Just like the seasons here in Virginia, the trends and styles worn by our city’s urbanites are unpredictable and entirely predictable.

Classics make consistent returns to the offices, restaurant patios and rooftops with each new season. Equally present are fresh concepts and expressive new details on the blouses, frocks and feet of Richmond women.

Richmond’s boutiques have officially opened their doors to welcome the summer breeze. Owners and staff buyers have done their research on the international fashion scene and invested in features like bold yellows, subtle cutouts and sheer silhouettes.

“Simplicity is key and is the driving force behind the hottest trends for spring and summer,” says Niki Kong, owner of Sweetest Stitch at 431 N. Ridge Road.

Expect an added edge to many classic items like utility-inspired basics, conservative midi dresses with a retro flare and front-tie closures to otherwise simple blouses. As the bar scene spills over into the outdoors and wedding season packs hotels and venues, Richmond’s trend-setting business owners have got your back to enter any situation with style.

Lavender Fields

Ash Rose is listed in the Pantone Fashion Trend Report for spring and summer. This feminine shade nods to the warmth of nature. The color plays well with many hues including bright white, crisp navy and earthy green. Add a shirt to your wardrobe in this hue for versatile options. Mod & Soul at 323 W. Broad St. carries a cold shoulder blouse ($56). The color takes on a polished appeal when paired with crisp white trousers or denim. Discover a versatile, high-quality pair of pants at local consignment stores including Baggio Consignment at 9734 Gayton Road, Clementine at 3118 W. Cary St., and Clothes Mentor at11404 W. Broad St.  

Tiny Dots

This retro trend has pushed its way back into circulation. You’ll find it shows more subtly than usual this summer. Tiny dots in neutral tones speckle feminine blouses, midi dresses and no-fuss rompers. Incorporate the trend with an item like a simple surplice-top romper ($68) from Sweetest Stitch. It features an elastic waist and tie closure, making it comfortable, yet chic enough to pair with sneakers and a jean jacket or with heels and red lipstick. If you’d like to nod to the roots of the trend, take a step into vintage stores like Bygones Vintage Clothing at 2916 W. Cary St. or Halcyon Vintage at 117 N. Robinson St.

Meet Me in the Midi

“The midi dress is versatile and comfortable,” says Mod & Soul owner Jasmina Zulic. “They can be easily transformed from day to night with some accessories and shoes, and from work to play, by wearing a jacket or cardigan to work.” A polka-dot midi dress ($82) in store comes in both a red and white and white and black pattern, which nods to another favorite Richmond trend: polka dots. Pair them with a pair of V-Star Converse sneakers ($515) from Roan for a day hopping breweries or Christian Louboutin Pigamule sandals ($775) for night at the theater.

Jumpin’ Jumpin’

“The jumpsuit trend still has legs,” says Martha Westbrook, assistant buyer and co-creative director at Roan at 3142 W. Cary St. As the jumpsuit trend has evolved, the shapes and styles have become more forgiving, versatile and comfortable. At Roan, you’ll find classic interpretations like the Demi jumpsuit ($415) from Ulla Johnson, with wide legs, flowing fabric and a one-shoulder neckline. On the more edgy end of the spectrum, a design from Fabiana Pigna’s Nagore features a thick self-tie belt and elastic cuffs at the ankles ($398).

Cut It Out

“As I’m approaching my 50th, I find that I can’t wear styles that are too revealing anymore, so the peekaboo cutouts are a perfect replacement for someone who is not shy with fashion,” says Daniela Paraschiv of Firefly Lane Boutique at 2005-A Huguenot Road. Cutouts will come in a variety of shapes, fabrics and placements. Richmond-based online boutique Tailor at shoptailor.com carries several dresses with simple cut-outs along the neckline. A simple black maxi dress ($66) that graced the runway at Richmond Fashion Week was accentuated by a triangular peekaboo at the neckline. A subtle lace-up cutout peeks through the back of a ruffle and lace-laden watercolor floral dress ($465) at Roan.

Honorable Mentions

Among these trends, fashion creative people named the following as trends they are coveting for themselves or seeing grow in popularity throughout the city: bold colors, white denim, classic sneakers, sheer overlays, open-back shapes and metallics.