If you need to add to your spring wardrobe this year and want to look current without being trendy, what are your best bets? Classic pieces, of course. Not only will these help you look crisp and pulled together all season, they'll stay in style for several years so you can get your money's worth when buying them.
Start with the predominant color of your wardrobe, then add pieces that compliment and blend well with items you already have. Remember: never buy anything that doesn't go with at least three other items in your closet. A little imagination is all it takes to get the most of your clothing budget and your closet space.
- The Tank
Tank tops are summer staples that are fabulously versatile. They look great alone (provided that your arms are tone), or layered over swimsuits, under jackets, or teamed with camp shirts or big shirts. Buy several in your wardrobe basic colors and wear them from now until the weather gets cold.
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AllenB by ABS
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- The Draped Dress
Feminine. If the season could be summed up in just one word, this would be it. From pastels and florals to organzas and chiffons, draped dresses are hot this season. They're also great for all those spring and summer occasions you have on your calendar, like weddings, graduations, Mother's Day, and the like. Pair them with a pastel jacket when it's chilly, wear them alone when it's not.
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Laundry by Shelli Segal
NeimanMarcus.com
- Trench Coat
This classic piece has and will be popular for years, simply because it's so versatile. It's the perfect accompaniment to transitional weather, and it's the best travel coat around, particularly if it comes with a zip-out liner. Want to be practical and chic at the same time? Invest in a trench coat this year.
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Burberry
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- Asian-Inspired
Chinoiserie has been popular on-and-off since Marco Polo brought it back to Italy over 700 years ago. At once both feminine and mysterious, Asian-inspired pieces work best with classic accompaniments in solid colors that allow the Oriental artistry to shine.
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Jean Paul Gaultier
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- Denim Jacket
Here's a classic that looks fabulous whether you're sixteen or sixty: a denim jacket. Look for styles that flatter your figure and wear them often with jeans, skirts, capris, and even shorts.
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Real Clothes
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- White Jeans
White jeans offer a clean look that's both casual and chic, and are a nice departure from their ubiquitous blue cousin. Pair them with a variety of colorful tops and jackets to give a sophisticated spin to this leisure-time favorite.
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St. John Sport
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- Capris
Capris continue to be as popular as ever and are a good investment for most women's wardrobes. They offer a warm-weather length without exposing a lot of skin, and look great on women of all ages who have average-sized calves and ankles. If you prefer to hide your legs for whatever reason, try capris.
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Lilly Pulitzer Petites
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If you're tall, cuffed and wide hems can help you look shorter. If you're petite, tapered hems will give you an elongated look. Whatever your height, opt for sandals or flesh toned footwear to show off the hem length. Don't make your shoes and pants compete for attention.
- Black and White
This combination remains as popular as ever and like capris, makes our "best bet" list for the second year in a row. It's classic, sophisticated, elegant, and dramatic, and will take you just about everywhere you need to go, from sunup to sundown, for working, shopping, eating, etc.
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Lacoste
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Unfortunately, it looks better on Cool skin tones than Warm (see Wardrobe Magic for details), so if you have yellow undertones, opt for similar colors more favorable to your coloring, like ivory and dark brown or off-white and navy.
- Khaki
Also known as the cargo or safari look, this trend is as chic as it is utilitarian. If you wear it for your spring and summer family outings, you can tuck your essentials into your pockets and leave your handbag at home - a real back saver at museums, zoos, theme parks, and other places where you need to carry stuff and walk a lot.
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Ellen Tracy
NeimanMarcus.com
- Wedge Heels
You'll find wedge heels everywhere this year, with good reason: in a fashion season that celebrates femininity, wedge heels give you the allure of stilettos without the precariously narrow heel that goes along with them. A real bonus if your feet can't tolerate spikes.
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Salvatore Ferragamo
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They can be worn equally well with pants, skirts, and dresses, so grab a pair in either a neutral or flesh tone color in a height that's comfortable for you.
