jacket, khaki pants with a belt, a necklace and flip flops-for women.
Christina Spoonley, a junior pharmacy major, has done a lot of summer shopping at Hollister and other stores in the area.
"I'm getting a lot of stuff with beads and sequins on it," she said. "Lots of capris and flip-flops and doing lots of layering, like wearing a tank top under a short-sleeve shirt. I've also bought a lot of aqua and brown."
Clothing for men is much simpler. Knight suggested cargo shorts, a button down top with thin stripes, and a belt and hat. Men's fashion, however, hasn't changed much from last season at any of these stores.
In other larger chain stores, new fashion trends incorporate a nod to earthiness and ethnic patterns. H&M incorporates these styles into its new clothing line, as well as placing an emphasis on bright colors contrasted with blank white items or denim items.
Kim Mathis owns Damsel in a Dress, a boutique on Elmwood Avenue that sells only women's items. She predicts that baby doll, empire cut dresses, and skirts will be huge for the spring and summer season. Made from chiffon, these items are billowy and comfortable.
According to Mathis, this fashion is targeted to stylish women who want to feel flirty.
"Color is the inspiration for this season along with floral prints," says Mathis. "Flirty fashion is color-driven now."
Although Damsel in a Dress only carries women's items, Mathis says that men's fashions are boring and a lot simpler when compared with women's colorful and patterned fashion this season.
Mathis agreed that layering is a popular look.
"I still think layering is big, like with a lacy tank and a button down shirt, but not going crazy with layering," said Mathis. "Add a skirt paired with a kitten heel of flat shoe."
When comparing Buffalo's fashion with other areas like New York City, Mathis said that they take more chances there than in Buffalo because they feel they don't have to adhere to the fashion rules.
"I wish people were more like me," said Mathis. "I wear whatever I want."
Although Buffalo may not offer as many types of clothing as other larger cities, there is still a wide variety of options available to interested shoppers. Spoonley said she is entirely satisfied with the clothing she has purchased so far.
"I like that the summer styles can be casual and comfortable," she said. "While at the same time look good and pulled together."
