Runway to Reality
While each new season brings the promise of new styles, necessary indulgences and the unwavering hope that your daily wardrobe will mirror the image of chic, once in awhile the fashion powers that be will smile on us and send us something to really celebrate. This spring, femininity in the form of full skirts, dainty tops, nautical-inspired pieces and tousled hair is the cause for celebration.

Gone are the days of boho chic and the simple peasant. Spring's styles are rich in color, texture and proportion. They are a perfect balance of modern luxury and classic elegance, as an unabashed femininity is seen in everything from evening gowns to slim pants. This season we can dress the part of a 50's starlet, nautical siren, luxe traveler and innocent ingenue with just a few key pieces. We're able to change our look at our whim and be whatever we choose. After all, isn't fashion really about playing dress up?

While I wouldn't completely toss your trusty pencil, I would advise on letting it sit this season out. Spring's skirts come in all sorts of volumes, and the bigger and louder - the better. No closet is complete without this spring essential. Bold prints and cinched waists conjure up images of 1950s luxe and work best with a slim and tailored top. (Good news is, this style skirt flatters every body shape.) Forego the blow dryer for a slight bouffant and let your inner siren out. My top picks for your signature skirt are Cynthia Steffe's Silk Polka Dot confection, Anthropologie's Trellis Skirt in red (I've made it my own) and B-Rep's silk pleated skirt in citrus green.

This season's Capri Cool look pays homage to the idyllic Italian hot spot. Look the part of the seasoned traveler by sporting clean lines and simple accessories. Fitted cropped pants (not your mother's pair), a slightly blouson sweater and classic shades help transform basic to va va voom. For a dressier touch, trade the sweater for a fitted chambray blouse (it's the new 'white button-down). Add a bright head wrap or scarf as the finishing touch and you'll be the put-together tourist. How do you say, "Where is my Vespa?" (Not off to sightsee? No worries. With some embellished thongs, this look is great for your Saturday shopping spree.)

Don't let not having sea legs keep you from sporting the crisp nautical look. Sailing (or looking like you do) can't get any chicer than this season's stripes. Go the sporty route with wide trousers and a boatneck T or dress it up a notch with a whimsical and vivid striped dress. Forget the old warning to stay away from stripes; this season's patterns are all over the board and super flattering. Choose from vertical, diagonal, multicolored or monochromatic stripes. My fave nautical-esque offerings are Ella Moss's chic multi-tonal pieces. Wearing her halter mini-dress, you can look like a skipper without ever actually leaving the marina.

The fabric of choice this season is chiffon. It's everywhere. In skirts, delicate tops and prim scarves. Pair it with something edgier (like denim or light tweed) or use it as a layering piece. Don't be afraid to glam up this simple feminine material. I love mixing a soft chiffon skirt with a heavier v-neck sweater or a sheer pastel blouse with a sturdier topcoat. (BTW, have you purchased your trench? What are you waiting for?)

Aren't we gals lucky to have such beautiful possibilities at our fingertips? Most important thing to remember about your spring look, whichever part you may play, is to celebrate femininity.

Cheers.

she she me Sponsor: Shopbop.com

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