Make a Brilliant Fashion Statement in Spring 2009

My goodness, was that a long winter or what?  Even as I write this, scattered piles of snow remain on my front garden.  I try not to think that, at the rate it is melting, they might still be there in July!

While the temperatures are still cool (at least in the north), we must begin to prune our existing spring wardrobes and consider what new additions (or not) to add.  As always, I approach the spring fashions with a mix of wonder and disbelief.  The good news is that this spring I am seeing more of the good and less of the "what were they thinking" styles.

So, let's take a look at spring and summer trends and consider what will make a remarkable and fun (fashion should be fun after all) addition to your wardrobe.

COLOR - Color always takes precedence over other style factors when considering what to buy.  If the color is not flattering, move on.  A style is rarely worth giving it a second look unless the color makes you sparkle.

This season, color is a mixed bag.  All in all, color this spring is bright, bright, bright, especially blue and yellow.  Could we please stop with the yellow already.  And, while you're at it, get rid of the light gray.  It made a pronounced appearance last Fall and is still hanging on.  In fact, this season we are even seeing yellow and gray paired together in one outfit - oh, please!  Not only are both colors hard to wear but those who can wear yellow look dreadful in gray and the reverse is true as well.  Make a bold statement and bypass both unless you are absolutely sure that they are flattering.

Thankfully, pastels are not as prominent as they were last spring (they are dreary on many people), but you will find an overabundance of nudes and neutrals.  They were extremely popular at the academy award, and while it can be refreshing, it is also a very tricky look.  If you get the shade of nude/flesh tone wrong for your skin, it is a fashion disaster.

COLORFUL HANDBAGS - Not only are we seeing oversized handbags continuing as a staple in women's wardrobes, but they are also super bright.  It can be a fun way to add color and interest to your wardrobe without having it overwhelm you.  Be sure, however, that the handbag is not as big as you are (petite women beware).

MESSENGER (CROSS BODY) HANDBAGS - If a handbag the size of Milwaukee is not your style, how about a sleek messenger handbag.  It has a long strap that you wear across your body.  The bag should be relatively small and as flat to your body to your body as possible - do not overfill it or you run the risk of having one hip look enormous.  It is a terrific style for traveling or anytime you need both hands free.

FLORAL PRINTS - Gee, what a surprise that florals are in for the spring!  I'm trying to remember when this has not been true.  It is certainly appropriate to the season and lovely for those of you who enjoy wearing a flower motif.  This season you can find a welcome new twist on the floral theme - watercolor florals.  It is still flowery but the flowers have a softer, slightly more ethereal look to them (in keeping with the goddess motif that is hot this summer).  This means that women who usually avoid florals can wear them with style!  Definitely worth checking out.  Want to be really on the cutting edge?  Buy a pair of watercolor floral print shoes - very beautiful.

GEOMETRIC PRINTS - If florals (even watercolor florals) are not your cup of tea, perhaps something bolder like the wild geometric prints we are. With rare exceptions these designs are extremely bold so be sure your attitude, personality (think aligning your inner and outer beauty), and coloring can handle it.

ROMANTIC BLOUSES - Last year we saw the return of the tie neck blouse.  While it had been tweaked a bit from the 1980's look, I saw few women wearing them.  This season's version of the blouse is soft and romantic - very fitting for this time of year and very wearable.  I am not convinced I will own one yet but I am intrigued and would consider it if I find just the perfect one.

What makes them different?  We are seeing soft ruffles that cascade down the front of the blouse and many of the ruffles blend in with the print.  The effect is subtly feminine and pretty without being cloying.

MAXI DRESSES --  We are seeing these everywhere (American Idol fans know this!).  They are long, almost hippie-style dresses.  Young women can have a field day with them.  Those of us who are a bit older can still wear them but give yourself a reality check before purchasing (or wearing) one.  You do not want to risk looking like Goldie Hawn at the Academy Awards (64 going on 24!).  They are meant to be worn casually with a relatively low-heeled or flat sandal or try this year's necessity - the low wedge heel.  Oh, and one more thing (this goes for all the spring fashions not just maxi dresses) - no visible bra straps unless they are sparkly or very pretty (if you are not sure, they aren't!).

BIG JEWELRY - I love it!  Jewelry that makes a statement.  Everyone can wear this.  You just have to know how big you can go and that often depends on the flatness of the stones or metal, the color, the contrast, the smoothness vs. texture of the piece, etc.  If you are not sure what is right for you, play, experiment and have fun!  Go with what makes you smile.

BIG SHOULDERS - Big shoulders are making a comeback and not soon enough if you ask me.  If you are rolling your eyes at this one it is most likely because you have naturally broad shoulders.  I, on the other hand, have narrow, sloped shoulders and so my hips always look bigger in comparison.  The interesting thing this time around is that the big shoulders are less a result of shoulder pads and more a consequence of interesting and well-placed design features that give the illusion of width.  I love it - keep it coming!

JUMPSUIT - Yup, you read this right.  Jumpsuits are back.  My most favorite outfit in the 1980's was a jumpsuit.  I wore it until there literally were holes in it.  Jumpsuits are not for everyone.  You must have long legs and not mind attention at your waist since they all have a waistband or you would look like you are wearing a grease monkey jumpsuit.  One twist on the trend is the strapless jumpsuit.  Strapless is challenging enough to wear, despite what the bridal and Hollywood stylists will tell you, but paired with a jumpsuit, especially in a blouson or tube top look, makes it even more limiting.  Only a few brave souls can pull off this look successfully.

TAPERED TROUSERS - Wear these only if you can afford to add the illusion of pounds to your hips (the fullness of the pleats adds volume) and want your legs to look shorter.  Hopefully, this trend will be fleeting.

SHEER DRESSING - This look always requires that something be worn underneath.  Since this style is generally worn in hot weather, wearing another layer kind of defeats the purpose.  But, if you don't, you risk exposing everything like Sharon Stone did at the Academy Awards.  Buyer beware.

GLADIATOR SANDALS - It amazes me that this trend is still around.  When worn with a dress, these shoes are universally unflattering.  If you really feel inclined to wear them, do it with pants - otherwise they make your legs look short and your ankles look heavy - don't say I didn't warn you!

ONE SHOULDER TOPS - Okay, I'm probably alone here (especially if you watched the Academy Awards), but I'm not a big fan of one shoulder dressing.  Occasionally, it works brilliantly, but mostly it just makes me wonder where the rest of the dress is.  There are also a lot of variables with the one strap or sleeve, i.e., the way the bodice is cut, the angle from the shoulder to the bodice, the woman's posture, etc. - this all makes a difference as to whether it works or not.  I'm sure some of you think I'm crazy and love the trend and that's fine.  There is nothing wrong with it and when done right it can be extremely elegant.  Just keep in mind that it is just trickier than it looks.

As you can see, for the most part, this season is lovely.  It is feminine without being overly frilly (an unusual feat for the springtime styles) and there is color to be found (and not just pastels!).  Remember to shop early since the season is short - or at least the best choices are gone by the time it really gets warm enough to enjoy them.  Happy Spring!

Ginger Burr

Guest Writer

Total Image Consultants

Colorful Handbag

Watercolor Floral

Maxi Dress

Jumpsuit