This week’s Fashion on Fifth is something that Miranda Priestly will either love or hate. Rather than focusing on the traditional florals (groundbreaking, I know), I wanted to dive into what New School students think will be trending this spring. Trends can be a finicky thing, especially in an industry that’s gradually working its way towards being more environmentally-conscious and sustainable. But if we’re all being honest with ourselves, it’s hard not to notice patterns in what we’re seeing both on the streets and on the runway.

While I would argue that flowers and pastel colors will never go out of style as the temperatures (hopefully) continue to climb, New School students are always looking for unique ways to branch out and creatively express their style. From scouring racks of vintage pieces at the local thrift store to the infamous no-shoes day (remember that?), these TNS students had a lot to say when asked to divulge their spring forecast. 

Paree Gauba she/her — @paree.gauba 

First-year Parsons School of Design fashion design student 

Paree says that browns, grays, and generally earthy tones will be in this spring — a prediction that coincides with her own outfit. But being in touch with the earthy side of fashion doesn’t necessarily mean we should show up to classes looking like we spent weeks in the woods. “I think formal wear is coming back, like coats and stuff, you know what I mean?” Paree said. “We need to let go of the disheveled look we’ve been having for the past minute.” If minutes equate to the years following COVID-19, we’ve embraced our comfy hoodies and ratty sweatpants for far too long. Paree is certainly someone I’ll be taking notes from with her abstract, earth-toned dress, black faux fur coat, and black leather boots. 

Dahlia Kim Leavy she/they 

First-year Parsons photography student

For Dahlia, discovering your personal style is far more important than following trends. So when I asked them what they thought would be in this spring, they told me, “People are gonna embrace self-expression and individuality.” Digging through their bag, they pulled out a small pouch adorned with all kinds of charms and pins, something they’ve been really into themselves. “Personalization in smaller ways is so important because trying to be ‘fashionable’ can be daunting for some people.” They won’t stop at anything to get their hands on pieces that catch their eye, often scouring thrift stores for hidden treasures, some of which make up their outfit. From their midi-length plaid skirt to their saddle shoes that would have 1950s sock hop girls drooling, their determination certainly paid off. I was especially fond of their comment about their “stolen” jacket, something they teasingly wouldn’t elaborate on. Maybe not asking questions will also be in this spring? 

Montserrat Ortiz-Ramon she/her — @montsee.ortizz 

Second-year Parsons interior design student 

Spring can’t come any faster for individuals like Montserrat. “I’m going to be wearing a bunch of dresses and skirts. I’m tired of wearing jackets and coats,” she said as she posed in her hot pink blazer, graphic T-shirt, and baggy jeans. It’s definitely a sentiment most of us can relate to. Montserrat also hopes to incorporate more red into her wardrobe, something she got close to accomplishing with her eye-catching Valentino pink moment. As for general predictions for this spring’s fashion forecast, she thinks asymmetrical cuts will be all the rage. Prabal Gurung’s showing at NYFW backs this statement, giving us plenty of off-centered silhouettes that pair well with Gen-Z’s penchant for a good shock factor. And though Gurung’s show was for a fall/winter collection, the pops of red and pink coincide with both Montserrat’s trend forecast and her own wardrobe desires. 

Sawyer Ingram they/them — @sawyer4president

Third-year College of Performing Arts playwriting student 

It was hard not to notice the pop of pink that graced the steps next to Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall. Sawyer, with their bubblegum pink hair and “Scream Queens”-esque faux fur coat, could’ve passed as an extra from Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” certainly an enviable role. “It’s been a dark winter, so a lot of bright colors will be trending,” they told me. Spring marks the transition from shades of blues (and blacks, this is New York City after all) to more colorful statement pieces. Sawyer’s outfit marries the two; their black top and pants seamlessly contrasting with their bubblegum pink coat and skirt.

Shannon Hughes-Thompson she/her — @shannon.nicole.hughes 

Second-year Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts screen studies student 

Shannon wasted no time leaping into spring, ditching tights and pants completely in favor of a pair of black-and-white pinstripe shorts. She tells me she’s entered her “coquette era,” unable to resist tying her hair with pink satin bows that have dominated the fashion world for the last two years. Newly controversial, the dainty accessory even had New School students weighing in on whether or not bows should be out. She certainly has her finger on the pulse of shopping trends too, informing me that cowboy boots will be all the rage this season. “Everyone’s been vintage shopping, and I think something big in vintage shopping is leather, so cowboy boots will be the ‘in’ thing.” 

Winter may force us to conceal our true style, compelling us to wear puffer jackets and snow boots, but spring is the time to (literally) peel those layers off. Regardless of what you think will be trending this spring, I hope you wear whatever makes you happy. If you noticed the joyful air emanating from typically busy New Yorkers on the days that climbed above 50 degrees, please take this to heart. No one is going to care if you’re toting the latest Coach purse or wearing last year’s belt skirts! Unless of course, you’re the type to notice that a sweater isn’t just blue, turquoise or lapis, but actually cerulean. So, as the flowers bloom and the sun warms our spirits, let’s embrace the freedom of self-expression and savor the joy of dressing for ourselves, not for the approval of others. After all, isn’t that what spring is truly about?