How to Rock This Season's Hottest Looks

They've come a long way since that voluminous pair you wore in grade school. To get the look right, choose a style that hits between the knee and the calf, wear a sleek top, and select shoes carefully: They should be as breezy as your culottes—check out the model's cork platforms or try a loafer or flatform sandal, and skip the pumps and stilettos!

Culottes, $295; RebeccaTaylor.com. Top, $188; Equipment, 646-277-6497. Bag, $365; EtienneAigner.com. Shoes, Michael Michael Kors, $145; Macys.com.

Cool blues are the hottest color of the season. Any aquamarine piece will give your wardrobe a boost, but wearing the shade in unexpected ways will really up the fashion factor.

Olive-colored cropped pants bring a pale trench and strappy heels down to earth.

Coat, $550; RebeccaTaylor.com. Top, $250; ToryBurch.com. Pants, Lisette L Montréal, $112; Lisette-L.com. Shoes, $128; AnnTaylor.com.

Pair it with pastels instead of the usual neutrals for a fresh take on color blocking.

Suit jacket, $128, and pants, $79; TheLimited.com. Tank top, $168; Magaschoni.com. Shoes, SJP, $395; Nordstrom.com.

A jewel-toned clutch and shoes add a surprising—and elegant—touch to a fit- and-flare dress.

Dress, Tadashi Shoji, $408; Nordstrom.com. Bag, Diane von Furstenberg, $398; DVF.com for similar styles. Shoes, $665; CharlotteOlympia.com.

Yes, you can wear it without veering into Jessica Rabbit territory. Just remember these rules:

1. The skirt's already sexy, so keep the rest of your outfit modest. Pair the skirt with a button-down, not a cleavage-baring top.

2. This is not the time to choose a mini. Go knee-length or longer.

3. Shoes should have a little height to flatter the legs. Try stacked-heel sandals or wedges.

Skirt, $255; TimoWeiland.com. Top, $79; AnnTaylor.com. Belt, $98; B-lowtheBelt.com. Shoes, $298, Aerin.com.