Trend Report: Opera Lane’s resident stylist on 5 looks to try this season

Presented by Opera Lane.
If your wardrobe hasn’t changed since the last pre-pandemic party you attended, now is the time to inject some newness into your life.
And boy is now a good time to get going.
The excitement is finally returning to fashion with a flurry of fun new trends to try for height this spring.
From fit and flare jeans that will take you back to your school days to pops of pastel purple, preppy skirts and chic 80s style suits, the choice is overwhelming and there is something fabulous to suit everyone.
We asked Opera Lane stylist Breeda O’Connell to detail her five favorite looks:
1. The Y2K trend
“In a nutshell, this trend is a revival of the type of clothing we wore between 1995 and 2005, so lots of low-rise jeans, fit and flare styles, swirled prints, cut-outs, crop tops (and if you want go for it, maybe a silver eyeshadow!
Think Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, All Saints (all khaki joggers and running vests) and you’ll start to understand.
SHOP THE LOOK: Black flared leggings: €14.99, H&M, Opera Lane
2. Pastels
“There’s nothing revolutionary about pastels for spring, but this year pink and purple stand out, brighter and softer than the rest.
Pantone’s color of the year is “Veri Peri”, so it’s no surprise that this shade and its variants are everywhere. Although pastel pinks are offered, the options are much wider to include bold shades that Barbie herself would be proud of.
SHOP THE LOOK: Pink cardigan: €64, River Island, Opera Lane
3. Green
“The song says there are 50 shades of green and most of them are represented on Opera Lane right now, where you’ll see everything from soft sage to the classic bright mint Kelly Green.
The hue of the moment is what is known in fashion circles as ‘Bottega green’, named after the quilted bag that is synonymous with the color. This unmissable green is almost neutral at this stage; it pairs beautifully with almost any neutral tones, from whites to navy, black, camel, chocolate brown and charcoal gray
Maximalists will love it paired with other equally strong shades like orange, cobalt blue or hot pink. You can also create a “column of color” by wearing the lampshade from head to toe.
SHOP THE LOOK: Green Midi: €33.99, New Look
4. BCBG
“Preppy and her sister Clueless are very similar and also have a lot in common with sports and college trends. All have a “uniform” aesthetic defined for high school/college
We’ll see lots of A-line and pleated mini skirts, blazers, stripes, graphic sweatshirts and boxy cardigans. Look for the iconic plaid and houndstooth prints we associate with this style, in monochrome and pastel color combinations.
SHOP THE LOOK: Alpaca V-neck cardigan: €139.90, Tommy Hilfiger, Opera Lane
5. 1980s Costume
“No longer just for the office, this season’s stunning suits come in soft, drapey fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, making them as wearable on a Saturday afternoon with a graphic tee and trainers as they are in the gym. meeting with pumps and a camisole or blouse.
When it comes to color, there’s something for everyone, with plenty of bright, crisp blues. oranges and greens; and an equal choice in more traditional neutral and soft pastel shades.
SHOP THE LOOK: Oversized blazer: €87, River Island
Need help creating a capsule wardrobe for spring? To book an hour-long express service with Senior Stylist Breeda O’Connell on Opera Lane, visit the website.