Fabulous in Rochester

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA ELISE LOCATION & FOOD AVVINO HAIR BY SOOZ SALON FLOWERS BY ARENA’S

I want to start by acknowledging the trauma that we have endured the past year. My heart is with those who have lost: family, friends, jobs, homes, businesses and the list goes on. I want to share my gratitude for frontline workers, teachers, caretakers and all those who have given their soul to hold our hands through this. I am in awe of your strength, and my gratitude is overflowing.

I don’t want to forget 2020 ever happened. I want to honor what it has taught me. I want to harness the universal pain and use it for motivation and change. I want to protect those I love by showing them the power of self-reflection and universal compassion. I want those who suffered and those who fought for justice to be remembered. I want 2021 to be a year that we brought the magic of gratitude to one another. The year we learned to say hi to our neighbors and smile at a stranger on the street, the year we became ourselves. I’ve been working on harnessing my love of life, my joy in the everyday, and with that acknowledgment, laughing comes easier, giving seems less burdensome and I feel the universe has my back.

When fashions were designed for spring 2021, no one really knew what we would be dressing for. IF we would be getting out of our tie-dyed sweats or our silk pajamas. IF we would be attending events in person or still from our couch. But even still, a sense of optimism and playfulness filled the virtual runways. Designers reached out and said, “I got you.” In my opinion, what to expect from the trends can be broken into two categories. Number one; bring back the JOY in getting dressed. No matter where you are going, bring the sunshine and a smile. We all need it; share your good vibes. The second way to approach spring trends is to invest in updated classics that you will be able to wear for more than just one season. This is both responsible and forward-thinking.

So, let’s break it down….we’ll call the first group:

1. Lots of bright colors. It’s tutti frutti time… remember that fruity striped gum that only tasted really amazing for like 9 seconds? Yeah, this is guaranteed to last longer. Bright watermelons, candy apple reds, sunny yellows. After so much monotony it’s time to let loose. Don’t think about which is best, if you feel a smile when you look at it, my guess is someone else will too. These brights are a fantastic choice for jewelry, bathing suit colors, or even a wig?! Bonus style alert: Windbreakers in ’90s geometrics are a perfect way Windbreakers to display your affection for the color wheel. I just love it when things come back around. This one is functional and fun but with low commitment.

you. Netting. Not hair netting—we aren’t fighting a lice pandemic (unless you’re an elementary school nurse). But layers of netted strands loosely overlayed on a mini slip dress have modern sex appeal. A netted vest layered over a tank and your black workout pants is a great casual look. And for the pool, an iridescent one-piece bathing suit with a black column netted dress over it has a perfect Weird Science vibe.

we had to cancel. Here’s a chance to bring the beach to you. Brightly colored sapphires that mimic the colorful coral reefs are my favorite to wear with a gauzy white dress. Show up to lunch in a shift dress with a colorful sea-life pattern, or a silk blouse with a seashell print paired with extra-wide-leg denim. Treat yourself to espadrilles with colorful ribbons that wrap around your tan legs and straw bags that can’t wait to be filled with sand and ice cream novelty wrappers.

Let’s refer to the second category as:

silhouette. Tried and true, it’s a sleek yet sculptural look. Monochromatic layering of the ‘90s has you able to wear this look multi seasonally, layered with chains and gold bangles that you can also collect each season. It’s a classic that you can grow with and wear with everything. Gwyneth nailed it, so did Jen. I mean, I am in no position to tell them they could have done better. The dress can be black, chocolate or white. Complete the look with strappy flat sandals and a tight low bun.

button-downs. The XL look of this is as comforting as a warm embrace, and it billows in the summer breeze. One of my favorite hand-me-downs from my dad is a few of his favorite button-downs from Brooks Brothers. His initials are still in bold letters on the pocket. White, pink and striped-blue poplin. You can dress this up with layers of diamonds or blue sapphires. And with this look, you can Risky Businessyour way around the house between video conferences for fun! An updated approach is to swap the traditional cotton for silky shades of fuchsia and orange and then belt it at the waist for a night out. 3. Trench coats, chinos and khakis. Before you tell me, “I know this already, and this is a super boring topic”…hear me out. These are classic, essential pieces that will never go away. Think buffalo plaid in the fall. You’re not getting rid of that. You can’t shake it. Can you? I love the simplicity and modern approach to a khaki trench with the collar up, waist tightly cinched and the way you can chameleon that jacket to be anything you need. The chinos are taking some notes from my dad’s ‘80s closet as well. They are pleated, high-waisted and wide leg. These trends will take you from spring, to summer and back around to fall.

Whichever way you’re drawn, we can all agree that its best to offer some hope into every day. Fashion when done right is supposed to be fun and light—not a list of rules and obligations. It’s an expression of whoever you might be that day. Sometimes I’m practical and sometimes I want to wear a bright pink dress because it makes me smile. This season’s colors, shapes and materials suggest optimism. Fashion should be able to give people a break from the stress of the real world. Offer someone a smile, a bright color to break them away from the stress of life, and let them know that there is hope out there. That the sun will shine again.

Above: MJ Precious Petites flower ring with diamonds in 14k yellow gold, $940.