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If you’re in the midst of spring cleaning and swapping out your closet and drawers with warm-weather pieces, don’t forget to refresh your shoe rack, too. And, as you step into spring, there’s one place where you can do all of your spring shoe shopping: DSW. The footwear and accessories retailer has every style you could possibly desire, and its new Spring Lookbook is full of inspiration and major warm-weather shoe trends that you can cart up.
Whether you’re looking for a festival shoe, to take on the fisherman aesthetic, or party like it’s the ’90s, DSW has a broad range of designs to help you accomplish all your goals in style. Refresh your shoe stand with a new pair of gladiator sandals, boat shoes, and slingback heels. Or all of the above. And, of course, you can also find trendy ballet flats and sporty sneakers to round out your everyday footwear collection.
Read on to explore DSW’s new arrivals and bestsellers to find the perfect pair (or pairs) for you to stroll around in this spring.
Prim & Preppy: Ballet Flats & Loafers
Upgrade your spring work outfits (or bring the preppy aesthetic into your day-to-day looks) with a new pair of ballet flats or loafers. Flats made their comeback in 2024, with Mary Jane styles and mesh designs going viral. If you don’t already own a pair, DSW has a ton of new arrivals to bring some prep to your step. Similarly loafers are trending after making several recent runway appearances. Swap out chunky back-to-school styles, for lightweight loafers (like penny loafers and driving shoes) for spring.
Heading to Coachella this weekend, or have other festivals lined up this spring and summer? We found a range of gladiator sandals (for chilled out vibes), platform sandals (for avoiding the mud and peeking over tall concert goers, and clogs (for extra comfort). Of course you could wear sneakers or boots, but these skin-baring spring styles promise to elevate your festival look. They’re also versatile enough to wear out for casual spring outings and parties for when you’re back from the desert.
Casual Retro Vibes: Sporty Sneakers
Retro-inspired, sporty sneakers (in all their slim-silhouette and vibrant-hued glory) aren’t going out of style anytime soon. And thankfully, you don’t have to take up a sport to wear these styles — they just add an effortlessly cool and casual athletic look to any outfit. Look to DSW’s selection of tried-and-true sneaker brands for soccer cleat- and basketball high-top-inspired styles in neutrals and spring-ready colors such as bubblegum pink and corn yellow.
Seaside Strolls: Boat Shoes & Fisherman Sandals
If 2024 brought us “European Summer,” then 2025 is bringing us “Fisherman Spring.” And the easiest way to hop on the TikTok-viral trend is via shoes and accessories. Luckily, DSW has a ton of trendy boat shoes and fisherman sandals to pick from. You can opt for a classic leather boat shoe… or a colorful canvas one. You can also choose from sturdy leather fisherman sandals… or playful jelly styles, because the world is your oyster. Style them with your favorite cargo pants or jorts, and go chic-fisherman mode.
’90s Throwback: Slingback Heels & Thong Sandals
Indulge in some ‘90s nostalgia in a pair of kitten heels. (The short heels are more practical for cobblestones and grass than a pair of stilettos anyway.) We’re currently vibing on on-trend thong sandals or slingback heels for a retro vibe. Look out for neutrals that complement any spring outfit, pastels for a sweet touch in trending colors such butter yellow and pale pink, or bold colors and metallics for a party look.
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Festival season sets the stage for summer dressing, offering up a playground where personal style can run wild. It aggregates all of the fashion trends from Fashion Month that we’re excited to put into action for the forthcoming season — and amplifies them with an extra dose of “cool factor.” That gold sequin skirt you’ve been debating to wear on a night out but felt like a little too much? Or, that sheer mini dress that sat in your closet all winter with the tags on? Now’s the time to embrace them in all of their style glory.
The season kicks off with the height of festival style inspiration –– cue the ultimate party girls who opened the season with Miami Music Week or the trendsetters who will soon flood our newsfeeds with covetable outfits during Coachella. But, festival inspiration doesn’t just mean shopping for the most trend-forward pieces on the market –– the events are known for long days, and comfort is a factor, too. The best festival looks balance style with utility to withstand action-packed schedules spent stage hopping in the sun (and weathering dusty or muddy terrain) –– that’s where trends like moto boots and distressed knitwear come in.
Whether you’re heading to California’s desert this year and in need of a last-minute look or planning in advance for what to wear to Lollapalooza to cap the summer, these are the top trends of festival season 2025 that you’ll want to “add to cart.”
Festival Fashion Trend: Micro Shorts
Don’t let the length (or lack thereof) of micro-shorts stop you from embracing the trend –– not only are they actually surprisingly comfortable but, if there was ever a time to try a daring trend like this, it’s at a music festival. Style a leather pair with complementary leather boots, opt for a breathable knit that lets you move around and dance to your heart’s desire, or bring back your trusty cutoffs, a festival fashion staple that pairs with everything.
Festival Fashion Trend:Statement Belts
Use a statement belt, a big 2025 fashion trend, to bring even the simplest of outfits to the next level. Pair a stamped metal belt with a maxi skirt and a white tank for an effortlessly cool approach, or layer a fringe or corset style over a mini skirt or micro-shorts to make the look go all out.
Festival Fashion Trend:Biker Boots
I can still recall when I attended my first Lollapalooza over a decade ago. Amidst a downpour on night one, my flip-flops got stuck in the mud and the straps snapped off leaving me without footwear. Avoid my mistake and wear durable shoes. If the classic festival-favorite Western boots aren’t quite your thing, opt for knee-high biker boots instead. There’s an array of details –– like platform soles, slouched leather, or buckles –– that can add a touch of personalization to the look.
Festival Fashion Trend:Open Knitwear
Move aside denim jackets, open knitwear is the coolest, lightweight outerwear fabric to hit this festival season. For an edgy, borderline dystopian aesthetic, consider a distressed-look sweater or, for more style impact, a hooded dress. For a more summery, beachy take on the trend, wear coverup-like pieces over swimwear or tank tops. This look was a hit at Miami Music Week and is sure to continue throughout the festivals to come this summer.
Festival Fashion Trend:Babydoll Top
A babydoll top is a sweet, nostalgic trend that’s a perfect styling piece for festival season thanks to the loose-fitting silhouette. You can lean into the girly aesthetic by pairing it with equally frilly shorts and embellished platform sandals, or tap into juxtaposition by styling it with denim shorts and leather biker boots. If you’re not afraid to show a little skin, try out a tie-front option (which you can layer over a swimsuit top or bra for an extra pop).
Festival Fashion Trend:Pendant Necklace
Pendant necklaces are the perfect accessory for showcasing personality (see zodiac or personalized pieces), complementing a deep V neckline, or acting as the anchor for a cool necklace stack, the ultimate festival look. Plus, you can continue wearing the jewelry pieces long after the festival circuit is over.
Festival Fashion Trend:Gold Finishes
Both on the runways and the festival circuit, gold is the metallic of the moment. For festival season, this look can be achieved through brushed gold knitwear, standout embellishments, or a molten, liquid-like fabric. With a gold outfit, jewelry, and shimmer-oiled skin, you’re set to give goddess energy on the grounds.
Festival Fashion Trend:Asymmetrical Styles
Another runway repeat, asymmetrical styles can easily be adapted from designer runways to festival grounds. (The fabric moves just as beautifully on a catwalk as in the wind at a festival.) This trend can be achieved through a strappy neckline on a tank or bodysuit, with tendril ruffles on the hemline of a mini dress, or edgy slits in a skirt, just to name a few.
Festival Fashion Trend:Graphic Baby Tee
Who can argue against the comfort of a baby tee? Breathable cotton in the heat is always a solid choice –– plus, with a cute graphic, this is the ideal option for the last day of the festival when you’re running solely on adrenaline and a Celsius but still want to look like you put in a dose of effort to your look.
Festival Fashion Trend:Lingerie-Inspired
Between lace being dubbed cool again and garters becoming a styling cue for outside of the bedroom, lingerie-inspired pieces are another top trend for the upcoming festival season. Style a corset-inspired top, a lace slip dress, or a see-through catsuit with a statement belt and Western boots, and you’re good to go.
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As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, outerwear, and so much more.
Being 5’3, I’ve come to (somewhat begrudgingly) accept the fact that most of my jeans will have frayed ends from being dragged along the sidewalk. It’s a look that I can typically get away with — especially when the distressing looks intentional — and I’m willing to sacrifice a clean hem if it means having some solid denim staples in my wardrobe. But my trousers? They don’t get that same grace. Unfortunately, there is simply no disguising it when your wide-leg trousers start pooling at your feet.
For petite shoppers, structured pants demand a fit that is just *right*. Whereas a typical inseam usually falls between 30 and 32 inches, for people who are 5’4″ and under, an inseam should range from 25 to 29 inches, depending on the brand and style. A slightly too-long inseam can make even the most tailored pair look sloppy. And if a high-waisted style hits too low, it can throw off the entire proportion. When you’re working with limited inches, every detail matters.
Over the years, I’ve learned that not all petite-friendly lines are created equal. Some brands get the length right but miss the mark in proportion, while others might nail the fit but are filled with uninspired designs. Luckily, a few retailers have figured out the formula—offering trousers that don’t just skim the floor but actually hit right where they should and are equipped with rises that sit exactly where they’re supposed to.
After extensive online shopping (and research), I’ve stocked my wardrobe with the best pants that don’t require a tailor. Below, my favorite brands to shop for the best petite pairs.
As a fashion editor, I’m picky about the things I choose to put in my wardrobe. If I’ve made space for it in my tiny NYC apartment, it’s because I know it will be there for years. J.Crew is one of my favorite brands in general, but I especially appreciate how their petite styles aren’t just a shrunken version of regular sizes — they’re thoughtfully designed, with inseams that typically range from 25” to 29”, and the fit always feels spot-on. I’m also a fan of their tailored cuts that look polished. Plus, the fabrics never disappoint, with everything from crisp wool blends to breezy linen holding shape years after purchase.
Madewell’s petite section is my go-to when I’m after trousers that toe the line between polished and timeless. They offer plenty of styles I can rely on design-wise, and always have a style that feels like a versatile addition to my wardrobe. Their petite trousers typically come with a 27” or 28” inseam. Having tried multiple pairs, I can confirm that the fit is consistently true to petite proportions — with no awkward bunching or dragging. Though the color range is mostly made up of neutrals, the quality makes up for it — think 100% linen or breathable cotton blends.
Reformation’s petite section offers an impressive range. Nearly every pair of pants the brand carries is available in a petite size, with low, mid, and high-rise options to suit different tastes. The inseams range from 27” to 30” and are crafted from luxe materials that look as good as they feel. It’s rare to find such a variety of styles in petite sizing, which, at the time of publishing, range from elegant silk for the evening to breathable linen for the everyday. While some of the pairs aren’t cheap, it’s worth the splurge to invest in something that fits perfectly. These petite styles give me that extra confidence that I won’t be dragging or damaging them as I go about my day, making the investment feel even more worthwhile.
Whether I’m in the mood for something tailored or a little more relaxed, I know I can count on Anthropologie to have plenty of options that feel cool and trendy. The brand’s petite trousers typically come with inseams between 25” and 29”. While the range spans from casual boxer pants to dressier pleated slacks, the brand’s wide-leg, slouchy trousers are my go-to for looking laid-back vibe but not sloppy. Even styles with longer inseams hit that sweet spot where they drape perfectly without overwhelming my frame.
This is your reminder not to sleep on Ann Taylor. It’s no secret that trousers can be pricey depending on where you shop, so this is always the first stop when I’m on the hunt for affordable petite options that don’t skimp on quality. Ann Taylor’s petite styles come with shorter inseams — usually between 25” and 28” — and in a solid range of cuts, from sleek straight-leg trousers to more relaxed wide-leg styles. I also enjoy that while they tend to stick to neutrals, they’ll mix in fun seasonal shades and patterns that keep things fresh.
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R29 Contributing Editor Sarah Chiwaya (aka Curvily) is a “shops-for-a-living” expert on plus-size fashion. Follow along as she tests new drops with inclusive size ranges, recommends the best plus shopping destinations, and serves up styling tips and looks.
Festival season is back and more jam-packed than ever, with destination-worthy lineups across the country. With venues as varied as the genres, festival fashion is a meld of self-expression and the overall vibe. But the outfit also has to be practical — whatever you wear has to hold up over long days of navigating the festival grounds, which could range from mud to sand, and dancing to your favorite acts. Finding outfits that are both cute and functional can take some more planning regardless of size. But if you are a plus-size shopper, it is even more of a challenge, because you can’t necessarily just pop into any store to pick something up day-of. With this in mind, I’ve rounded up some plus-size festival fashion inspo, according to the types of music venues, so you can get started on your concert shopping now.
Plus-size Outfit for a Desert Music Festival
Before my first trip to Coachella, I had an idealized version of what desert festival fashion looked like. All the street style snaps and mood boards left me with dreams of flowy boho dresses and strappy sandals. When I got to Indio though, I saw that the reality is much different. Drapey maxi skirts might look cute on the way in, but end up weighed down by mud or dirt by the end of the night. Open-toe shoes might seem like the right call for 90+ degree days but, after 12 hours in the sand and dust, you end up with the dirtiest-looking feet imaginable. And heels are only for the bravest soldiers among us.
By Day 3, my desert festival fashion guidelines were solidified: breathable materials, bottoms you can comfortably sit in, darker colors or prints, and comfortable sneakers. This new set from size-inclusive NYC designer Tamara Malas ticks a lot of boxes on my checklist: The unlined cotton is lightweight and breathable, the adjustable tie bottom detail of the bloomer-inspired pants keeps them from touching the ground, and the black colorway is good for the inevitable sitting on the ground (the brand also carries the style in cream). The tie front top is also a great option to add a sheer layer underneath or include a pop of color with a fun bra. (I went with a sheer lace trim number from full-bust favorite Elomi, which complemented the looped lace trim on the top.) I usually size down in Tamara Malas, as many of its pieces run large, but I decided not to in this cotton set, and it was the right decision. I’m generally a size 18/20, and the top and pants fit perfectly in an 18/20, so I’d say this set is true to size. Paired with these cushioned silver Puma sneakers, this is a simple yet cool look that can stand up to a full day in the desert.
One more accessory not to forget: a bandana or lightweight scarf to protect your lungs from the dust stirred up by all the walking and dancing around the grounds. I’ve been eyeing these fun Edie scarf hats from NYC label Highdive but, you can use a face mask that will be even more effective at keeping dust out. If you opt for the latter, I would recommend attaching them to a multi-purpose chain, both to keep from losing it and add a little extra personality to your look. Pretty Connected’s collab with Kesha is a favorite and particularly well-suited for festival fashion.
Plus-size Outfit For A Grass-Field Music Festival
For any festival taking place on grass, I am a strong proponent of wearing black or navy bottoms — grass stains are no joke, and you can’t just dust them off the way you can with minor dirt or sand from a desert or beach festival.
Abercrombie plus-size denim is a go-to for me, and their shorts are just as good. This pair in their Curve Love fit (which accounts for the difference between waist and hip sizes) are some of the best cutoffs I’ve ever tried. The relaxed vibe in washed black denim is exactly what I was looking for, and I love how they fit. I am between sizes and decided to err on the larger size for these, and I love the looser fit. The next size down is more fitted but just as comfortable, so if you are also between sizes, choose based on whether you want the fit to be tight or baggy.
I love a graphic tee for a more casual festival ensemble, and this one from RCA Public Label, made in collaboration with the Los Angeles art house Subconscious Junkyard, is perfect if you don’t want to pick a band tee. (It’s hard to pledge allegiance to just one band when you have a lot of favorites at the same festival!) The tank comes in three different colorways and designer Renee Cafaro has been donating 100% of the proceeds from the collab to local relief efforts following the Los Angeles fires earlier this year.
To add something extra to the classic graphic tank-and-cutoffs combo, I completed the look with the Stuart Weitzman platform combat boots and T.W.I.N. (That’s What I Need) mesh apron skirt (in size 2, equivalent to L-2XL).
Plus-size Outfit For A Beach Music Festival
For festivals on the water (like Hangout Fest on the Gulf Shore) or any festival-adjacent parties where you might want to get in the water, incorporating swimwear is a no-brainer. After years of matronly tankinis, there are now some great plus-size swim pieces available on the market, including this scarlet snake-print one-piece from Nomads Swimwear. It’s incredibly comfortable, and it’s a brand you can feel good about shopping: It carries sizes XXS to 5X, is woman-owned, and is ethically made. Its swimwear, in particular, is crafted from a high-tech biodegradable polyamide yarn, which, per Nomads, “quickly decomposes once entering the landfill without compromising the durability and quality of the fabric.” Bonus: It is reversible, which is perfect for getting the most out of your carry-on space if you are traveling for a festival.
I paired the swimsuit with these excellent rosette-adorned beach pants from ASOS, which are even better in person. For a hot summer day, this would probably be my outfit; for a cooler one, I love the look of adding the matching Nomads longline coverup. I actually turned its tie belt into a makeshift headband, but if you want something more substantial, Nomads offers a coordinating headscarf as well.
I completed the look with a pair of comfortable platform espadrille slides from Dolce Vita. I love that they’ve been upping their extra-wide-width shoe assortment lately which has all the cuteness of their regular line, with none of the toe pinching those of us with wider feet so often have to endure!
Plus-size Outfit For A City Music Festival
If you are attending a city center music festival this season, there is one big practical consideration to keep in mind: making sure your shoes don’t melt. Yes, I mean that literally — remember the fast-fashion Mary Janes that melted into the hot pavement at the Lovers & Friends festival in 2022? All to say: This is not the time to bargain hunt for footwear!
For a fashion-forward pair of sneakers that will actually hold up, I cannot recommend Buffalo enough. I wore a platform pair to a very walking-heavy day of shows and dancing at Governor’s Ball last year, and my feet felt the best they ever have after a festival. My holographic silver pair is sold out, but the brand has the same chunky style in versatile black and white colorways. If you love shine as much as I do, this chunky boot might be the one to go with.
For my outfit, I continued the theme of staying cool with this now sold-out lightweight smocked dress from Target’s Wild Fable line, one of my favorite destinations for on-trend plus-size pieces at very affordable prices (this dress is under $30!). I completed the look with these delightfully over-the-top Swaroski sunglasses. The lenses are dark enough to protect your eyes, and the way they sparkle in the sun is unmatched — a guaranteed compliment magnet.
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