Channeling the 90s with Spring’s Top Trends

The trees are drenched in sakura and pastels are decorating the retail windows. It’s official, folks, spring has sprung! The winter wear can be stowed and it’s time to lose layers and add color. Presuming you may already own a few of this season's fashion essentials such as a light knit sweater, cropped trousers and the quintessential pastel staples, we went ahead and gathered a bevy of spring 2014's top trends that are sure to brighten your wardrobe and complement those basics that you’ll suddenly remember when you're spring cleaning your closet.

Birkenstocks? Crop tops? Mom jeans? It seems we’ve regressed to the 90s. However, with the right styling, we are certain to look “all that and a bag of chips.”

1. Artistic prints. Chanel and Céline sent gallery-inspired pieces down the runways, spewing an art pop trend of paint swirls and brush strokes. Wear a colorful piece like this sweater from H&M (¥4,990) with solid basics to let your wearable art shine bright on its own.

2. Oh, hey, crop top, I see you aren’t going anywhere this season. Truth has it, there’s no avoiding the midriff bearing movement, so what better excuse to experiment? Styling can be tricky, but a play with proportions keeps the look chic yet still demure. Pair one like this ruffled Tocca version (¥14,777) with a high waist skirt or high-rise trouser to show only a sliver of skin. To avoid baring the flesh all together, wear over a crisp button up shirt and cover up with a denim jacket or cardigan.

3. High-rise denim. Yes, it’s true: mom jeans are all the rage in the denim world, like this dark, skinny version from Blank Denim (¥8,372). Opt for minimal accessories and shirts with short hemlines for the most flattering affect. A menswear shirt knotted at the bottom is another option for the high-rise pant.

4. Sporty chic. Show your athleticism without breaking a sweat. Sportswear basics in luxe materials are conveying a whole new message of casual wear. If a leather jogging pant is not in your comfort zone, choose a silk bomber jacket or an accessory such as a leather baseball hat (Eugenia Kim, $311.24) to add an active edge to your look.

5. Hawaiian prints. Floral patterns are taking over, and thanks to chic silhouettes and luxe fabrications, hibiscus and palm tree prints are no longer subject to oversized vacation shirts and permitted in paradise only. When styling separates, keep other aspects of your outfit neutral, or to fully commit to the trend, rock a one-piece in a head-to-toe floral motif, like this fun dress from Zara (¥7,990).

6. Iridescent and metallic accessories. Put the pedal to the metal this spring and have fun with shiny texture. Futuristic accessories such as a drawstring bag, evening clutch (like this one from Stella McCartney, $500) and chunky jewelry in mirrored fabrics are great ways to incorporate the bright trend.

7. Slide sandals. How jacked are Birkenstock fans that their blister-friendly sandals are back in vogue? The revival of slide sandals comes at an optimal time for walking and train hopping Tokyoites. Sport the classics like these from Birkenstock (¥6,600) or find a pair with a platform or heel for a modern twist. The casual shoe can be taken up a notch with lady-like pieces such as sundresses, full skirts and glamorous jewelry.

8. Pleated skirts. A former schoolgirl signature is now one of spring’s biggest trends. Found in chiffon, silk and other flowing fabrications, the pleated skirt will pair perfectly with a pastel, light knit sweater and wedges or a denim jacket and heeled ankle boots. This cotton-blend J. Crew one ($185.26) is the perfect way to say hello to the season.