#4: Romantic Florals

everything's coming up roses at Dolce & Gabbana, Dries Van Noten, Thakoon, Stella McCartney & Balenciaga

Florals make it fun to be a girl, but indulging without inducing sugar shock can be tricky. To keep clear of grandma territory, an edgy shoe is mandatory - a la Balenciaga with a beefy gladiator or a chunky strappy sandal. Also, no droopy shapes! The juxtaposition of ethereal print vs. strong fabric makes it modern, so look for crisp fabrics and more structured, figure-flattering silhouettes.
Alternatively, smell the roses with accessories. Try sexing up an otherwise standard khaki shirtdress or neutral sheath with flashy floral pumps and a standout bag.

Some floral options to try to for this look

#5: Full Skirts

billowy skirts abound at Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Anne Klein by Isabel Toledo, Alexander McQueen & Christian LaCroix

A full skirt is a feminine, flattering way to be easy & breezy this spring. Because of the amount of visual volume, create a balanced silhouette by nipping in your waist with a belt, and choose a fabric that swishes and moves. While a print version is fun, you'll get the most fashion mileage out of one in inky navy or black.   

How to rock you new black full skirt

#6: Crayola Bright Colors

oh brighten up, already...like Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Lanvin, Marni

Brights are one of the best things to happen to the tyranny of all-black - take a cue from A-list runways and take the color plunge. Unsure if you've crossed the line from more-is-more to way-too-much? Go the Marni route with neutral accessories and shoes in shades of chocolate, cafe au lait and brown (try: KJL teardrop earrings from MaxAndChloe.com,  a ginormous wood cuff by Kara Ross, Banana Republic's Greenwich oversize shoulder bag in the mocha-hued Pebble shade, and uber-chic gladiator flats or the new chunky sandal by Pierre Hardy for Gap).

Here are some exuberantly colored options to try