Spring things

Though fashion buffs look forward to the change in seasons for a chance to try on something new, I’m sure most people start approaching stores with a sense of dread as to what those crazy designers have concocted. Every year I hear the chorus, "I can never find anything to wear."

Well, if you can’t find anything stylish to wear this spring, you’re not looking hard enough. It’s one of the most wearable seasons ever, starting with a revival of basic black and white and other contrasting color schemes; textures of lace and warm-weather leather; the ease of sleeveless jackets (what we used to call vests); and the return of walkable low-heeled shoes.

Here’s a rundown of some of the top trends for spring …

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Color contrast

What could be easier than black and white? When I tell friends on a budget to start there and build, they say it’s too boring. This season may prompt a change of heart. The basic combination is the epitome of chic (think Chanel packaging), appropriate year-round, fit for any occasion and easy on the budget. No doubt you already have many of the building blocks in your closet. Just pull them together and augment with a few new pieces and accessories. Contrasts aren’t restricted to black and white. Handbags and shoes also feature contrasting colors, including such trend colors as blues, greens, vivid yellow, camel and tangerine.

Bold stripes

As simple as this uncomplicated pattern can be, stripes make a full range of statements, demure to bold. In springy pink and white, they look feminine. Navy and white lend a nautical crispness to an outfit, or go for all-American casualness with red-and-white stripes worn with denim. Checkerboard patterns and playful tartans add drama, and if you want all eyes on you, head-to-toe vertical stripes are guaranteed to make heads turn.

Peekaboo

For braver souls, midriff-baring cutouts, slit skirts and sheer fabrics interspersed with solids put a focus on transparency. The trend suggests sexiness, though options abound for every body type and modesty level. In jackets, sheer panels in organza or mousseline add an interesting detail or dimension to an otherwise basic shape, without revealing skin.

Shorts suits

I’m a little tired of wearing dresses and skirts day in and day out, but find it too difficult to get the many dimensions of pants right (legs cut too long, waistband too tight, pockets too low, you name it). So I welcome the shorts suit. It’s easier to find shorts that fit, match them to a simple top that’s already in your closet, and throw on a jacket for a touch of professionalism or street chic. Depending on the length of the shorts and the accessories you choose, the look can be guy hot or girl cool. Separates make your wardrobe more versatile than a single dress.

Lace

The most feminine of fabrics is back, available in shift dresses, button-up tops and accessories from shoes to handbags. Styles are mostly suitable for evenings, but a simple top paired with denim provides an approachable weekend look.

BIB necklaces

After years of wearing statement jewelry, it seems the only way to get noticed is to go bigger. The follow-up to last year’s Peter Pan collar is the bib necklace, a quick and easy way to dress up any outfit. Once reserved for evening’s only, these dramatic necklaces comprising multiple elements, from chains to faceted stones to pearls or floral designs, have come out of the dark and can dress up a plain daytime tee.

Warm-weather leather

Global warming has turned fashion to Hawaii’s favor, leading the industry to reinvent materials for sunny days. The days of thick, ’80s-style, skin-tight groupie leather are gone. The new leather is lightweight and treated like fabric in sophisticated minimalist, unstructured tunics, tees and sleeveless peplum tops. Colors of pistachio, melon, tan and white convey lightness. The leather is often used in combination with mesh, or perforated to allow skin to breathe.

Low-heeled shoes

After heels reached nosebleed heights, aided by inches-high platforms, there can be only one way for them to go: down. Low-heeled shoes are suddenly stylish, with pointy toes and thick ankle straps that lend a modern, sculptural look. Also in strappy mode, the gladiator is back in styles that range from flats to man-stomping knee-high boots.