Spring Fashion's Must Haves

BY MARCI LAEHR TENUTA

Monday, April 2, 2007 4:01 PM CDT

The Journal Times

Spring is a time for fresh looks, romance, and sunshine. You can add a little of each to your wardrobe this season, fashion experts say. Here's a list of 10 great pieces for spring they recommended.

1) A dress is by far the most effective way to update your wardrobe this spring. From baby doll sundresses to shirt dresses, wrap dresses and a-line shifts, there are flattering shapes for everyone. Some of the top trends in dresses are yellow, black and white combinations and white eyelet in more casual styles, said TJ Maxx spokesperson Laura McDowell.

"There's a huge variety of dresses out there this season," she said. "The key is to choose the most flattering items that work for you."

2) Short shorts are back, but they're not the only option. "This is a tough one, because not everyone can wear short shorts," McDowell said. "They look great if you have the right figure. People are pairing them with wedges and flip flops. It's a great summer casual look. But longer shorts are still a viable option."

3) A feminine top, especially with an empire waist or in a baby doll style, is a huge trend for the season. Look for soft and romantic details like ruffles, bows, lace trim and draping.

"Spring season opens with a clean and graphic sensibility that includes sport and spectator details," said David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl's Department Stores. "Feminine touches contrast the look and help consumers achieve a truly personalized look."

4) A cropped jacket paired with a longer tunic, menswear trousers or a full skirt give balance in a season of "opposites attract" trends. "Plays on proportion, layering and volume will update any wardrobe with a fresh look this spring," Hacker said.

A feminine twist on these cropped jackets is also a great look for the season, McDowell said. "It's a narrow silhouette with feminine details like a puff sleeve or ruffle edge."

5) Whether in white or metallic leather, a bold bag is a must-have trend for spring. Look for big totes with plenty of hardware and details, such as grommets, chains, buckles and drawstrings.

"Handbags are getting bigger and bigger," McDowell said. "Trendy options include animal prints, metallics, patent leather in colors like white, red, yellow, navy and black of course, or pastel leathers like great pinks, purples, greens or oranges."

6) Bold jewelry in everything from combinations of black and white to gold and silver are making a statement this spring. Try big bangle bracelets, or a large medallion necklace. But you might want to limit it to one large piece, McDowell said. Classics like pearls and gold are also in for the season.

7) Gold hardware on shoes, purses, jewelry, belts, coats and everywhere else is standout statement for spring. "We're seeing a lot of gold," McDowell said. "Silver was in for a while, now gold's back."

8) In shoes it all about the peep-toe pumps and wedge sandals. They can be dressy, office appropriate or casual. Higher and lower wedges, along with flats, are very popular.

9) Plastic sunglasses in white, black and brown with an oversized frame in round or square shapes are very in for spring, McDowell said.

10) Menswear capris/trousers with flat fronts are the perfect balance to this season's flowy, feminine blouses. "The menswear pinstripe is really popular for spring," McDowell said. "It's a sense of balance. If you have a flowy top, you don't want a flowy bottom."

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