Black and White
You can find this accessible spring runway trend right in your own closet—and look great at the office and carpool line to boot. In high demand this season, black and white are the most favored (and dynamic) duo. Be it geometric print suits, a color-blocked dress or separate pieces, designers have used the color combination in a big way, with options to suit every shape, style and savings account. Simply pair a crisp white button-up with black skinny jeans or a pencil skirt along with a black leather jacket or blazer.
Sheer
Save this trend for after office hours—and definitely off the playground. See-through fabrics like silk chiffon and organza were a focal point in many of the season’s collections to both a sexy and ethereal effect. While sheer has appeared on everything from jackets to skirts and even pants, this transparent look is most wearable with dresses and tops. Try layering something sheer over other pieces of clothing—a see-through shirt over a camisole, for example—to get the look without the big reveal.
Bomber Jackets
Without question, the it jacket for spring 2013 is the bomber. Once worn exclusively by high school jocks and professional athletes, the bomber has become a wardrobe essential that’s guaranteed to update your look. The slightly oversize shape makes it the perfect topper to closet basics like skinny jeans, pencil skirts and shift dresses, but because of its traditionally shorter length it can also work with a wider leg trouser. With designers offering a variety of versions—from a basic black, sleek satin sophisticated brocade to a denim and leather mix—there’s a style to suit every taste.
White
A classic warm-weather color, white looks especially right after a long winter of wearing dark colors. And, this spring, white is in the spotlight. Fashion’s current passion for the pale calls for going big on white—that is, from head to toe. If wearing white top to bottom feels like too much—or too easy for little ones to stain—try accessories such as an oversize bag, glam sunglasses or a statement cuff finish of the look. You also can try a white bag to update your standard uniform of jeans and—if you dare—a white tee.
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Mixed Prints
Collage has never looked as chic and sophisticated as it does in this season’s offering of artfully mixed patterns and textures that were shown on a multitude of spring runways. Designers took the guesswork out of patchwork by creating dresses and other pieces featuring a stylish mélange of prints and fabrics that will punch up a closet full of solids. As a rule of thumb, mix big with small prints—for example, a pinstripe shirt with a bolder floral pattern jean or jacket. However, if you’re a minimalist at heart you may want to sit this trend out and leave the patchwork to your quilts.
Stripes
The spring fashion lineup saw a healthy dose of stripes—the bigger, the bolder, the better. And, while there were plenty of head-to-toe looks, most women will find it easier to take on the straight and narrow one piece at a time. Try mixing striped blazers or jackets with your tried-and-true denim. Or try striped skinny jeans to add zing to a solid tee and sneakers.
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Ruffles
Ruffles are on the rise for spring, and, while decidedly feminine, this season these flouncy details also have edge. Even if you’re not a girlie girl, you can still partake in this delightful trend. One of the easiest ways to wear ruffles is as a peplum-style top. When paired with a skinny jean for day or a slim cigarette pant for night, the look will feel modern and the silhouette flattering.
Pastels
Sorbet is known for its palate-cleansing effects, and, this spring, clothing and accessories made in those sweet pastel colors are having a similar result. There’s nothing as refreshing as trading the heavier hues of winter for the confectionary-inspired colors of baby blue, pale pink, spearmint, lemon and violet. Get a taste of this trend with a pale pink jacket worn over black jeans and a tank top, or add a spark of citrus to a gray T-shirt and denim by toting a lemon yellow handbag.
Pointy Toe Pumps & Flats
Here’s some good news for women who spend most of their day on their feet (aka moms!) the must-have shoe of the season are flats and low heels featuring a pointy toe. Anyone who followed fashion in the '90s will recall that this shoe was all the rage then, and it is now enjoying a revival that’s long overdue. What they lack in adding height, the pointy toe makes up for in elongating the leg. And many of this season’s styles feature super cool design details like edgy studs or graphic patterns. Whether paired with skinny jeans, skirts or an A-line mini dress, these shoes are sure to make a stylish stand.
Skimmers
Affectionately known as the skimmer, the super-cropped slim trouser is this season’s most sought-after pant. Cut considerably above the ankle, skimmers are the perfect length for warmer weather, as well as for showing off the season’s most coveted shoes. By day they are sartorially in sync with any flat, from a sneaker to a sandal. (One word of caution: If you’re particularly petite, you might want to shy away from a complete flat and opt for a little heel to get the best look from these pants.) At night, these short cuts make perfect sense with a ladylike pump. Add a bomber jacket and tee for a retro-inspired street chic look.
