This is a season of rebirth and it couldn't be more evident than the grab bag of style available.
Designer runways offer tasteful suggestions and alternatives, but they are no longer mandates.
Shoppers, ultimately, pick and choose from the styles that are most persuasive, refreshing and appropriate for them — as it should be.
There's much to love in the collections of Jason Wu, Vivienne Tam and Halston. Each is on to the casual elegance of earlier eras. Minimalism in an ode to the Seventies is seen in wide-legged jeans, maxi skirts and tailored waist-whittling shirt dresses.
Jason Wu's spring collection brings stunning simplicity to ladylike jackets, flower prints and dresses with nipped waists and teacup skirts. His amazing camel trousers are a throwback to Katherine Hepburn and Hollywood's Golden Age.
Tam captures femininity with a collection built around dusty nudes, peaches and blushes.
Iowa-born Halston returns womenswear to simple formalities.
We explore the renaissance, and show you how to get designer looks on a working girl's budget.
THE DESIGNER: JASON WU
Jason Wu has mastered the art of minimalism (pulling things together without trying too hard). Wu's spring runway was filled with leggy girls in big sunglasses, beige trousers and cream Parisian blouses.
Socialite Olivia Palermo always mixes styles and price points. She'll rock a high-end Hermes bag with a moderately priced Mango blouse.
JCPenney just launched MNG for Mango, an affordable way to bring minimalism to your wardrobe. Pair the line's beige trousers with a crisp cotton shirt. Pull it all together with a thin tan belt and tortoise shell sunglasses. Splurge on YSL's Muse bag or save with a $79 MNG for Mango lookalike.
THE DESIGNER: VIVIENNE TAM
Vivienne Tam makes amazing silk dresses with crocheted and beaded treatments. Her lace tunics, embroidered dresses and kaftans have a very feminine quality. Slip on flower-embellished flip-flops and grab a metallic hobo bag (Norma Kamali makes a fun $16 version for Walmart) and head out for a weekend getaway.
THE DESIGNER: HALSTON
Halston's dark beige romper is comfortable and easy. A Tucker for Target knockoff sells for less than $50. Halston's black sheath is reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy's style. The high neckline balances the sleeveless cut, and the cinched waist accents the female silhouette.
Temperly for Target makes a little black dress that is chic and affordable.
For day, wear it with loafers; Alice and Olivia for Payless makes a cute black-and-white pair. Or play dress up with taupe wedges by Christian Siriano for Payless.
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