Fashion How to Wear One of Spring's Trickiest Trends: Unexpected Cutouts By Alexandra DeRosa Published on April 6, 2015 @ 03:01PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy Cutouts have ripped through the fashion industry and are as popular as ever—so much so that the sliced detail is nearing "classic" territory. But we can always count on designers to deliver refreshing takes on trends. Stella McCartney cut into a navy sweater set with geometric shapes (above, left), Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler spliced oversize sweaters that showed just a hint of skin (above, center), and Phoebe Philo of Céline cut symmetrical spheres into the sides of a tunic, giving way to the waist (above, left). Latin Superstar Thalia Sodi Launches Line for Macy’s The takeaway here is that even though these looks are sliced and slashed, they aren't too revealing. They maintain a cool, ladylike vibe that can't compete with belly button–baring pieces and side boob–showing silhouettes. To translate the look into your own wardrobe, be sure to create a balanced look by covering up elsewhere—the term "less is more" really applies here. If you're trying out the look with a dress, make sure it's a style that hits no higher than the knee; if you're trying the trend with a crop top, pair it with a voluminous pant, like a dramatic culotte. Shop the trend (from left): French Connection dress, $148; frenchconnection.com. Elizabeth and James crop top, $265; intermixonline.com. River Island dress, $90; riverisland.com for similar style. PHOTOS: Learn How to Wear More of Spring's Trickiest Trends 01 of 40 Unexpected Cutouts indigitalimages Cutouts have been in demand season after season, but this time around, fabrics have been slashed and spliced to create an unexpected peek-a-boo effect. When giving the trend a go, be sure to balance out your look with slouchy silhouettes and cover up elsewhere. Runway inspiration (L-R): Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Céline 02 of 40 French Connection Courtesy $148; frenchconnection.com 03 of 40 Elizabeth and James Courtesy $265; intermixonline.com 04 of 40 River Island Courtesy $90; riverisland.com for similar style 05 of 40 Lightweight Ponchos indigitalimages Ponchos popped up everywhere this fall. For spring, the cozy-cool silhouette has been crafted in light-as-air fabrics, making the trusty style a year-round staple—and not to mention, ideal for those transitional months. Runway inspiration (L-R): Isabel Marant, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chloé 06 of 40 Witchery Courtesy $170; witchery.com 07 of 40 Tory Burch Courtesy $350; toryburch.com 08 of 40 Oasis Courtesy $49; oasis.andotherbrands.com 09 of 40 Military-Inspired indigitalimages (2), Imaxtree Sacai, Chloé, and Marc Jacobs delivered badass renditions of military-inspired looks. To work the style into your wardrobe, shop for pieces that scream "military" in color and detail (read: army green and oversize pockets) but have a feminine fit, like the matching pencil skirt and crop top set you'll find ahead. Runway inspiration (L-R): Sacai, Chloe, Marc Jacobs 10 of 40 H&M Courtesy $29 (top), hm.com; $25 (skirt), hm.com 11 of 40 Gap Courtesy $80; gap.com 12 of 40 Zara Courtesy $100; zara.com 13 of 40 Lattice Work Detail Getty Images (2), indigitalimages Even though the looks at Altuzarra, Balenciaga, and Balmain are rather racy, the offerings at retail level are much more wearable. Sheer-backed lattice work and strategically placed cutouts on tailored tops and fitted dresses brings this look down to earth. Runway inspiration (L-R): Altuzarra, Balenciaga, Balmain 14 of 40 BCBG Max Azria Courtesy $98; bcbg.com 15 of 40 Karen Millen Courtesy $399; karenmillen.com 16 of 40 Rebecca Minkoff Courtesy $298; rebeccaminkoff.com 17 of 40 Colored Trenches indigitalimages.com Ditch your traditional camel-colored trench for some color—but don't forgo the traditional route all together. You want to find a topper in a sweet hue with all the details for which a classic trench is known and loved. Runway inspiration (L-R): Rebecca Taylor, Fausto Puglisi, Stella McCartney 18 of 40 Tibi Courtesy $675; tibi.com 19 of 40 Pixie Market Courtesy $209; pixiemarket.com 20 of 40 ModCloth Courtesy $125; modcloth.com 21 of 40 Extreme Sportswear indigitalimages.com As terms like athleisure take off, things are getting very sporty. To transition the look from the runway into your own wardrobe, choose one sporty piece and team it with something simple. Runway inspiration (L-R): Alexander Wang, Carven, Lacoste 22 of 40 Topshop Courtesy $160; topshop.com 23 of 40 H&M Courtesy $60; hm.com 24 of 40 Choies Courtesy $39; choies.com 25 of 40 Fringe Overload indigitalimages Fringe detailing got a makeover this season. Designers ditched the western vibe and delivered playful looks that feel incredibly modern. To ease into the trend, try a small fringed handbag. If you're more of a risk-taker, go for a sexy fringe skirt. Shop both ahead. Runway inspiration (L-R): Giambattista Valli, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti 26 of 40 Zara Courtesy $199; zara.com 27 of 40 Ash Courtesy $265; ash.com 28 of 40 BCBG Max Azria Courtesy $268; bcbg.com 29 of 40 Tiered indigitalimages On the runway, it was go big or go home. But if the silhouette intimidates you, try the look in small doses by wearing a top with a tiered hem. When wearing a flouncy tiered dress, keep the rest of your look simple with minimal accessories (like a simple strappy sandal and streamlined jewelry). Runway inspiration (L-R): Cédric Charlier, Lanvin, Honor 30 of 40 Thakoon Courtesy $525; farfetch.com 31 of 40 Rebecca Taylor Courtesy $395; rebeccataylor.com 32 of 40 IRO Courtesy $535; net-a-porter.com 33 of 40 Menswear-Inspired indigitalimages (2), Getty Images It's never been easier to master the borrowed-from-the-boys look, as designers continue to turn out expertly crafted separates. For a modern take, steer clear of shoulder pads and matchy-matchy pant suits. To add a touch of femininity, look for pieces with a ladylike edge. Don't be afraid to accessorize with killer heels and a structured handbag. Runway inspiration (L-R): Vera Wang, Anthony Vacarello, Tibi 34 of 40 H&M Courtesy $50; hm.com 35 of 40 J.Crew Courtesy $108; jcrew.com 36 of 40 Reiss Courtesy $252; reiss.com 37 of 40 Oversize Buttons indigitalimages.com Larger-than-life buttons are easier to wear than you may think. The key is to avoid looking cutesy and kitschy. To nail the look, seek out pieces with streamlined silhouettes and modern details. Runway inspiration (L-R): Derek Lam, Dior, Céline 38 of 40 Zara Courtesy $80; zara.com 39 of 40 Theory Courtesy $425; theory.com 40 of 40 Topshop Courtesy $68; topshop.com