SPRING CLEANING - FOR YOUR CLOSET!

STYLE GUIDE

Clean Your Closet for Spring

It's finally spring -- the perfect time to sort through your closet and assess your wardrobe. Consider StyleList your personal style advisor -- we'll tell you what to keep from last season, what to ditch and what to buy, including the key pieces to spruce up last year's faves. -- Rachel Felder
BUY: A Vibrant Basic

Spring's hottest trend? Color. So if your closet is filled with black and beige staples, pick up one vibrant piece to throw on -- like this bright yellow cardigan -- and you're set. " Color allows you to be the personal stylist in your wardrobe," says Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. Simply Vera Vera Wang Flyaway Cardigan. $37.50, www.kohls.com
KEEP: Last Year's Dress, but Boost it With a Belt

Not willing to part with your favorite babydoll dress from last summer? You don't have to! Just grab a belt -- preferably with a metallic finish -- cinch the waist and you'll bring the look into this season. Xhileration Reversible Textured Metallic Belt. $13, www.target.com
DITCH: That Fitted Blazer

Ditch that menswear-inspired blazer -- the look right now is all about femininity. Choose a jacket with a softer, slightly curvier cut, preferably in one of this season's Crayola bright colors. Anthropologie Swing Set Jacket. $118, www.anthropologie.com
KEEP: Your Wedges

Push your tall boots to the back of the closet and make room for last spring's wedges. They still look great, particularly if you saw the color trend coming last year. Nine West Viscose Wedges. $80, www.piperlime.com
DITCH: Your Beige Trench

"Color is the most important thing to embrace this spring," says celebrity stylist Mary Alice Stephenson. "If you don't want to go head to toe, wear a colorful trench with your jeans or khakis." A new spring coat is always a good investment -- you will wear it every day, after all. Princess Seam Trench Coat. $70, www.target.com
BUY: A Slim-Cut Dress

If you're buying a new frock this season opt for a trim silhouette, which looks good on all body types. "We're seeing a lot of dresses that move closer to the body," explains Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. "There is a return to a slender, sheath look." Juicy Paillette Shift Mini Dress. $178, www.saks.com
KEEP: Staples, but Update Them with Accessories

There's no reason to part with any of your basics -- like this beige pencil skirt. Ready them for spring with bright or patterned accessories, from scarves and belts to bracelets and shoes. "Take key pieces that you loved for fall and mix them up with things for spring and summer," advises celebrity stylist Mary Alice Stephenson. Gap Clean Pencil Skirt. $39.50, www.gap.com
BUY: An Art-Inspired Top

If you're going to splurge on one item this season, make it a bright, painterly top that can be paired with a wide range of separates already in your closet. "Things that look hand-painted make fashion look distinctive," says Neiman Marcus' Ken Downing. ADAM Starry Night blouse. $245, www.shopadam.com
KEEP: Your Trusty Flats

The flats you've been living in for the last few seasons still work for spring, particularly in a neutral color to balance this season's bright colors and prints. "It's a great way to pare down color," advises stylist Mary Alice Stephenson. Abaete for Payless Hayworth Flat. $30, www.payless.com