With so many fabulous spring looks to choose from, where’s a girl to start?
How about with five fabulous trends and the key pieces that will add a real lift to your style?!
Whether you are looking for a quick way to update your wardrobe, seeking to embrace your inner bohemian or just looking for a great dress for a night out on the town, you’ll find the best of spring 2005 right here in this edition of our weekly fashion-and-beauty update.
For business wear, the cropped jacket looks best with a slightly fuller pant or a knee-length skirt. It’s also a great piece to update your favorite pair of jeans.
Knit witsGet out your knitting needles and crochet hooks — the “handicraft” trend is back in a big way! On one end of the spectrum you will find delicate, almost ethereal lacy knits shaped as sweaters, suits, skirts and dresses that can lend a very feminine, romantic air to your style. The other key trend is the look of handcrafted, almost “homemade” knits with a slightly bohemian air — from crochet to macramé and all points in between. Pick up a great top or jacket in one of these witty knits and you are good to go.
Talking of bohemian, we also love the look of woven raffia and woven leather in accessories. From handbags to belts to shoes to jewelry, it’s a quick and inexpensive way to grab the trend.
First tier
You’ll see so many tiered, flounced and peasant-inspired skirts and dresses this season that you’d swear “Little House on the Prairie” was back on the tube. We love the look, but it needs to be done in moderation. For example, add a quick lift to your spring wardrobe with the subtle addition of a tiered, knee-length skirt with just a touch of lacy trim (preferably in a solid color). If you insist on going all out, choose a skirt in one of the season’s key prints (floral or ethnic-inspired) and go as long as you dare (the ankle-length prairie skirt is tres cool).
To keep the look chic and sophisticated rather than “down on the farm,” keep the rest of your ensemble low-key. A simple tee, one of the season’s wonderful beaded or ethnic-inspired pieces of jewelry, a great tote and/or a pair of embellished flats are all you need.
Do be sure to pick up a tunic/kurta/djellaba (or two) in your favorite colors — one hip-length and one that falls to the knee. You will throw them on with everything you own from now until the first cool days of fall.
Toga party
Looking for the hottest dress of the season? Look no further than the current crop of glamorous Grecian-inspired dress, available in every color under the sun. There’s a reason Greek goddesses were so in love with this fashion statement — its flattering, flowing silhouette skims the body and highlights all the right places. For the most feminine look, opt for one in layers of soft chiffon. Add a simple gold necklace or bracelet and — for the trendiest look — a pair of strappy, metallic flats.
Want to explore the “wild side” of this trend? If you dare, choose very intricately wrapped styles, especially in glimmering, shimmering metallics. They’re less Greek goddess and more “screen goddess” — perfect for those times when you want to make an entrance.
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, , which highlights style trends in America and across the world.
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