Don’t let Christina Aguilera be your style muse. Not this season, anyway.
Spring fashion takes a break from the ultra low-riders and peeping thongs of the recent past to bring back the polished, preppy looks that defined the ’70s. Classic polo shirts, crisp khaki pants and candy-colored shift dresses are some staple items for your closet.
But remember: Just because the look is conservative doesn’t mean it has to be low on sex appeal. Wear everything bright and fitted to avoid looking like a frumpy soccer mom.
Says Constance White, the style director for eBay, “You’re making a big mistake if you don’t have fun with it and use it to look sexy.”
Looking for a general rule of thumb? Think country club, not strip club.
White offers these recommendations:
Polo shirts: With or without the sleeves. Just make sure they are women’s. “Don’t wear those big polo shirts. Get your own little sexy, skinny version.”
Shift dresses and skirts: Wear them in bright, tropical prints. Wear them short and super-cute.
Seersucker jackets and pants: They come in all shades. Pink, blue, green, red and they’re a fresh alternative to suits.
Tennis sneakers: Classic brands like K-Swiss and Keds are cool again.
Argyle: On camisoles, cardigans, sweater sets, even bags. Don’t worry — the modern interpretation of this print is very un-librarian.
Sunglasses: Wear a pair that has a contemporary twist on the classic preppy: “Cross between Ray-Ban and Jackie O.”
Look at the label: If it says it’s made by any of the following designers or retailers, it’s probably worth wearing. (All prices are for a standard polo shirt.)
– An Original Penguin by Munsingwear (www.originalpenguin.com): $42.
– Brooks Brothers (brooksbrothers. com): $44.50 to $59.50.
– J. Crew (jcrew.com): $28 to $38.50.
– Lacoste (lacoste.com): $69.
– Lilly Pulitzer (lillypulitzer.com): $55.
– Polo Ralph Lauren (polo.com): $52.50.
