The term sportswear became popular in the 1920’s as fashions started changing. The world needed a description for the new relaxed, casual wear that became the customary attire for many sporting and social events. For those of you who have never been a fan of ruffles and flounces, but prefer a more straightforward and dare I say that dreaded word “comfortable” fashions, the Spring 2013 runways around the world have some good news in store for you! Responding to the need for grown up play clothes, designers have been busy stirring together sporty influences in lots of cool ways. Next time you’re at the Goodwill store make the most of your fashion budget by checking the racks for items that just might fit the springtime bill for your wardrobe.  The following is a roundup of the top items you’ll need to know about in order to pull off all the best sportswear-inspired looks from the catwalk.

Sportswear dresses that have a lean athletic feeling and almost look as if they just came off the tennis court will lead the team for spring. This influence seems to stem from the popularity of “wearable” yoga pants and other pieces that have become street fashion. However, these dresses will differ from the athletic cousin in the quality and detail of the fabric used but remains true to the sleek silhouette. 

Flats and lower heels have been hanging around the corners of the fashion world just waiting for their moment to come back, and it’s here! Cute flats with lots of embellishment and detail are the way to spare your feet AND look stylish this spring. Color blocked, metallic and unique is the way to go. Square-toed loafers with a small square heel reminiscent of the late 60’s and 70’s will also start to seep into the picture too, mark my words.

Bermuda shorts are the answer for keeping it all casual and comfortable. In between a fitted short and a cargo short is this soft and more flowing sibling. Roomy, with a loosely fitted waistband that sits at the natural waistline, these shorts can go from casual to city in a flash.

Statement sunglasses are all over the map this season.  Classic shapes redefined by giving them a funhouse make over. Cat-eyes, wayfarer’s, aviator, poor boy, round, square, or whatever you desire, the key here is that the shapes are bolder more distinctive looking interpretations of those classic designs. Look for dramatic colors and larger than life shapes. A great pair of sunglasses can make any outfit look five times more fashionable!

Stripes are the epitome of simple and strategic design. A striped dress with vertical lines can do wonders for the figure, while nothing looks more East Coast-preppy than a horizontal striped polo shirt. Spring is a great time to add a few items with stripes to your wardrobe. Stripes look great as a foil to other patterns and colors, so choose pieces that can mix and match easily with other items you may already have.

Now that spring has sprung, it is once again time to think of renewal, and making the most of the new season ahead of us. Keeping your wardrobe up to date shouldn’t be seen as a chore, but rather, a fun aspect of us that is as important as any other in our daily lives.  So because of that, next week, I will be giving you my top spring closet clean out tips, so you can make way for all the fabulous spring and summer items you’ll be sure to find on your next shopping spree at Goodwill!