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Here at Vogue Shopping we’re no strangers to examining each and every new fashion trend, no matter how big or small. Just take this latest spring, for example. First, there are those covetable fashion finds, like a pair of Dries Van Noten cargo pants or Loewe’s striped polo shirt. In the accessories realm, you’ll find relaxed loafers from The Row, boat shoes from Miu Miu, and burgundy handbags from Loewe and Gucci. But we’re diving even deeper right now to unearth the on-trend styles that are also budget-friendly. Without giving away too much, there are quite a few buzzy micro trends to take note of, but one thing to know before you get started, is that they all ring in under $300. (Yes, you read that correctly!)
Under-$300 Spring Micro Trend Must-Haves:
- The Drop Waist Dress: Mango A-line dress, $50
- The Fashion Flip-Flop: A.Emery Kinto leather sandals, $160
- The Sheer Skirt: Rotate Birger Christensen floral beaded tulle skirt, $240
- The Cargo Pant: & Other Stories cargo trousers, $129
- The White Poplin Skirt: Alex Mill Maddie skirt, $155
- The Mini Raffia Bag: Staud Moon raffia bag, $295
- The Au Natural Footwear: Loeffler Randall Leonia woven raffia ballet flats, $275
- The Sporty Polo: Simkhai Delfina ribbed polo top, $295
- The Structured Suit Vest: Ciao Lucia Amira sleeveless top, $225
- The Minimalist Heeled Sandal: Vince Jolie sandals, $295
On this list you’ll find everything from clothing to accessories, starting with a favorite: sleeveless beauties! A drop-waist dress or structured suit vest are both perfect for right now. The latter includes Posse’s luxuriously linen option and Ciao Lucia’s square-neck style. Styling-wise, dress down the It item with a pair of camo-printed cargo jeans from Me+Em or up with a sheer skirt and strappy sandal from Reformation or Vince—three other micro trends to take note of.
Speaking of skirts, white poplin styles from By Malene Birger and Alex Mill make for easy, effortless spring dressing. When it comes to color trends, if last fall and winter was defined by statement red, then this spring is all about powder blue and mellow yellow. Need further proof? The street style scene has already adopted prized pieces like St. Agni’s baby blue tee and & Other Stories’ sun-shiny blazer into their seasonal capsule wardrobes.
Meanwhile, accessories have gone au natural by way of mini raffia bags from Staud and Hereu to crochet-adorned footwear from Loeffler Randall and Simon Miller. We’re not done yet, though! Beach-centric jewelry is not just reserved for trips to the seaside—find shell-adorned earrings and necklaces everywhere from Zara and Timeless Pearly to Ben-Amun and Éliou.
Below, all these and more of the 15 buzziest affordable micro trends dominating our spring shopping carts.
Drop-Waist Dresses
Don’t be intimidated by the drop-waist dress! The flattering, elongating silhouette is a dress trend especially beloved by the street style scene and industry insiders. Options include strapless styles from Pixie Market and By Malene Birger to Mango’s T-shirt dress for a more demure take. You can never go wrong with a timeless LWD, either—and Zara’s poplin pick provides instant polish.
Fashion Flip-Flops
Thanks to the spring 2024 collections, fashion flip-flops are back and better than ever. While luxe options hail from brands like The Row and Toteme, under $300 thong sandals from Staud and Madewell are just as good. Looking to err slightly from the classics? Colorful pairs from A.Emery and Ancient Greek embody that festive summer feeling.
Sheer Skirts
It may seem like sheer skirts should stick to the runways, but we’re here to encourage you to sport yours here, there, and everywhere. All you need is an oversized blazer or menswear-inspired shirt and voilà! Go bold in embellished midiskirts from Rotate and Zara or opt for timeless black and white styles from J.Crew and Banana Republic.
Cargo Pants
The runways have spoken: cargo pants are a nonnegotiable for spring. And luckily for us, some of the chicest pairs also happen to be affordable. & Other Stories’ bold burgundy pair is right on trend, while NSF’s khaki cargos are seasonless stars. Of course, we couldn’t leave out Me+Em’s camo pair or Cos’ navy pants that define utilitarian chic.
White Poplin Skirts
Easy, breezy spring dressing begins and ends with a white poplin skirt, whose versatility rivals that of its close closet cohort, the little white dress. Serving as the ultimate blank canvas, we’re styling those from Alex Mill to Hill House Home with everything from sweet tops to lightweight knitwear. One thing’s for sure: a white poplin skirt adds an element of effortlessness and bohemian charm to any spring outfit.
Mini Raffia Bags
The best raffia bags won’t be around come June–so shop yours now while you still can. While roomy totes and slouchy shoulder bags are always welcome, for spring, it’s all about the mini raffia bag. First on our list is Staud’s minimalist moon bag, a signature shape for the brand. Meanwhile, day-to-night clutches from Cos and Banana Republic capture the ladylike look.
Au Natural Footwear
Contemporary footwear brands clearly had vacation on the mind when dreaming up the below assortment. Loeffler Randall’s raffia Mary Janes are a festive twist on the classics, while a pair of Castañer slides are beach-to-bar friendly. Other au natural notables include Vince’s woven loafers and Simon Miller’s slip-ons.
Buttery Yellows
Also known as the original minimalist hue, buttery yellow is slowly-but-surely taking over red’s top spot as fashion’s favorite spring color. You can’t deny the allure of pale yellow separates from & Other Stories and Mango, while Significant Other’s silky halter top is your new-and-improved going-out top. Accessory-wise, a pair of retro sneakers from Rag & Bone in the statement shade are a zesty addition to your spring shopping cart.
Powder Blues
Dip your toe into icy blue waters this spring by way of St. Agni’s twisted tee, Max Mara Leisure’s silky slip skirt, or a pair of tailored trousers from Favorite Daughter. Then, standing alone, is this pair of baby blue ballet flats from Zara, which come with the celebrity seal of approval. Curious to know by who? Katie Holmes is a massive fan.
Sporty Polos
Channel your inner tomboy this spring in a sporty polo shirt or two. Striped styles from Mango and Polo Ralph Lauren are right on theme, while polished picks from Simkhai and Banana Republic are elegant enough for everyday. Wear yours with a great jean and sneaker for a final look that’s borrowed from the boys.
Mesh Flats
There is no debate: Mesh flats are the hottest shoe of spring. Sweet ballerina styles from Everlane and Loeffler Randall add a coquette touch to any final look, while Reformation’s Mary Janes have slightly edgier bent. Mango’s silver style stands all on its own.
Summer-Centric Jewels
No summer-in-the-city look is complete without a piece of shell-adorned jewelry, whether you choose Zara’s silver ear bobs or Timeless Pearly’s blue pearl necklace. Ben-Amun’s charm necklace is best worn on and off the beach with a delightful day dress or a statement swimsuit; and the same goes for Éliou’s diamond-encrusted shell earrings.
Minimalist Heeled Sandals
This spring, the more minimalist the merrier. Case in point? These sleek pairs of strappy heeled sandals from Banana Republic to Reformation.
Structured Suit Vests
With a slightly higher-neck silhouette than the deep-V vests from last season, the below options are sleeker than ever. Linen vests from Posse and Banana Republic are lightweight and airy, while button-up versions from Faithfull the Brand and Ciao Lucia belong on your next vacay.
Mary Jane Flats
Classic black Mary Janes are sticking around for yet another season–and we couldn’t be happier! Mango’s mesh flats are delightful yet slightly daring, while options from Aeyde, Loeffler Randall, and Home of Hai couldn’t be more timeless. Whichever you choose, we promise continued sartorial success.