Based on every new spring line so far, the two huge trends this upcoming season are lace and nautical stripes. I realize that these are perennial favorites but they seem really huge this year. Here are some of the items I’ve had my eye on so far:

Nautical Stripes

Work:

Ann Taylor has this chic new striped sheath dress. The different panels of strips and the structured silhouette makes it a little more interesting then the standard striped shift dress that you’re seeing everywhere. This might be a must have for me. I also like this striped number from Anthro.

Weekend:

This is easy. Get a classic boatneck striped tee shirt. It’s basically seasonless and easy to wear around the house or pair with a jacket and jeans for day on the town. Almost every retailer has something like this but the one above is JCrew, JCrew Factory has similar options, and Loft and Gap have several comparable sweater and tee shirt versions.

Brunch:

This dress from Banana makes getting ready for brunch very easy. Throw it on with fun sandals and assorted jewelry and you’re all set. There are also some fun nautical shorts that would make a full outfit with the addition of a plain tee shirt.

Lace

Work:

There are a lot of lace dresses out there, but that reads a little too wedding guest to wear to work in my opinion. I like this skirt from Ann Taylor that has geometric lace pattern, rather than something floral. I like all kinds of lace, but this fresh take seems a little more work appropriate than the all over flower patterns. Ann Taylor also has a similar version with a floral border, and a lace pencil skirt.

Weekend:

I love a statement short, and these ones from the Loft are right on trend. The easy part is that you just need a plain tee shirt. They will add some fun to your weekend errands and outings.

Brunch:

I love this bright lace top from Anthro. It would make a pair of jeans look so chic if you’re meeting friends for a meal on the weekend. I think you could also pair this with a simple pencil skirt and wear to work in the summer. Ann Taylor also has several lace blouses this season.

Meanwhile…

One other trend I’m curious about is deconstructed denim. I’m a little torn (pun intended) because I don’t want to buy pants with holes in them, but sometimes DC is so preppy it makes me want to buy pants with holes in them. I may have ordered these from the Gap (I got them at a discount figuring it wouldn’t be a big investment if I don’t love the outcome).