Dressing Well



Fitted Blazers

This trimmer, sleeker version of the traditional “boxy” blazer is the jacket to own this season. Ending just above the hip, they are easiest to wear with fuller, softer skirts and flatter most figures. To keep bulk at a minimum, slip a feminine lace or satin camisole underneath for extra style. Coordinated correctly, they can look as good with jeans as they do with professional skirts and pants. We love them over eveningwear too. Extra Tip: If you want to give this style of jacket a softer, more layered effect, experiment with tops that hang an inch or so below the bottom of the jacket until you find the right proportion.


Full, Yoked Skirts

Full, yoked skirts with an A-line hem (also being called “gypsy skirts” in honor of their Bohemian flair) are the most fashion-forward bottoms of the season. Most land at or just below the knee, although some do flow all the way to the ankle. They have plenty of volume created by pleats, tiers and other embellishments. Their oversized, flat-front yoke waistbands help keep them from adding unnecessary weight to your frame. This style of skirt looks best with fitted blazers and other slim-fitting tops such as wrap shirts, shrugs and dance sweaters that tie in the front. Extra Tip: Round-toed ballet flats and pumps go great with this style of skirt. Save your pointy-toed stilettos for pants and pencil slim skirts this season.


Long Silk Scarves

Wear them through the belt loops of a pair of flair-bottom jeans or tied at the waist over a simple tunic top for extra waist definition. Scarves can also be tied to a purse or tote as a way to connect your bag to your outfit. They can also be used to add a dramatic flair when tied high on the neck with the ends flowing down the back or front of an outfit. The brighter and bolder the pattern, the more on trend you will be. Extra Tip: Drape scarves inside a blazer if you are interested in having them help hide your mid-section – we call this technique going on a scarf diet!


Printed Trench Coat

If you already have your bases covered with a black and/or beige trench coat, consider adding a colorful printed trench for fun this season. Once you find the print you like, be sure you have a few solid colored tops that coordinate with the colors in the pattern. Wear the coat with neutral pants and skirts and add a tote and umbrella that compliment the colors in the coat but do not overpower it. Extra Tip: Chase away the rainy-day blues with a pair of colorful adult rain boots in a hue that perks up neutral rain gear (red with black, beige and animal prints) or matches a hue in more colorful trench coats and jackets.


Safari Accents

Whether you choose an animal print to adorn an article of clothing or select wooden embellishments sewn into the fabric of a top, jacket or pair of shoes, the easiest way to update your wardrobe this season is to add a few ethnic inspired accents from the jungle. Wood, shells and even sharks teeth are being mixed with more traditional natural materials such as turquoise and coral to add a unique flair to every accessory under the sun. Extra Tip: Don’t “bungle the jungle” – like any bold accessory statement, less is more when donning safari flair.


Wedge Heels

An open toe and open back “wedge” sandal is an excellent way to update your casual clothes for warm weather. A closed toe, sling-back wedge-heeled dress shoe or loafer (with either round or pointy toes – both are still on trend) can take all your professional looks to new heights this season. Extra Tip: Wedgies are more comfortable than stilettos and won’t break your back (or your wallet) if selected carefully.


Tunic Tops

Designed to float over the body, tunics typically end mid-thigh – although some more fashion-forward styles end at or just above the knee. They can be worn belted or unbelted and their signature side-slits give them a relaxed fit that can be flattering to a variety of figures. Details such as mandarin collars, embroidered trim and three-quarter length sleeves give them a modern edge. This is an easy way to celebrate the Bohemian look of the moment. Extra Tip: They look freshest over slim pants – the silhouette is tidier than with fuller trousers and skirts.


Get Charmed

Although brooches are still popular, charm-inspired accessories are showing up more frequently this season on necks, wrists and dangling from purses, totes, belts and belt loops. Choose a blouse with a lower neckline, tops with three quarter sleeves and jackets that end at the waist to strategically show off your charms. Extra Tip: Take charms to your local jeweler and have them inscribed with the names of those you love and/or an inspirational message to yourself. Now that’s a style statement only you can make!


Signature Colors

Like last year, there is an abundance of color available again this season. If you choose to wear it head-to-toe, be sure you keep the hues consistent (wear brights with brights, keep pastels with pastels). You can also use one vibrant piece to punch up your neutrals -- for instance, a beige suit will look great with a coral top. If you decide to wear a loud, colorful print on a skirt, pant, top or belt, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit demure. Contrasting brights (think bright green paired with hot pink) look especially “preppy” and fresh this season. Extra Tip: Denim can go a long way in helping you tone down bright colors that you might otherwise feel too self-conscious to wear. Try a cropped, cuffed jean with a vibrant, fitted tee shirt and a beaded moccasin that captures the color of the tee shirt in the beading.


Metallics

Finally, let it shine! Gold and silver are as appropriate during the day as they are at night this season. Metallic shoes and bags mix great with warm weather looks and coordinate as well with bright, colorful clothes as they do with pastels. While we do recommend saving metallic dresses for after five, other metallic separates such as blazers, camisoles and pants can be tastefully combined with more traditional daytime fabrics to add some drama to your spring/summer wardrobe. Extra Tip: Simple silver sandals and accessories look smashing with head-to-toe white outfits .

Editor's Note: To help picture these fashions, we suggest visiting google.com, clicking on the "images" icon and then entering a specific search for each item you would like help finding. For instance, instead of entering "Black & White," enter "Black and White Eveningwear." Instead of "Red Accents," enter "red purse." Most large retailer sites such as Nordstrom.com and Talbots.com also have their own search engines. We found many of our top ten picks on both these popular (and reliable) cyber shopping destinations Good luck!

Fashion picks provided by Mary Lou Andre , President of Organization By Design, Inc. , a full-service wardrobe management and fashion consulting firm servicing corporate, retail and individual clients since 1992. To learn more about Organization By Design, log on to dressingwell.com.