Setting sights on Spring Style

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

***Shopping list:*** It’s a one-size Italian sweater as well as an art piece. Loowie lightweight tie-dye sweater in aqua, $48. Q2 extra-wide trousers in cream, $69.

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Longer days! Promises of renewed life! Soft and bold garden fashion hues!

Spring is within sight, and Jen Wells, owner of Jen’s Designer Deals in Gulf Breeze, has some tips for making it your own.

“Anything and everything always goes,” Wells said. “There really are no rules, just tons of options to help us showcase our personalities through our personal style.”

Spring colors offer options for women who prefer softer shades — or bolder hues — or neutrals.

“Pastels like powder or ballet pink, mint green and light sage green, light blues and butter yellows are springing up. But bold colors are still holding strong: greens, reds, tangerine, burgundy and plum,” noted Wells, who loves a layered monochromatic look with varying levels of color saturation.

“Neutral colors like mocha mousse, chocolate brown and shades of grays can replace or be paired with whites and blacks,” she said.

Again, listen to your personal muse.

***Shopping list:*** Influences of the ’60s and Jackie O infiltrate this kelly green mini shift dress by Miliana, $68. Wear with gold accessories to highlight the statement buttons.

***Shopping list:*** Fluid yet fitted, artsy yet understated. This Loriane made-in-Italy high-neck print maxi dress, $60, is styled in uber-popular mesh.

“The best answer is to go with colors that compliment your skin, hair and eye color and make you happy,” Wells said.

Options abound in cuts this season. Look for oversized, flowy pants and jeans. Pants can cover shoes or be cropped. Speaking of cropped, capris are making a comeback. Look for skirts from mini to maxi with everything in between, including pleated midis!

Look for sheer, denim and textured fabrics. Dress feet in acrylic, embellished suede, statement heels or lace-up ankle straps. Embellished belts add interest and polish. Jackets and lightweight trench coats are great winter and springtime staples along the Gulf Coast.

So pick your favorite styles with spring on the horizon and forget about rules, advised Wells.

“Personal style is knowing what fits your body best and what makes you smile and feel confident when you look in the mirror,” she said. “It would be boring if we all dressed the same. I love helping women dress to feel their most confident, but I also love when I get the chance to encourage them to step outside of their box, however slowly it may be, and have some fun with fashion.”

***Shopping list:*** What could be more comfy and versatile than a strapless white Peruvian pima cotton dress, $90? A denim jacket just might be your favorite piece during fickle March Gulf Coast weather. Heart embellished oversized denim jacket in light wash by Q2, $79. Fill this unique acrylic bag with necessities or colorful accents or both!

Kimberly Watson

Spring is about new beginnings.

As president of The Watson Family Foundation, Kimberly Watson’s work often involves offering fresh starts to community members in need of a boost.

“I take pride in organizing our Annual Turkey Dinner Giveaway, which provides meals for 1,000 families, and coordinating our Annual Juneteenth Festival,” she said. “Additionally, I oversee scholarship programs for local colleges and universities and manage our back-to-school giveaways, providing laptops and supplies to support students’ success.”

The South Florida native modeled for JCPenney and other businesses as a child before moving to Pensacola and earning a business degree from Pensacola State College.

A self-described foodie, Watson loves frequenting Pensacola area restaurants as well as attending community events and relaxing at the beach.

With spring soon gracing the Gulf Coast, look for Watson enjoying the outdoors, shopping and spending time with cherished family and friends.

“I love traveling, staying active through workouts, expressing my creativity through drawing, spending time at the gun range and winding down with relaxing spa days,” said the mom of twin 8-year-old boys and a 3-year-old girl.