Dress to express: Fashion rubber stamps absolutely everything

Dress to express

Fashion rubber stamps absolutely everything

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

***Shopping list:*** Unique is an understatement for this skirt and cropped top set, one of the season’s favorite looks. Never a Wallflower cropped top, $258, and skirt, $258, in desert gemstone hues together create wearable art.

When it comes to fashion, rigid rules are out, and individuality is in!

“Everyone can express their own style,” said Laura Belsinger, owner of Bluetique in downtown Pensacola. “I feel like the door is wide open.”

Yet, as always, style currents have a pattern, and this spring stripes are big, particularly in coastal blue and white.

Feminine florals and whimsical gingham are also showing up for spring. In contrast, a whole pride of animal prints is surging as Mercury rises.

Brown was huge in fall 2024. Surprisingly, a lighter, more muted shade of brown is one of spring’s favorite neutrals. Look for soft pink, cobalt blue, yellow and vernal green as well.

In the spirit of rule-free fashion, “it’s midi, maxi and short — all of the above,” Belsinger said.

“Skirts are huge again this spring,” she added, saying that sets with high-waisted skirts and crop tops are on trend.

While wide legs have been holding firm for many seasons and are still going strong, Belsinger stands staunchly behind skinny jeans as a timeless polished look that will always hold a place in women’s hearts and closets. Women are also having fun sporting micro and exaggerated barrel jeans.

The casual vibe that descended on fashion during the pandemic isn’t going anywhere.

“There’s a lot of sportswear feel this spring — the sporty sets,” Belsinger said.

In other news, necklaces have gotten chunkier, earrings are statement, totes are oversized (except dainty clutches), flat and peep-toe shoes are spring favorites, and fisherman sandals are making a splash.

***Shopping list:*** Sporty sets are all in this spring and this one elevates it to a new level. Emily McCarty Poppy tank, $128, and skort, $128, in black and sand are comfy and uber classy.

***Shopping list:*** Brown tones, surging in fall fashion, are still strong this spring and showing up in gentler shades. This beige halter mini dress by Amanda Uprichard, $240, features earthy tweed and a fringe hemline.

Lexi Tschannen

For Lexi Tschannen, creative expression can manifest in a multitude of ways.

“I find inspiration in capturing the beauty of the Gulf Coast and incorporating that sense of adventure and artistry into my personal style and content creation. Whether it’s exploring a new restaurant, taking photos during golden hour, or finding joy in a walk on the beach, I always feel connected to the creativity and energy of this area,” said the Santa Rosa Beach resident.

While she spent most of her formative years growing up in Auburn, Alabama, Tschannen boldly enrolled at the University of Alabama, graduating with a public relations major with a concentration in digital communication and a minor in digital consumer engagement.

Degree in hand, she moved to the Gulf Coast and now works for a 30A country club while also pursuing modeling. Tschannen was initially scouted by MMG and recently signed with IZON.

“My hobbies include staying active with workouts, spending time on the beach and traveling to new places. I also love experimenting in the kitchen with creative recipes and discovering unique spots in the community,” she said, adding that pickleball, boating and açaí bowls are favorites.

“Living here has been such a blessing, as it combines my love for the beach and the Gulf Coast community with proximity to my dad, who is stationed at the Navy base in Panama City Beach.”