Spring's Here, Now What to Wear?

As a clothes hound, my two favorite times of year are the spring and fall equinoxes when it's time, once again, to pare down my closet and put whichever items are no longer temperature-appropriate out of sight. It also means it's time to get serious about shopping for spring and summer, although for many of us that shopping already began when the spring shows happened last fall, or when the stores started carrying the Resort and Spring lines over the past few months. Either way, it's fun and it gives a fresh perspective on the seasons ahead.

Seasonal closet rearrangement has meant different things as I've gone from a studio apartment to a house with an attic, but I always enjoy the purging and reorganizing as it brings a new look to my wardrobe and new colors to the closet. This spring, neutrals abound and the safari look is very chic. It's not the boxy 80's safari styles we've seen with big shoulders and baggy khakis. This spring's look is sexy and light, with rich fabrics and subtle tints. The other big trends are Impressionist-style colorful floral patterns and graphic art deco primary blends. You can see more information in the full list of spring's trends that we publish each season, but in a nutshell, it opens up lots of possibilities for breathing life into your look.

Our resident stylist, Melissa Black Palecek, recommends storing away empire-waist clothes for spring. She says to instead go for garments that accentuate the waist or voluminous looks that hug the legs. Empire is on its way out. Wide belts are still in from fall. Architectural heels are in, but I have a feeling that's a trend that will only stay around 1-2 seasons, so I wouldn't invest in a bunch of those. Bright colors are back, especially orange, purples, blues, and yellows. (See image, top left, from Boden trunk show.) Colorful sweaters seem more plentiful this season too, so I plan to stock up since most years I feel like I never have enough good spring sweaters for layering here in the Bay Area.

As to closet help, take a step back and look at whether it's time to add a shelf, maybe some under-the-bed storage, or buy new hangers. This is a great time of year to make those kinds of changes. Sometimes just organizing better can make an entire wardrobe look better. Elfa from the Container Store can make any closet look brand new. Repurposing old clothes can work too - vintage chain necklaces and 60's style thick bangle bracelets can spruce up an outfit. Spring is a great time for experimenting, and really, since most of us are not being picked-over by paparazzi on a daily basis, we can afford to try out new looks to go with our newly spruced closets. It's fashion; it's fun.

Comments

[JB/Go-Go Mommy]

Thanks for keeping me up on the latest trends! One question: What do I wear to an evening book signing with a prominent politician's wife?

I stopped working after baby #2 and gave away most of my "professional" wardrobe. She's 17 months old now and I'd like to get something "put-together" that won't break the bank now that I'm at home. Any suggestions?

[Sarah Granger]

Haha, since I know the event you're attending (I'll be there too!) let me just say don't think of the person we're meeting as a politician's wife as much as a chic mom who is a woman with an incredible amount of life experience and is omnipartisan. It's hard to get close to being as chic as she is, but from what I've read about her, she's a real person who doesn't care so much about that. In other words, no need to fret about what she'll think.

Now for the rest of the mom bloggers who will be there, they have been dressing considerably hip lately, and for the events we attended with Elizabeth Edwards and others, most people wore nice jeans, jackets, and great shoes. The jackets and shoes get noticed! It will be evening and spring, so you could add a splash of color in a blouse or handbag, but my best advice is to wear what makes you feel good about yourself. You'll be among friends and you're out without the kids. This is your chance for that silk blouse that you keep away from baby spit-up, after all.

[finop]

you could try goodwill in san ho--since people are so rich down there even the goodwill has great clothes. like these tight-fitting $3 polo jeans i got.