Fashion Expert Lawrence Zarian Tells Us the 11 Things We Need For Spring
Let's put our fashion fates in the hands of an expert for a change, shall we?
Spring is here and as we’re all waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and sunshine creeping in through our blinds, we head to our closets…only to be filled with disappointment. We don’t have anything in there that is “just right” for spring, and we’re oh-so-tired of everything from last season. What to do? Call fashion expert Lawrence Zarian, of course!
The resident “fashion guy” on Live with Kelly for the past 15 years, Zarian is also author of Lawrence Zarian’s 10 Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe and a lifestyle expert, to boot. Given his vast experience, we decided to ask this red-carpet regular how we get our closet’s back on track for spring. “First and foremost, go through your entire wardrobe and see what styles and colors you already have, so you don’t repeat,” advises Zarian. “Then, when you go out shopping, incorporate some of the new, exciting colors and prints that you’re missing—this will most definitely freshen up your wardrobe.”
Next up: What not to do when we commence this shopping expedition. “Never, never, NEVER forget what you initially went shopping for,” says Zarian. “More often than not, we go out shopping needing to buy one thing and then get sidetracked by everything else, forgetting what it was we went out for in the first place. Buy what you need first. Then, IF there’s time, have some fun and shop away.” Got it—we need to stay focused, people!
And, luckily, Zarian’s also keeping our budgets in mind, too. “I never shop with just one season in mind,” he says. “This is huge waste of money. I suggest to shop and add new pieces that can be carried throughout your wardrobe, from season to season.”
So, with all of that in mind, Zarian went through this season’s massive crop of trends for us and picked out 11 must-have items for men and women that will round out all of our wardrobes perfectly for spring and beyond. His take? “I love the way certain classics have been reimagined, such as vibrant colored, lace-up wedges for women and the way eyewear continues to evolve for men with a wider assortment of styles, materials and colors.”
Happy shopping everyone!
1. Andrew Marc's Leanne Moto Jacket
“Now THIS is perfect for spring 2017! Andrew Marc updates the classic Moto Jacket with faux leather in pretty perfect pale blue. You can style it with denim or a sexy slip dress, this piece works year-round.”
2. Brooks Brothers Multi-Stripe Cotton Dobby Tunic
“As you know, I love fashion and function and nothing screams spring versatility more than a tunic. It’s the perfect item to wear for a business lunch that can be carried right into the weekend—and even used as a swim-suit coverup. Fun. Fashion. Function. #boom”
BUY FROM: Brooks Brothers, $118
3. Ferragamo Ornamented Jelly Flat
“I don’t think you’re ready for THIS jelly! That’s right, Ferragamo has taken your spring style to the next level with these uber-chic clear flats that can be worn with almost everything.”
4. Mossimo Supply Co. Women's Off the Shoulder Denim Dress
“For spring, ladies will want to show off your bold shoulders with this Mossimo off-the-shoulder denim dress. Light weight. Carefree. OH so chic, and SO on trend.”
5. Haspel Gravier Blue Seersucker Sportcoat & Haspel Bernard Blue Seersucker Trouser
“The ultimate in spring/summer suiting for me is a Seersucker Haspel suit. You can’t get closer to perfection than 10 decades of chic refinement. Lightweight and so cool. Wear with a white t-shirt or button down and have some fun with sneakers.”
BUY FROM: Haspel, $395 (Sportcoat) & $295 (Trouser)
6. Brooks Brothers Perfect Solid Pique Polo Shirt
“The must-have item for every man this spring heading into summer is the perfect polo shirt in an assortment of colors. It’s all definitely a wardrobe staple.”
BUY FROM: Brooks Brothers, $39.50
7. To Boot New York's Huston Sneaker
“Your perfect white sneaker gets an upgrade with a color blocked heel in navy blue suede. Handcrafted in Italy, the Huston takes luxury and comfort to the next level.”
8. John Varvatos Varied Striped Crewneck
“For men, for spring, say goodbye to heavy and hello to luxe lightweight sweaters like this JOHN VARVATOS two-toned striped, semi sheer linen-lightened knit sweater. It truly is the perfect transition piece to carry you into spring plus it can moved throughout your wardrobe and worn with jeans, shorts and even your suits.”
9. Sama Eyewear Francesco Round Classic Frames
“The final finish for every man (and woman) is a great pair of frames. It’s that instant shot of sophistication and style that will elevate your look from, “What?” to “WOW!””
10. Derek Lam Maud Suede Ankle-Wrap Wedge Sandals
“For me, one of the best ways to freshen up a spring wardrobe is from the ground up and this is the shoe that will definitely do it. This Derek Lam suede ankle-wrap wedge sandal in bright terracotta is truly a must for every woman’s wardrobe. The wrap around ankle ties not only takes the wedge to a whole new level, but the wedge heel always adds just the right amount of comfort and confidence for those women that need more stability when they walk. It’s all about the edge with the wedge. #boom”
BUY FROM: Saks Fifth Avenue, $795
11. Shashi Mia Tassel Fan Earrings
“Ladies, in order to add a little romance to your spring wardrobe, these delicate, pastel-hued Shashi tassel fan earrings are the only way to go and they can most definitely take you from day to night. Indulge and feel fancy. Why not, it’s spring and you’ve earned it!”
