1. BLAZERS CAN BE BADASS: The traditional toppers are no longer relegated to just country club outings. For spring, they come in all different variations, from Stella McCartney's louche boyfriend blazer to a blue-green cropped version by Alexander Wang.
"Designers created really contemporary blazers for spring," says Barnes. "They are great for going from day into night as well."
Model-turned-designer Erin Wasson reworked the classic jacket for California skate company RVCA, complete with a silk back adorned with lightening bolts and a punk rock zipper.
Erin Wasson for RVCA blazer, $220, available at Opening Ceremony, openingceremony.us
Courtesy of RCVA
BLAZER BABES: Uber-models Natalia Vodianova and Gisele Bundchen rock their individual takes on the trend at a New York Fashion Week party in February. Vodianova dressed up her denim with a disco-inspired beaded number and scrunched black gloves, while Bundchen went for a more lax look in a black style with sharp shoulders and an elongated lapel.
Bennett Raglin, WireImage
2. ADD SOME POP: Once upon a time, wearing an all hot pink outfit would have been taboo. For spring, it's encouraged, and then some. The look-at-me hues are prevalent in accessories as well as clothing,. "There are lots of hot colors for the season," says Barnes. "And they have carried over into fall, which is great."
Victoria Beckham in Antonio Berardi
Niki Nikolova, FilmMagic
Rory Beca dress, $217, available at shopduchess.com
Courtesy of Rory Beca
3. JUMPSUITS ARE JAZZY: It's time to find a one-piece that works for you. To avoid looking like a mechanic, think along the lines of Bianca Jagger's Studio 54 style in the '70s. Even if it seems like a bit of an impulse, give it a try. (If you feel like splurging, go for Rachel Roy's luxurious backless number seen here.) Added bonus: These utilitarian rompers, which you can keep casual or spruce up with heels and a chunky necklace for a night on the town, were also big on the fall runways.
Rachel Roy jumpsuit, $1,995, available at Rachel Roy NY, 212-629-7170
Lorenzo Santini, WireImage
New York & Company Collection jumpsuit, $76, available at nyandcompany.com
Courtesy of New York & Co.
4. DENIM'S NEW LOOK: The skinny jeans seen round the world this season were created by Christophe Decarnin for Balmain. Save yourself the $1,300 (or more) and opt for a summer vacation instead. Companies such as Rock & Republic and American Apparel have created denim-inspired liquid leggings (made to look like really tight jeans). They are easier on the skin -- and the wallet. Alexander Wang's cotton twill shirt (left) is also a modern take on that Gap button-down from yesteryear.
Karl Prouse, Catwalking/Getty Images
JEAN GENIE: Sarah Jessica Parker takes a stroll through the West Village in a vest by Current/Elliot, the hottest label to come out of Los Angeles as of late. "What I like about this company is that they take vintage pieces and rework them really well," says Barnes.
Most Wanted/Flynet
5. T-SHIRTS CAN BE DRESSY: While we don't recommend wearing your favorite torn and tattered Quiet Riot concert tee to the office, there has been headway in terms of casual acceptability. Especially popular at the moment are the airy, lightweight tees made of ultra soft cotton. They lend themselves perfectly to layering. Dress them up with a chic blazer (see Rule 1!) or a cardigan. "You can also layer colors and fabrics," says Barnes. "Pair a white tee with a hot pink one [see Rule 2!]."
George Pimentel, WireImage
Helmut Lang one pocket T-shirt in Sandstone, $115, available at Helmut Lang, West Hollywood, 323-951-0994
Rachel Been
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