Atlantic City Weekly

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What's Popping up This Spring

Fashion trends include shirtdresses, lunchtime facelifts and textured dos

By Sharon Harris-Zlotnick --> This past winter created some fashion confusion because January temperatures registered as some of the highest on record. For days, people in this region pulled out their warmer weather wardrobe instead of their thickest coats and sweaters for the cold winds.

As May approaches, the spring weather is for real. Warmer weather is here for the next several months and it is time to go out and shop for something new to wear.

Expect natural colors to be displayed next to black and white ensembles, this year's most prevalent combination. Distinct patterns and designs highlight the color contrast. And remember, even white comes in various shades, so choose one that compliments skin tone.

Ladies, work those calves and thighs a bit harder at the gym this spring. Legs and hips, even if hidden by fabric, will affect the lines of the clothing this year.

Dresses and fancier shorts appear on clothing racks everywhere. Reminiscent of the Donna Reed and June Cleaver days from 1950s television, shirtdresses are more stylish and comfortable for daytime, even at the office. Many are made of silk blends, which are appropriate for evenings out to dinner.

Shirtdresses flatter all body shapes. The collar and buttons running down the front draw attention to the face while the tighter and belted waist provides some shape. For women conscious of their hips, the full skirt either hides a heavier lower body or bulks up thinner hips. Look for both bold prints and solid colors with subtle patterns.

The jersey is another option for dress lovers. It conforms to a woman's shape and breathes for comfort and coolness. The fabric's sheerness is also a tell-all for garments underneath, so proceed cautiously to prevent the dreaded visible panty line. Wearing appropriate seamless lingerie or a one-piece body slimmer that smooths any bumps in the figure is key. It will also hold the body in place when walking.

Skirts and dresses are styled into tiered looks, which softly add volume to the lower body. The gradual tiers prevent the silhouette from appearing too puffy and wide. Skirts with high waists are paired with tucked-in shirts.

Adding subtle ruffles to the tiers soften and dress it up for those special occasions. Feminine styling is an important fashion element. Whether homemade or store bought, crocheted sweaters are appealing additions to wear over dresses or jeans, which remain a mainstay of everyone's wardrobe. Switch to lace on warmer days.

Younger women can more easily pull off this frilly look without looking matronly. It may seem too "sweet" for older women, especially at more sophisticated functions. Women in the workplace may tie in the softer, lacey look with their business suits or slacks.

In more casual work settings, slacks may be replaced with walking shorts worn as suits with matching jackets. Wear only the longer Bermuda-type shorts to ensure appropriateness. Whether to wear them at all depends on a woman's shape, because not everyone looks good in them. To project a long and slim line, avoid cuffs and anything too full or cut to the knee because that adds bulk around the hips, which few women can afford to emphasize.

Choosing the right shoes is essential. Heels create a tall, slim illusion. Platform shoes, updated from the disco days, have reappeared with colorful fabrics and covered stacked heels. Stiletto heels from some top designers have reached an unbearable five inches.

Comfort comes with a price tag. Flats may feel good, but they visually add bulk to the calf. The crisscross sandals and wedges that have strings or fabric ties look great, but also draw attention to the leg rather than the foot. Be honest when assessing how good they look, especially with shorts. Open-toed heels complement shirtdresses, so keep feet neat and clean.

Men will not need to make as many wardrobe changes as women this year. Daniel Billet, of About.com's fashion department, suggests a few updates to freshen the look. Wear a new pair of dark washed jeans with a casual loafer or retro sneakers. Top it with a fitted buttoned-up shirt and a blazer. Add a white or distressed leather belt with a metallic buckle. As always, neat polo shirts look good with almost anything.

Accessories stand out this season for women and men. Handbags are mostly oversized, regardless of a woman's height or shape. Big bags are being shown in all geometric shapes, including circles, squares and, occasionally, a hexagon.

Soft leather and colors like pink and gold are now considered neutral shades for the spring and summer. The leather may be etched with floral designs on the sides.

Popular design styles also feature bags with long straps that cross over the body, similar to the schoolbags of years ago. Evening bags have been reworked into embroidered, straw or distressed leather day clutches. The short buying season for straw bags continues through late spring.