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Spring Forward (And Back!) Into Season's New Styles

Photos from penelope t

Some of the "new" trends you'll see this spring - including bold colors and statement jewelry - may already be in your closet.

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By CLOE CABRERA

ccabrera@tampatrib.com

Published: March 19, 2009

Let's see if we've got this right.

You've got your car keys in one hand, the newest issue of Glamour in the other, you're all set to spring into a new fashion season, and you know your favorite shops need you as much as you need them.

Well, not so fast.

Before you head out to buy the latest looks, take a peek inside your closet. You may find that you already own a few of the season's must-haves. Some of the "new" trends you'll see this spring actually popped up on the fashionista radar in 2008.

Bold colors. Statement jewelry. Menswear. Sound familiar?

"It's not a good buy if you don't need it," celebrity stylist Mark-Alan Harmon says. "Look in your closet and see what still works for you, what fits, and then tweak it."

When you're done there, then it's time to head out to the stores to see what you're missing. There will be plenty out there waiting, says Nickie Riley, co-owner of penelope t, a chic South Tampa boutique that specializes in "fun" clothes for women.

"There are lots of trends this season for women who are looking for newness and value. The key is to be comfortable, maintain your own style and have fun," Riley says.

Here are some of the hot spring trends to look for:

Color me bold: These days, you may be tempted to wear black and grey (because of your mood or, perhaps, in homage to those dower old images from the Great Depression), but colors such as daffodil yellow, hot pink and grass green can brighten your spirits along with your wardrobe.

How to wear it: Stick with simple lines and soft fabrics like silks and chiffons or you could wind up looking like you're running away to join the circus. Too much bright color in an outfit can be overwhelming. Keep accessories neutral, or vice versa.

Maxi dress: The maxi-dress is a versatile - and forgiving - choice for those of us who don't have protruding hip-bones and a flat tummy. It works great for casual and evening wear. (Remember how the ladies worked it in the "Sex and the City" movie?)

How to wear it: If you're short, make sure your dress is well cut and in proportion with your petite frame. Avoid a voluminous skirt that could swallow you up. By cinching the waist with a wide belt, a woman with a large bust can avoid the acres of billowy fabric that will hang like a tent from the bust line. Keep footwear flat with flip-flops or gladiator sandals, Riley says. If you want a bit of extra height, try a platform or a wedge. And team the look with chunky jewelry. "The more jewelry the better," she says.

Bigger is better: Big, chunky necklaces, earrings and bangles make a strong style statement. Oversized jewelry is an easy and cost-effective way to inject pizzazz into your look. There are lots of inexpensive looks in costume jewelry; even if it's just a bold bracelet. Be adventurous.

How to wear it: The key to pulling off this trend is to wear only a few items at a time. Pick one or two pieces that will complete your outfit, or pick one item that will be your main focus.

Borrow from the boys: We saw this trend in the fall, and it's still going strong. What's great about menswear for women is that you can add these pieces into your work wardrobe and mix them up on the weekend as well. You can even throw in a fedora for an edgy femme look.

How to wear it: You're not really trying to look like a guy, so don't do it head-to-toe. "It's done very feminine," Riley says. "You want just a touch of it in your outfit." Think pinstripe vest over a tank top or a pleated cropped trouser paired with a frilly blouse for a structured and balanced look. The key to pulling off the look is fit, Riley says. Tailoring that flatters the female form plays up the masculine-feminine contrast.

Let's talk ruffles: It's one of the sweetest fashion trends around, and it's still hot. Ruffles are a great way to show off your flirty, girly side. And don't you just love how they flutter when you walk? Really, will they ever go out of style?

How to wear it: The key to wearing ruffles without looking like a can-can dancer is to pair them with something tailored. Think of the ruffles as an accent to your outfit and keep the focus to one ruffled element, like a frothy blouse, or use just a dash of fluff at the hem of a skirt or on a gorgeous cocktail dress. If you wear a tiered ruffled dress, choose a style that's strapless or has spaghetti straps to minimize the bulkiness and the potential to go over the top.

Zip it: Mom always said don't forget to zip it up before you leave the house. Even the simplest piece can get a dose of edginess with the addition of an exposed zipper. We're seeing them on shoes, blouses, skirts, belts, even dresses.

How to wear it: This isn't about the straitjacket effect. You just want a well-placed zipper here or there. And make sure it's zipped; it adds to the coolness factor.

Show off: Everyone is rocking the one-shoulder look lately, from stars on the red carpet to Michelle Obama's chiffon inaugural gown. One-shoulder styles offer more support than going strapless, and the single bare shoulder creates a sexier allure than its conservative counterpart, the symmetrical dress.

How to wear it: No matter your body type or personal style, this angled look can work if you find the right cut and it fits properly under the arm. Make sure you wear the right bra; peak-a-boo bra straps would really ruin this look.

Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656 or ccabrera@tampatrib.com. Try on the blog at TBO.com, Keyword: Hot Pursuits, for all things fashion and beauty.

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