Spring Into Fashion

Making sense of the spring runway

By Annette Richmond and Sherry Maysonave

Everything old is new again. There's nothing like the pages of a fashion magazine to illustrate that line. As I browsed through the spring issues I felt like I was back in school again.

Looking at the peasant blouses, charm bracelets, ruffled shirts and little floral dresses brought back fond memories of the 60's and 70's. If I only had kept my clothes and my dress size, I'd be right in style today.

While I'm hardly a fashionista, I think fashion is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, much of the trendy, fun stuff is not appropriate for a business environment. At least not if you want your boss and colleagues to take you seriously.

With this in mind, I asked Sherry Maysonave, author of Casual Power; How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success and image expert on career-intelligence.com, for some advice. Here Sherry's suggestions guaranteed to help you get through the spring season in style.

Sherry's Dos and Don'ts

Looks that are strong this season that "DO" work for office or business environments:

1. Black & white combos, in tailored styles
2. Sling-back shoes
3. Ruffles on blouses (as long as they're not low cut)
4. Ruffled scarves (these mimic the peasant blouse look)
5. Raffe belts; a bit of the fringe look without being extreme
6. Silk suits and separates (yes, silk is appropriate for daytime business wear)
7. Lady-like suits
8. Sweater sets
9. Wedge shoes, closed-toe/closed heel
10. Micro-check stockings (a version of the fishnet; best worn to the office with pants or a long skirt)
11. The White blouse
12. High-collar jackets
13. Tunics, especially those made of linen and silk

Looks that are strong this season that "Do Not" work for office or business environments:

1. Peasant blouses, particularly off-the-shoulder styles
2. Low-rider (hip hugger) pants are risky (especially if your top rides up, showing your navel)
3. Gauze fabrics, usually found in the peasant or 60's flower child look
4. Floral dresses, jackets, or pants (include them in a top or scarf)
5. Capris and jeans
6. Charm bracelets (too noisy)
7. Sandals, open-toe shoes
8. Asymmetrical one-shoulder tops
9. Ruffled skirts (too social)
10. Flirty dresses and tops, the eyelet slip dress (spaghetti straps, like a slip) or top, tube dresses and tops, key-hole dresses and tops that show cleavage
11. Lace pants
12. Denim (check your company's dress code)
13. Fringe, in skirts, bags, and belts (a belt may be okay if the fringe is subtle)
14. Asymmetrical skirt hems (could be risky if extreme)
15. See-through fabrics
16. Fishnet stockings