Spring weather can be pretty, but it can also be pretty extreme. How does one dress for freezing mornings, rainy afternoons and balmy evenings? Sharon Haver, a stylist and fashion reporter who runs "<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.focusonstyle.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">FocusOnStyle</a>," shares practical solutions based on the latest runway looks. <br /><br />For example, scarves can be a lifesaver, she said. Double one to use as a muffler when it's cold, wear it down when things warm up or consider a neckerchief, as Dior and MiuMiu showed in their Spring 2013 ready to wear lines.
8 spring wardrobe solutions —
Spring weather can be pretty, but it can also be pretty extreme. How does one dress for freezing mornings, rainy afternoons and balmy evenings? Sharon Haver, a stylist and fashion reporter who runs "FocusOnStyle," shares practical solutions based on the latest runway looks.

For example, scarves can be a lifesaver, she said. Double one to use as a muffler when it's cold, wear it down when things warm up or consider a neckerchief, as Dior and MiuMiu showed in their Spring 2013 ready to wear lines.
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A short-sleeve sweater can be the perfect solution for in-between weather. Wear them on top of a long sleeve shirt, Haver said, "and the sleeve that is sticking out becomes the accent." Pair a short sleeve sweater with a lace blouse for a more textural look. This layer is especially useful at the office, she said, where modesty is important and the temperatures are likely cool all year round.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
A short-sleeve sweater can be the perfect solution for in-between weather. Wear them on top of a long sleeve shirt, Haver said, "and the sleeve that is sticking out becomes the accent." Pair a short sleeve sweater with a lace blouse for a more textural look. This layer is especially useful at the office, she said, where modesty is important and the temperatures are likely cool all year round.
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Spring sends Haver straight into "shoe discombobulation," she said. Boots are too hot, but it's not sandal weather yet. What's really needed, she said, is a low or midheel, closed-toe shoe. Kitten heels and "flatforms" (platforms without a high arch) are making frequent runway appearances, replacing the sculptural, ridiculously high platforms recently in vogue, she said. But these are tricky shoes to wear, Haver said. "They can make your leg not look as long," she said, so try before you buy.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
Spring sends Haver straight into "shoe discombobulation," she said. Boots are too hot, but it's not sandal weather yet. What's really needed, she said, is a low or midheel, closed-toe shoe. Kitten heels and "flatforms" (platforms without a high arch) are making frequent runway appearances, replacing the sculptural, ridiculously high platforms recently in vogue, she said. But these are tricky shoes to wear, Haver said. "They can make your leg not look as long," she said, so try before you buy.
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Flippy, short skirts -- a major statement at the spring shows in Paris -- are on trend for 2013, Haver said, but who wants to wear a breezy chiffon skirt in 50-degree weather? Take heart, there's a way! Spring's new hemlines "look fresh worn with dark hose or tights," Haver said. Tights help you transition into lighter weight clothes in your wardrobe, she said.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
Flippy, short skirts -- a major statement at the spring shows in Paris -- are on trend for 2013, Haver said, but who wants to wear a breezy chiffon skirt in 50-degree weather? Take heart, there's a way! Spring's new hemlines "look fresh worn with dark hose or tights," Haver said. Tights help you transition into lighter weight clothes in your wardrobe, she said.
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"I think everyone should have a really nice trench coat no matter what," Haver said. Olive, black or white trench coats are perfect for this spring. "Notice I didn't say beige," she said, which look a little more "rainy day" against the bright cobalts and yellows shown on runways. Another trench trend is a larger arm. While trench coats have shown a more tailored look recently, going into fall you'll see a larger, retro silhouette. "A vintage trench will put you ahead of the game," Haver said.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
"I think everyone should have a really nice trench coat no matter what," Haver said. Olive, black or white trench coats are perfect for this spring. "Notice I didn't say beige," she said, which look a little more "rainy day" against the bright cobalts and yellows shown on runways. Another trench trend is a larger arm. While trench coats have shown a more tailored look recently, going into fall you'll see a larger, retro silhouette. "A vintage trench will put you ahead of the game," Haver said.
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The perfect pants for spring, as modeled by this Parisian pedestrian, are a pair of black, straight-legged pants hemmed to right above the ankle, Haver said. "A little bit of ankle baring" makes it modern, she said, and black is a perfect neutral to pair with brighter colors. You can wear them with flats, pumps or ankle boots, she said. The pants should be more or less at your natural waist; not skinny (think more straight than tapered): and in a lightweight wool or cotton blend.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
The perfect pants for spring, as modeled by this Parisian pedestrian, are a pair of black, straight-legged pants hemmed to right above the ankle, Haver said. "A little bit of ankle baring" makes it modern, she said, and black is a perfect neutral to pair with brighter colors. You can wear them with flats, pumps or ankle boots, she said. The pants should be more or less at your natural waist; not skinny (think more straight than tapered): and in a lightweight wool or cotton blend.
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The embellished sweatshirt may be the most radical makeover this athletic top has had since Jennifer Beals' "Flashdance" days. Seen here in Paris, the embellished sweatshirt can be made of cashmere or decorated in prints -- even a hologram print, Haver said. "It looks really pretty with a pencil skirt or straight-leg pants," she said, and is very practical for unpredictable weather.
Spring wardrobe solutions —
The embellished sweatshirt may be the most radical makeover this athletic top has had since Jennifer Beals' "Flashdance" days. Seen here in Paris, the embellished sweatshirt can be made of cashmere or decorated in prints -- even a hologram print, Haver said. "It looks really pretty with a pencil skirt or straight-leg pants," she said, and is very practical for unpredictable weather.
Francis J. Davidson for FocusonSyle
"Corduroy is back," Haver said, "and has been for about two years now." And they are a wardrobe staple that wears easily for most of the year, she said. Stick to thin whale corduroy for a look that works for fall, winter and spring, and make sure there is lycra in the fabric to alleviate sagging in the knees and seat. "I like the look of corduroy pants in colors," she said. "Corduroy jackets tend to read more fall, but (pants) in a brighter color like cobalt or orange would be nice for spring."
Spring wardrobe solutions —
"Corduroy is back," Haver said, "and has been for about two years now." And they are a wardrobe staple that wears easily for most of the year, she said. Stick to thin whale corduroy for a look that works for fall, winter and spring, and make sure there is lycra in the fabric to alleviate sagging in the knees and seat. "I like the look of corduroy pants in colors," she said. "Corduroy jackets tend to read more fall, but (pants) in a brighter color like cobalt or orange would be nice for spring."
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