Linda Cunningham offers expert spring fashion advice

By Holly Tishfield

If there’s one thing designers always have on their minds, it’s staying ahead of the latest trends and the brightest innovations in the fashion world. While you might be just now thinking about which pieces to add to your wardrobe for the spring season, boutiques and fashion experts like Linda Cunningham are already looking ahead to the fall, their visions of color and texture taking them months down the road.

Cunningham has had her eye on design since the early 80s when she graduated from Florida State University with a degree in fashion design and won first place in the Mildred Pepper Design Awards. She began designing gowns for clients at a fashion boutique here in Jacksonville until she eventually opened her own store and began brainstorming a signature line of her own.

For years now, Cunningham’s design studio at her boutique in San Marco has served as an epicenter for couture collections and custom clothing for the greater Jacksonville area, with a range of brands and prices for any client in need of a new ensemble.

Looking at the spring 2025 season, Cunningham says that shoppers can expect a return of many beloved colors and patterns mixed with an introduction of new trends.

Colorwise, pastels remain a staple of the spring color palette. Powder blues, pistachio, baby pink, soft mocha, and even Pantone’s Color of the Year “Peach Fuzz” have been popular selections for the spring season. Brighter shades have also been popular, such as electric, azure blues and emerald-like greens. Dark browns remain a staple in both linens and base pieces.

“We saw it last fall, we’re seeing it again for next fall, and we’re seeing it now for the spring, too,” Cunningham said, referring to the revival of dark brown colors.

Emerging style trends are showcasing cropped jackets and cropped cardigan jackets making a triumphant stand as the must-have item of the season, according to Cunningham. The cardigans are primarily heavier materials with collars and buttons, but typically have a bit of crop to the length.

“They’re good because you can always have it with you to wear into a restaurant or somewhere if you’re wearing a little sleeveless top and jeans,” Cunningham said. “You’re going casual but you still want to throw something on. That’s why it’s a staple piece.”

Also popular this spring are blazers, the otherwise plain jacket becoming a statement piece with vibrant colors or prints such as floral and abstract.

Sleeve details on shirts remain the talk of the season, coming across on items in the form of pleats, puffs, pintucks, or ruffles. Sheer sleeves have been hot on the market, lined with an inner fabric that provides both subtle coverage and a touch of elegance. Flowing fabrics and asymmetrical skirts are top spring picks, including stylish hi-lo designs and skirts with draped, fluid fabrics that offer both movement and flair. Strapless dresses that pair with wraps or cardigans are also predicted to fly off the rack.

When it comes to pants, cigarette-style are Cunningham’s go-to with a pastel top and cropped jacket. Jeans, which have seen multiple style changes throughout the years, are predicted to take another turn. This time, towards the stovepipe fit.

“Not quite skinny jeans and not quite flared, they’re stovepipes,” Cunningham said. “I’d say it’s definitely the trend of spring 2025.”

As we step into spring, these trends offer fresh, bold ways to update your wardrobe while keeping comfort and style at the forefront. Whether you’re experimenting with cropped cardigans or embracing sheer sleeves, this season’s fashion is all about confidence and versatility.