Spring Trends

The snow is melting, the birds are singing and the sun is staying out longer; I think it is safe to say that spring is finally starting to show its face. Soon enough, it will be time to leave the North Face puffers and snow boots in your closet and to start wearing your spring and summer staples. There are definitely a few key spring and summer 2010 trends to embrace. Thankfully, they are adaptable enough to work into wardrobe pieces you already own.

1. Delicately Revealing Looks

Seen at: Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jason Wu

This trend may seem daunting at first, especially considering that most runways showed sheer shirts over exposed bras. There are, however, definitely realistic ways to work this trend into your wardrobe. You can layer a sheer blouse or lace top over a lace tank, or you can pair a corseted top with your favorite jeans. The key is to keep the look tasteful and classy; do not be too revealing.

2. Patterns

Seen at: Dries Van Noten, Anna Sui, Tory Burch, Versace

Patterns were everywhere on the runways for spring and summer 2010. Florals, tribal patterns, polka dots and stripes, among other patterns, were all mixed-and-matched and layered together. The key here is to pair prints of complementary colors that have similar sensibilities; you do not want to grab any two patterned pieces and wear them together. Try patterns in neutrals or two tones of the same print, but don't go overboard.

3. Classic American Sportswear

Seen at: Rag & Bone, Rosa Cha, DKNY, Michael Kors

The idea of simple, sophisticated dressing is back. On the runway, designers showed updated versions of classic separates and sophisticated silhouettes. Red, white, and blue were used tastefully, and mixed with neutrals and classic pieces, such as a T-shirt dress or a crisp button-down. The look was 21st century yacht and country club attire, and don't forget your denim. Denim is back in a big way for spring and summer, and has been seen on everything from your standard jeans to blazers and even overalls.

4. Clean Lines

Seen at: Calvin Klein Collection, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine

While the look of simple lines and a basic color palette could be seen as boring and contrived, designers made it look anything but that on the spring and summer runways. Simple color contrasts and neutral color palettes were made sexy with flowing fabrics, sexy cutouts and high slits on the leg. Less was definitely more, in more than one way.

5. Utilitarian

Seen at: Balmain, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson

This trend is arguably the biggest for this spring and summer. The key is to combine strong, utilitarian pieces with delicates pieces, like your lace tank from trend No.1, perhaps? On the runway, army jackets and cargo styling were combined with beautiful neutrals, like olive and khaki, in addition to soft pastels. The key is to balance sporty with the bohemian and the tough with the chic.

The key to correctly wear these trends is to keep your proportions balanced, and to avoid wearing all of them at once. All of these trends can be worn subtly or boldly and can be perfectly mixed in with pieces you already own. You want to have a simple fierceness to your look.