When winter is as long and cold as it has been, there's no better way to welcome spring then by updating your look and getting back outside with your fashion-forward look.This season, the look is feminine, classic and trendy, with silhouettes inspired by the 70s and 80s and some styles that have transcended from the past few seasons.
However, the focus isn't entirely on the hottest looks, it's also about being practical and spending your money wisely while keeping your wardrobe current, said Robin Keeler, fashion director at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
"I've been telling women that the days of random shopping are over and we have to think in terms of investing in the best quality we can afford...and that will mean different things to different people, Keeler said.
All you need is a few key pieces each season to add to your existing wardrobe to update it or make it trendy. Whether it's a pricier item like a coat or a less expensive option such as an accessory, Keeler said you don't have to spend a lot to look great.
"It's now about becoming smart shoppers and searching out great statement pieces for your wardrobe that you know you're going to wear and wear, and that will define your look, but be classic enough to take you into seasons beyond," she said.
That being said, there are new must-haves for 2009, but the good news Keeler said is many of these items will be trans-seasonal and have longevity, like the large tote or hand bag with a shoulder strap bag. It's hot this year, but also practical.
"It's a fabulous investment and the better quality you can afford the longer it will last," she said.
However, if you are a petite person, an oversize bag may swallow you up so think about proportions.
The trench coat is also a must have this spring and summer and Keeler said you can spend around $60 to upwards of $300 or more to get the look. Either way if you get a quality coat it could last you for five or more years.
She suggests purchasing one that's mid-length and in a neutral colour or black, which makes it easier to pair with many outfits. But, colour is also big this season so buy one in a coral or a lighter pastel shade if you choose.
Speaking of colour, yellow has been declared as one of the hottest colours for the spring season and Keeler said while there are many shades of it, yellow can be a difficult colour to wear because it doesn't flatter all skin types.
"You have to be careful, but a piece of advice I always give is if you don't think you can wear it up around your neck, there's so much yellow out there in accessories, shoes, bags, jewelry. Pick an accessory in yellow that will brighten and refresh just about anything in your wardrobe," she said.
There are four main styles in pants to look out for. The crop pant, where the length falls midway between mid-calf and the ankle, the slouchier trouser pant that is relaxed, roomy and comfortable and very wearable, and the skinny pant.
A throw-back to the eighties, the harem pant has returned. This pant will not suit everyone as it's fuller in the hips and they taper at the bottom.
"If you lived through it once, like I did, we don't do it again," Keeler said.
Something that never goes out of style is the blazer, which Keeler said is a crucial wardrobe staple. It comes in a variety of fabrics, colours and shapes and it can be over-sized, fitted or double-breasted.
"The great thing about it is that it works with everything this year. It works with the dress pant. It works with jeans. It can go over a frilly top, a T-shirt, it's just so versatile," she said.
Tops this year have gone back to being feminine with the classic white blouse available with a lot of details and ruffles, and the cardigan is still hot from the fall season. Keeler said the cardigan comes in a variety of colours and can really multiply your fashion options.
"I love talking about these versatile pieces in a season when people are concerned about buying and the cardigan will keep it new and give you lots of mileage," she said. "It's a perfect finishing touch for a layering look and works in the office and on the weekends."
Another hot item this year are short shorts, and Keeler said while this is a huge trend you must have good legs to wear them. "You got to be young and they never belong at the office and for day. They're probably best with a flat shoe, but girls are wearing them with high heels."
For the more mature woman, city shorts around the knee would work or a pencil skirt, which is lady-like and polished.
In shoes, high heels are a bit chunkier and ballet flats are fast becoming a wardrobe staple surviving the past several seasons. But the hot shoe for this season is the gladiator sandal Keeler said, which this year appeals to a broader audience as they can be a flat, chunky or skinny heel.
Following that theme, there are three new dress-styles that are big this season, one of which is the Grecian-style dress with beautiful, draping silhouettes. As well, dresses with soft, delicate floral patterns are in this season, along with romantic looks that are feminine and have ruffles or rosette clusters.
Accessories are big bold and colourful this season and Keeler said it can be ethnic-inspired, chunky or mix and match.
"Big rings, necklaces, stacked bangles, bracelets and you don't need a lot of it, it's too much, one statement piece is enough," she said.
Keep in mind, while fashion seems to have a lot of rules and trends, the idea is to always consider your body type and personal style. Only add a few trendy pieces each season to spice up your staple wardrobe that should contain classic and investment pieces that have staying power.