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Shanita Sims

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Spring Fashion 2016: The Complete Guide

By Racked Fashion

Racked has affiliate partnerships, which do not influence editorial content, though we may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. We also occasionally accept products for research and reviewing purposes. See our ethics policy here.

If Marie Antoinette were alive today, she'd be thrilled with spring's runway fashion. Adornment ruled. Ruffles, bows, glitter, even tiaras celebrated a new kind of dress, a substantial shift for an industry that's directed its worship toward white T-shirts and logo-less bags over the past few years. If you had a red carpet to attend this season, brands from Gucci to Simone Rocha could outfit you in the girliest look of your dreams. But we're guessing you don't, we certainly don't, so what's a woman to wear this spring?

Whatever makes her feel awesome is the short answer. The longer answer is inside our spring shopping guide: a thorough edit of bags you can afford, shoes you should consider, and the only jacket you really need to buy this season (this year, in fact). Plus styling tips to refresh what your already own — €”new colors to consider, silhouettes to rethink — €”and a moody editorial to prove that spring needn't mean rainbows and butterflies. Happy shopping!

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Know your Trends

Fashion Month is a feast for the eyes, but it can leave one feeling uncomfortably stuffed by the end. Identifying trends makes this easier — we can narrow it down to one kind of dress, a specific color, prints — but what do you do with that information?

See all of the biggest trends

Shoe Shopping 101

Sun's out, toes out! It's spring, which means it's warm outside and you can throw your snow boots in the closet in favor of outfit-making shoes. Standout styles this season include block-heel slides, Western-inspired ankle boots, and luxe flatforms.

Shop this season's best shoes

Bags You Need

If the spring 2016 runways taught us anything, it's that you shouldn't have to choose between beauty and practicality when it comes to your everyday bag. Bucket bags are here to stay; structured bags with statement handles take the place of boring totes; and all-white everything is the ultimate in understated elegance.

Shop this season's best bags

Invest in Jewelry

Have you been thinking about spring's statement jewelry since September? It's finally here in all of its shoppable glory. Have fun with shoulder-grazing earrings, '90s-inspired chokers, and bedazzled headpieces fit for a modern-day punk princess — because you can wear all of the above with jeans, or a gown.

Shop this season's best jewelry

Dress Yourself

We've scoured the spring collections and found the only dresses you'll ever need: three very different styles that wrap, slip, and show just the right amount of skin.

Shop this season's best dresses

Prized Possession: Bombers

The bomber jacket has become the beloved outerwear piece of today's leading street style stars. It's classic, yet rugged, and surprisingly versatile when worn with frayed denim or over a luxe slip dress.

Shop this season's best bombers

Pair This With That

You can call them classic wardrobe colors, but they're just one step away from wardrobe crutches. Black, white, denim —€” you know the lineup.  But if you're ready for something fresh, here are five easy color combos that take one hue you definitely own and pair it with one you don't to spice things up.

See how to pair your spring colors

Names to Know

Our list of designers and independent labels that have either just launched, are hitting their stride, or just deserve some general horn-blowing.

Check out the collections

Spring Fling

Gritty attitude lends a tomboy twist to flirty dresses this season. Pretty garden prints, strategically stacked ruffles, and delicate lace details pair well with textured stockings and rugged combat boots for an unexpected spring look. Take a look at our moody fashion editorial for a glimpse of what's to come.

Check out the editorial

Where to Shop Right Now

Now that you've considered all of the trends, colors, and key items to pick up this spring, it's time to get to shopping. Here are ten of our editors' favorite places to shop right now, including the fast-fashion shops getting it right this season and the best independent boutiques to find super special pieces no one else will have.

Read the full list of where to shop

Lead Image: Atea Oceanie wrap dress, $495; Erickson Beamon earrings (long), $430; Laruicci earrings (short), $138; Arme de L'Amour bracelet, $435; Joomi Lim spike cuff, $170; Joomi Lim cuff with pearls, $320.

Creative Director: Rajni Jacques | Project Editor: Tiffany Yannetta | Editor: Britt Aboutaleb | Market Editors: Rajni Jacques, Nicola Fumo, Nia Porter | Writers: Nicola Fumo, Nia Porter, Britt Aboutaleb, Rajni Jacques | Designers: Brittany Holloway-Brown, Kelsey Scherer | Stylists: Rajni Jacques, Robyn Victoria, Carrie Weidner | Photographers: Shanita Sims, Rafael Rios, Ben Beagent | Product Photographer: Alex Ulreich | Copy Editor: Heather Schwedel | Fashion Assistant: Kiara Bass | Special Thanks: Katie O’Dowd

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