How to Wear 5 of This Spring’s Best Textures
Kallmeyer Button-Down, goop, $750
One easy way to make an outfit more interesting? Add texture—either through clever layering or through the pieces themselves. For example, a unique material—say, organza—can make something as basic as a button-up shirt feel entirely fresh. And a designer’s clever use of French lace can cast a whole new light on the common camisole. Below, five texture trends we’re seeing for spring, plus our top picks in each category.
Satin
With its fluid feeling and soft, luminous sheen, satin has a way of elevating any silhouette, be it a bomber jacket or a bra-and-skirt set. Though it’s often reserved for dressy evening occasions, satin is arguably more striking in the light of day, paired with casual pieces that offset the elegance of the fabric.
Lace
Inherently feminine and romantic, lace can soften a look or add visual intrigue to an otherwise simple design, like a slip dress. We like it best in small doses: framing a neckline, dancing along a hem, or dialing up the sex appeal of a thigh-high slit.
Organza
Organza is sheer but stiff, with enough structural integrity to support more sculptural silhouettes, so you can create things like this architectural cowl-neck top or these voluminous parachute pants. This season, brands like GWYN and Róhe make a strong case for sets—though we also like how Kallmeyer styled their button-up with a pair of satin pants.
GWYN Mercer Silk Top, goop, $595; GWYN Orchard Silk Skirt, goop, $650
Chambray
Lighter, softer, and more breathable than traditional denim, chambray is ideal for spring’s rising temperatures. Although it comes in a range of washes, we love the cheery, bright-blue hue of these pieces in particular; it’s a breath of fresh air after months of sticking to indigo, grey, and black.
Leather
Despite its weight, leather does have a place in your spring wardrobe—especially on milder days, when there’s that distinct and delicious crispness to the morning air. We’re drawn to shades of off-white right now, but black and brown can work just as well when styled with lighter pieces in cotton, linen, and airy cashmere.
