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If
you've been to the mall or looked around online recently here in the
Northern Hemisphere, you know that stores are already overflowing
with clothes for spring. While the morning talk shows and glossy magazines
will be telling you the season's "must haves" over the next
few weeks, eye them with caution: many of the trends you'll see will
be over before you get your credit card bill.
So
what SHOULD you really look at?
Styles
that not only look great but also withstand the test of time. If you're
going to spend your hard-earned money on clothes, you want them to
be fashionable for more than a blink of an eye, right?
That
said, here are your best bets for Spring 2004. These are the styles
that will look fresh for several warm weather seasons, so you can
wear them with confidence for a couple of years, then part company
when they're worn out and you're ready to try something else:
1.
Light Weight Pea Coat
The
pea coat continues to be a favorite this year, moving into
warm weather with lighter fabrics and colorful choices. Pair
it with your work clothes for a casual look, or glam up your
casual clothes with this fresh twist on a classic favorite.
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Gap.com |
Macys.com |
2.
Denim
Will
our love affair with denim ever end? Not anytime soon. Stock
up on your favorite styles to see you through the season,
and try them in versatile but unexpected colors, like black,
beige, pink, or whatever strikes your fancy.
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Newport-News.com |
ClassicCloseouts.com |
3.
Trench Coat
First
designed by Burberry for use in the trenches by World War
I British soldiers, the classic trench has been popular with
civilians ever since. This season offers a new spin on an
old favorite in lengths, colors, and fabrics that both flatter
and delight.
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LaRedoute.com |
Anne
Klein
Macys.com |
4.
Preppy
The
classic preppy look returns with a fresh look for a new generation.
The Polo shirts, cardigans, Capri pants, cotton tees, shift
dresses, and pleated skirts that have been staples in Ivy
League wardrobes for years make a return engagement for everyone
else this season. Stock up on your favorites - this trend's
going to be around for at least a couple of years.
|
Chadwicks.com |
Inc
International Concepts
Macys.com |
5.
Travel Chic
If
you like to travel or just wish you could, here's a fun trend
that is as refreshing as it is timeless: travel chic. From
safari looks and symbols of the orient to bolero jackets and
cityscape prints, you can play to your wanderlust without
leaving your home. Have souvenir items from past trips sitting
in a drawer somewhere? Pull 'em out and put 'em to use!
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Sterling
Silver "Chinese Signs" Forzieri.com |
NormThompson.com |
6.
Bright Colors
Need
something bright and cheerful to make you feel bright
and cheerful? You're in luck! This season's electrifying colors
will sweep the dark cold days of winter from your mind with
their bold, sassy tones. Want to be particularly au courant?
Then be sure to grab something in pink, the season's "it"
color.
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ColdwaterCreek.com |
Elisabeth.com |
7.
Floral Dresses
There's
nothing like a pretty bunch of flowers to herald the arrival
of spring - or a pretty floral dress to wear on the hottest
days of the season. If you want to look fresh, cool, and very
spring-like, indulge in one of these not-so-garden-variety
frocks.
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Roamans.com
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Rampage.com |
8.
Eye-Catching Tops
Want
a little something to spice up your warm-weather solids? Try
one of these head-turning tops for a little "fun in the
sun". Pair them with pants, skirts, Capris, or shorts
for a variety of spring and summer looks.
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CrossingPointe.com |
Catherines.com |
9.
Cropped Pants
Another
long-time favorite that's enjoying a multi-season run, cropped
pants are a great way to enjoy the warm weather without having
to bare your legs in shorts. If you're self-conscious about
your gams, whether you're eighteen or eighty, add some cropped
pants to your wardrobe. But do exercise a bit of caution,
however. These tend to visually shorten the leg, so opt for
tapered styles instead of flared if you're petite, and pair
them with neutral-colored shoes.
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LaRedoute.com |
Spiegel.com |
10.
Black and White
There's
nothing quite so simple yet elegant as combining black and
white in warm weather. It's a timeless arrangement that looks
good at any age because it packs a dramatic punch. Pair your
year 'round blacks with some basic whites and see what kind
of comments you generate.
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ColdwaterCreek.com |
Inc International
Concepts
Macys.com |
It's
easy to incorporate trends into your wardrobe so long as you do so
judiciously. Look for styles that work with your existing pieces and
splurge on those time-honored looks that look great year after year.
It's the best way to make the most of your clothing budget.
What?
Looking for
something a bit more "of the moment," and don't care whether
it can work beyond this season? Then take a look at some of the hottest
trends of the year (only if you subscribe to Fashion
Savvy).
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Diana Pemberton-Sikes
is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic,"
an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into
workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com
.
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