8 Trends You Must Try This Season (And 4 to Skip)

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Trends to Skip

When it comes to these runway looks, ladies, just say no.

Volume If a tall, thin model can't make it look good... Choose one full piece (top or bottom), and keep everything else sleek.

Photo: Chris Moore/Getty Images

Harnesses

Avoid unless you want to look like you're auditioning for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Wear the dress, sans restraints.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Overalls

Best left to children and actual farmers. If you must, treat them like boyfriend jeans and wear a fitted top underneath.

Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Short Suits

I live in cosmopolitan NYC and I still can't condone this. Save shorts for the beach...and give this poor girl a skirt!

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Knit Dresses

Every woman should have a Little Black Dress, but why not add a Little Knit Dress to your fashion repertoire as well? The bodyhugging but light fabric holds you in, while the skater-style skirt flatters every figure. And yes, it's sexy, but that doesn't mean it isn't versatile—pair with a blazer for day; lose the jacket at night. Remember to wear with seamless undergarments.

From left: Pink Tartan, $425; saks.com. Lauren Ralph Lauren, $179; ralphlauren.com.

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

The New Stripes

Classic sailor stripes will never go out of style, but here are three fresh ways to walk the line.

Clockwise starting top left

The New Nautical
Veronica Beard, $695; saks.com

Faded Railroad Stripes
Citizens of Humanity, $228; nordstrom.com

Multicolored Circus Stripes
Rory Beca, $205; rorybeca.com

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Photo Prints

These pieces are as pretty as a picture, literally: Their patterns are based on actual photographs. Wear the blouse with skinny pants, or if you just want to dip your toe into the trend, try these adorable flats.

Blouse, $260; clovercanyon.com

Flats, $155 each; Charles Philip Shanghai; shopbop.com

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

The University Blazer

I just love a good jacket. The right one adds polish and structure to an outfit and projects confidence. My new favorite styles are the university blazer and the cropped trench: Both are slimming because of their nipped-in waists and are appropriate for work and weekends alike.

From top to bottom:

ICB, $595; icbnyc.com

Simply Vera Vera Wang, $68; kohls.com

$150; bananarepublic.com

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

The Cropped Trench

Clockwise starting from top:

$398, coach.com

Tommy Hilfiger, $278; 212-223-1824

$550; burberry.com

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

Clear Heels

Yes, clear heels can be very pole dancer. And I am not one to advocate stripper wear. But I do like pretty—not clunky!—transparent heels, a light, springy alternative to your basic pumps.

Stuart Weitzman, $398; 212-750-2555.

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

White Accessories

Oprah loves a good white bag, and it's easy to see why—they freshen up any outfit. But they do require upkeep (see below). For an easier version of the look, try a white watch.

"Don't wear white bags with white shoes—too nurse-y." —Adam

Clockwise from top left:

$98; elliottlucca.com. $350; corneliaguest.com. DKNY, $295; macys.com. $898; coach.com. $80; express.com.

How to Care for White Handbags

1. Protect your bag with a conditioner like Apple Brand Leather Care, says Marvin Rosen of Superior Leather Restorers in NYC.

2. Avoid pairing with jeans, or bottoms with rough finishes like linen, as the dye is more likely to rub off. "Knits, nylons, and satins are fine," says Rosen.

3. Stubborn stains, like jeans dye, can't be removed without damaging a bag's finish. Rosen suggests a refurbishing treatment, though it's not cheap.

Photo: Devon Jarvis/Studio D

White Watches

From top to bottom:

1. $95; skagen.com

2. Hamilton, $725, Macy's; 800-622-9748

3. Citizen Eco-Drive, $650; amazon.com

4. $295; michele.com

5. (Right) May 28th for Kate Spade Saturday, $50; saturday.com

Next: How to wear 60s-inspired black-and-white fashion this spring