The Hunt: Spring Preening

Thanks be to the gods of fashion. This is not one of those years when it's necessary to dump out your closet and start from scratch in order to keep up. With designers favoring a bevy of highly adaptable trends, you can extend the life of your existing wardrobe—making some old favorites newly fabulous—with just a few strategic purchases.

 
1. BOOTIES

The mini boot is sticking around for yet another season. The current incarnations are strappier and lighter than their clunky fall counterparts, ideal for the New England winter-to-spring transition: They look equally chic with patterned tights as with bare legs and a tan. The most mod—and over-the-top—of the bunch are Acne's black peep-toes ($600, Achilles), while Chanel's version lightens up on the intensity with a neutral-toned wedge heel ($850, Saks Fifth Avenue). You'll find more-downtown takes at Stel's, such as LD Tuttle's space-age design made of anthracite ($515) and Rachel Comey's simpler wooden-heel ankle boots ($345).

2. SLOUCHY TROUSERS

Not since the halcyon days of the baby-doll dress has a trend as comfortable as the new relaxed trousers emerged. And this time—if you wear them properly, with a slim top—you won't look as if you're expecting. The looser thigh is flattering on almost every body type, and there's a variety of rises and fabrics to choose from. Both 3.1 Phillip Lim's khaki wool-ramie pants ($375, Dress) and Massimo Alba's metallic linen version ($350, Serenella) can be worn casually with flat sandals or jazzed up with kicky booties. For those willing to experiment with a head-turning silhouette, Alexander Wang's silk charmeuse pair starts higher on the waist, balloons at the thigh, then tapers at the ankle ($425, Stel's).

3. THE BEIGE DRESS

With the color du jour being no color at all, this one's a no-brainer. A frock in dark cream or nude tones can play backdrop to the season's scene-stealing accessories or, even more easily, make a sexy statement when paired with understated accoutrements. At the top of the food chain is Lanvin's blush-hued silk shift ($1,490, Alan Bilzerian). Sold at Dress and significantly more affordable, Vanessa Bruno's rosy ruffle-neck silk dress with three-quarter-length sleeves ($554) and faintly peachy, pleated sleeveless number ($572) hit the spot and can be worn for day as well as evening.

4. MEGA-EARRINGS

In our opinion, the return of door knockers is fantastically overdue. And now that they're back, they're back in full force. At Louis Vuitton, for instance, some of the earbobs look as though they were plucked from an elementary school solar-system diorama, combining brass hoops with wood and resin ornaments; others resemble key rings from a mythical tribe ($560–$1,050). For those who might not want to wear quite so much cash on their lobes, Mint Julep offers a wide selection of affordably priced statement-makers by Metal Monk and By Boe (around $50 per pair), and Moxie stocks Viv & Ingrid hoops embellished with crystals and semiprecious stones ($160–$210).

5. THE BRIGHT, OVERSIZE BAG

No matter the price point, spring's best handbags don't take themselves too seriously. Tory Burch's bold graphic totes ($225, Moxie) marry a classic sensibility with freewheeling charm, while an aqua-accented animal print makes Roberto Cavalli's carryall look fresh ($1,035, Serenella). And in colors like violet and yellow with beaded embellishments, Louis Vuitton's leather Kalahari line ($2,660–$5,800) avoids feeling stuffy.

 

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