CITYist

This season is a lesson in how to work toned abs in a sophisticated way. From luxe bandeaus at Louis Vuitton to bralettes at Balenciaga, SS13’s designers are zoning in on the midriff and crop tops are shooting straight to the top of the style agenda. Check out what we have chosen for you when you are flashing the flesh in the warmer months.

Ladies, Gingham has been all the rage this spring, so don’t be shy to bring back that ’60s glam. This print has the perfect combo of preppiness to give you that girly-girl look. You might be hesitant and think that you will look like you’re wearing a picnic cloth, but if worn the right way, you will look casual, yet chic. Check out some great gingham pieces to wear this season.

Temperatures are climbing higher and so are waistlines on shorts, so get on trend with a pair of chic, high-waisted shorts from G-Star RAW. See some of our favorites after the jump!

Say goodbye to the same old stripes and deck yourself out in zigzag and chevron patterns for spring. Click to check out our favorite examples of these striking striped patterns!

Designs took flight this season with bird prints. From loud and tropical, to sweet and pastel, the bird trend can be tailored to suit any taste. Find out more about this springtime alternative to the floral print!

There’s nothing sweeter than the color pink. Go bold with fuchsia or feminine with pastel. The color has been all over the SS12 runways and is the perfect balance of girly and look-at-me. Check out some of our favorite accessories to help you look pretty in pink.

The crop top is back, but this time it has a classier, feminine feel. This season it’s about showing a flash of torso, rather than exposing an entire midriff. Check out some of our favorite, affordable ways to get the trend.

The Pantone Color Institute named tangerine the “it” color of 2012 and the juicy shade is the perfect way to say hello to spring. The color is a bright orange with red undertones which translates beautifully into both clothing and accessories. Wear it from head to toe as a bold statement or just try a tangerine accessory for a bright pop of color.

Aquatic inspired accessories made a splash in Spring 2012 collections from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Givenchy, and Versace. Jewelry, handbags, and shoes all bore an oceanic feel. The marine theme took many forms; Givenchy utilized oversized shark tooth necklaces, while Versace displayed seahorse, nautilus, and starfish printed purses, and McQueen and Chanel translated the look through materials such as coral, shells, and pearls.

Despite common perception of neoprene as the material used for laptop cases and scuba wear, the versatility of neoprene can be seen in its appearance on the spring and summer 2012 runways. As seen in a bold top or a feminine dress, neoprene has become a new fabric for daily wear. With the convenience of neoprene being a washable fabric, Leghila has skillfully chosen neoprene as the main fabric of its handbag collection. Read on to see what neoprene pieces CITYist has chosen for you for the coming season.

This spring be prepared to blossom! Floral prints were a major trend this season. Oversized flowers on dresses skirts, and pants. Roses, orchids, lilies, and more sprouted up on the runways of Diane Von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Balmain, Alice+ Olivia and many others. Check out some of our favorite affordable finds.

A romantic and sensual feel with out it being over-girly or over-suggestive, is how lace trend has progressed over the years.