Spring Into Fashion
What’s the buzzword in the fashion world this spring? Reinvention. It's all about taking what you have and making it new—reinventing pieces you already own, say fashion insiders.

ACCESSORIZE
One key to reinvention this season: accessories. With the economy affecting those of all income levels, most everyone is looking to stay stylish without spending much money, says Keylee Sanders, owner of San Francisco-based consulting and styling company, Style Studio.
“Women will be taking pieces they have and making them fresh by adding in fun accessories.”
Meggie White, owner of new Marina District boutique, Meggie, (and the designer behind the eponymous jewelry line) says that accessories with a splash of color will be big this spring—especially in orange, blue and purple.
Feather headbands are very much in style this spring, as long as they're paired with something simple, like a plain dress or jeans and a T-shirt, White says.
This season, she also loves wrap watches and braided leather headbands by San Francisco designer Jacqui Chazen.
WALK THIS WAY
Another sure bet for reinventing your look? Shoes, of course. Boots will remain a staple, particularly here in San Francisco. White particularly likes them over skinny jeans or tights. Flats are another popular option, according to Style Studios’s Sanders. Because most people in San Francisco walk and take public transportation, shoes are “a fashion thing but also a utility thing,” she says.
Comfort may be part of the reason San Franciscans have a hankering for footwear, but sculpted heels and gladiator shoes (styles that are about more than just comfort) are also making an appearance down San Francisco sidewalks, fashion experts say.

“Individuality and style prevail over the fashion slave here,” -Lisa Moore, Ambiance

CLOTHING TRENDS
Accessories may be the focus this season, but there will be a plethora of clothing options to choose from as well. Cotton maxi dresses, denim shorts or dresses, funky mini-vests and plaid shirts and dresses will be popular, according to boutique owner White.
Cute cardigans and leather jackets will be staples for fashionable San Franciscans, said Style Studio’s Sanders. She points out that layering creates an ability to go straight from the office to dinner, since women can wear a dress with a blazer and charming shoes to work, then take off the jacket and throw on an accessory for dinner.
GO GREEN
The environment is also on people’s minds these days and is making its way into fashion choices this spring.
She-bible is a locally based line of environmentally conscious clothing, wildly popular in city boutiques. She- Bible owner Deirdre Nagayama points to jumpsuits and overalls this season, but only for the daring. Light, woven dresses will also be big for spring, she says. Stella McCartney is a favorite for those who want high fashion that is environmentally mindful.
VINTAGE
Need some ideas about what look to go for when pairing old items with the new must-haves? Vintage pops up again and again as a favorite among fashionable San Franciscans— from high-end designer pieces to funky thrift store finds, to even new clothing that is vintage-inspired. Lisa Moore, head buyer at local boutique, Ambiance predicts that pretty and lady-like 1950s-inspired dresses, as well as vintage-inspired party dresses, will be a hit with customers.-
Meggie White says touches of vintage inspiration in garment details (think buttons, lace, and ruffles) lend to a vintage feel.

“San Francisco is a place where you can try new things, but it's about more than being on the cutting edge,” —Meggie White of Meggie

CLASSIC STYLES AND DARK DENIM FOR MEN
The economy will have an impact on menswear trends this spring as well, says John Elliott, manager and buyer at Jack's on Chestnut, a men's boutique in the Marina District. Classic pieces are becoming more popular as men, skating around trends, try to invest in clothing that will last a long time, says Elliott. And although the palette for spring will include some new shades of purples and blues, the focus is really on dark, classic colors, such as oxford blue, as well as whites. Men will gravitate toward pieces like selvage denim (a thicker, stronger denim with a dark wash) to show some personality, rather than doing so through loud pieces. Some of Elliott's favorite examples of selvage denim are Nudie, Ksubi, and Simon Miller jeans, all carried at Jack's.
Above all, in San Francisco it is all about picking and choosing what works for you this spring. “Individuality and style prevail over the fashion slave here,” says Ambiance’s Moore. White adds: “San Francisco is a place where you can try new things, but it’s about more than being on the cutting edge.”