The Clothing Chronicle Archives

Thanks again to everyone wrote in response to last week's article,
"How To Dress the Science Professor,"

I heard from SO many people, particularly those who work in technical professions and for colleges and universities. I'm always surprised by the articles that really seem to "touch a nerve" with readers. This one was certainly one of them.

If you want to see what other topics have been particularly popular, I invite you to peruse THE CLOTHING CHRONICLES archives at:

Well, before you head off for the Easter holiday and/or a much-needed spring break, I thought you might want to take a glimpse at my top picks for Spring 2005.

If you happen to live south of the equator and are heading into fall, you might want to take a look at my top picks for Fall 2004,

Stores are bursting to the seams with new offerings. New catalogs are clogging your mailbox. Online vendors invite you to click around their sites, to see what's new for spring.

So how do you sort through all the trends to find the winners of this fickle race?

By remembering that while trends come and go, great style never goes out of fashion. Take stock of your body shape and lifestyle and pick and choose those seasonal offerings that suit you best. There are some tricky trends out there this year, so be forewarned. NOBODY can wear every style well, regardless of her height, weight, or bank account, so stick with the few that suit you well and pass on all the rest. As always, invest in classics, go cheap on trends.

With that in mind, here are some of the most figure-friendly looks of the season:

FULL SKIRTS

Feminine and dramatic, full skirts work well on most body shapes and offer camouflage as well as comfort. If you prefer skirts to shorts or pants in warm weather, grab a few of these this season and look great wherever you go. But remember: if you have a thick waist or tend to carry extra weight on your tummy or hips, steer clear of styles that gather at the waist or that have bulky details around the waist or hips.

Spiegel.com

Newport-News.com

FLORAL PRINTS

Spring is bursting out all over, even spilling onto apparel and accessories. From flirty and romantic to bright and sassy, you'll find tons of floral prints this year. Just be sure to keep them in scale with your body: large print on large bodies, small prints on small bodies.

Bill Blass
Overstock.com

LaRedoute.com

SCARF BELTS

This is one of the easiest trends to follow, since you probably already have some scarves in a drawer somewhere at home. Put them through the belt loops of your pants, shorts, and skirts, and instantly update your old staples. Caution: Since this look calls attention to the waist and visually "chops up" the body, it looks best on trim waists and long bodies.

Newport-News.com

LaRedoute.com

CROPPED JACKET

This trend continues from fall, when jackets came back in a big way. Find a style that suits you, and wear it again and again to update summer staples or add a touch of authority whenever you need it.

Spiegel.com

Overstock.com

CROCHETED KNITS

Feminine, flirty, and great for weather transitions, you'll find crocheted knits all over this year. Opt for looks that accent your body in all the right places, avoiding those that add bulk or are too fussy for your personal style.

Newport-News.com

Spiegel.com

AFRICAN SAFARI

This classic look returns in full force this year, with everything from khaki separates to animal print accessories. Whether you want to look like Ava Gardner from "Mogambo," or just want to flirt with the trend via a zebra print purse, you'll find plenty to choose from this year.

Spiegel.com

Isaac Mizrahi
Target.com

BOHEMIAN

The bohemian look has been around for several seasons, evolving at every turn. This year's rendition features beautiful ethnic-style tunics and printed tops that look like they've been rushed to the stores from places like Romania and Marrakesh. Pair them with your favorite jeans, shorts, or skirt for a dramatic, popular look.

Newport-News.com

Overstock.com

BRIGHT COLORS

If you love all the bright colors of spring, you'll love the selection of colors this year. From dark pink to aqua blue and sherbet to lime, you'll standout from the crowd in these standout colors. Just remember to match the colors to your skin undertones for complimentary - not clashing - effect.

Spiegel.com

Lew-Magram.com

WEDGES

Wedge heels are VERY popular this year, and go great with many of the styles listed here. If you want the height of a heel without the unsteadiness of a spike, then you'll probably like the wedge. Wear them with casual gear however, as the heel is too thick for formal or dressy attire.

Newport-News.com

Bluefly.com

WHITE

White is THE color of summer, and you'll find it in abundance this year. From dresses and suits to swimsuits and shorts, nothing deflects the heat of the sun better than cool, absorbent white. What? Your yellow undertones can't take the white? Then opt for ivory instead.

Spiegel.com

LaRedoute.com

Yes, I know - it's tempting to splurge on all the pretty new fashions, particularly when you're sick and tired of your current weather gear. But don't go overboard. Take stock of what you have, fill in the holes, and choose your trends carefully so you don't end up buying lots of stuff you don't need. After all, you work hard for your money; spending it wisely!