When spring fashions show up online or in the stores, there’s often an audible groan. Why? At first glance, the selections can look like island party fare: sheer fabrics, slip dresses. Is everyone on vacation? Professional and modestly dressed women looking for summer attire feel left out.

There’s also the woman who favors clothes and accessories that are classic and elegant all year round. Women who enjoy refined and sophisticated fashion will shade their eyes from the bright colors and flashy prints and hope for better choices when fall rolls around.

If this is you, believe me when I say this: This is your bonanza year for fashions that suit your style statement. Let me give you a few examples.

Bust Out in Beige

Someone could look at beige and not even register that it’s a color. But a woman with a refined eye can see beige and swoon—especially if that shade is good with her skin tone. A lot of designers showed head-to-toe beige outfits. Call it oatmeal, sand or stone—it’s a color to love. Could you be new to beige? If you want to project a vibe of quiet assurance, do it in this color. If wearing it head-to-toe feels like too much, find a piece or two and wear it with your separates. You’ll quickly discover a silk blouse, trousers, dress, skirt or trench to fall in love with. 

Follow That Suit

Suiting is always smart, and this season’s suiting has a modern spin to it. Discover skirt suits or pantsuits with great tailoring. Designers took to suits in a big way, but added choices in brighter colors and even matched prints. It might be your year to purchase a suit in soft mauve, clear blue or teal. Wearing a suit in a fabric with a sheen will punctuate the elegance of two-piece dressing.

Highlight the Shoulders

Wear a blazer with structured shoulders. You can find them in black for that ultra-classic look or consider shopping for a novelty blazer that you can wear with your favorite dress or skirt style for a change of pace. The cut of the blazer, the quality fabric and the terrific tailoring will ensure it sends the right message.

Go Classic With a Trench

The trench exudes style. You may wear a trench to work over a silk blouse and your choice of classic pant style—narrow or full-legged trousers. If your trench has sheen or is made of silk, you could easily use it in a cocktail-ready outfit. Change into a dangling earring, pack a small purse, and you’re ready to meet friends for drinks after work. 

Add Structure to Your Handbag

I’m sure you’ll notice macramé and patchwork floppy bags this season, but keep looking and you’ll discover there are plenty of handbags that have more structure to them. The briefcase is back in style, and a framed bag will look chic and polished. You may find yourself attracted to bags that match coats or dresses. Check it out!

I’d be delighted to help you tick off all the boxes of your classic style in pieces that are modern and fresh this season. Let’s connect!

Tehillah is a NYC-based image consultant, closet editor and  personal shopper and is available for private consultations.

By Tehillah Blech Harris

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