Black and White
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.
