Spring is here, so it’s finally time to put the winter clothes away and enjoy the sunshine! Okay, if your weather it’s cooperating (it’s pouring rain as I write this), you can still embrace the new season with your style. As with every season in fashion, new trends welcome us as consistently as April showers – but should you chase after this newness and buy a whole new wardrobe? No! Figure out which trends you like and which ones are right for you, and then filter them into your wardrobe deliberately and sparingly.

If you’re not sure which trends work best for your figure or lifestyle, check out my quick spring trend edit to decide which to adopt, which to avoid, and how to make it work if you just love it.

BOLD COLOR

I’m a sucker for bright and bold color as much as the next fashion guy, but not everyone can wear it. Certain colors flatter certain skin tones better than others, so be aware of this when you’re putting bright colors next to your face.

Who it works for: As a general rule, warm, bright colors work best on olive and darker skin tones, while cooler colors flatter fair skin – but there are always exceptions. An easy rule of thumb is to put the color next to your face – does it make your skin look radiant and vibrant? Does it make your eyes pop?

Who it doesn’t work for: If the color brings out ruddiness, yellow undertones, or otherwise looks less than flattering, you might have to pass this one by…

How to make it work: The above rules only apply with colors that are next to your face – so if there’s a color you’re dying to wear that doesn’t flatter your skin, grab it in a pant or skirt, or find an amazing shoe or bag!

*photos from J'adore Fashion and Everything Fabulous*

PASTELS

Pale pastel shades (think traditional Easter colors) are everywhere this spring – but they can be super tough to wear. They easily wash out lighter skin tones, and don’t always complement darker skin, either. If you’re contemplating investing in a pastel top, jacket or dress, make sure it looks good on you (see the tips above). And if it doesn’t, don’t worry, there are many colors of the rainbow.

FRINGE

Fringe is fun with its sassy movement, and you’ll find playful fringed accents in tops, dresses, skirts and even accessories. But with fringe comes maintenance – it can get caught in car doors, it may get wrinkled if you’re sitting on it all day, and it requires periodic ‘brushing’ to get it all back in alignment (so to speak). So, my recommendation is to leave the fringe at home during the workday and prioritize it for social activities.

Who it works for: Anyone who likes motion and movement and wants a few flirty pieces for playtime. Just be aware – fringe can go from cool girl/edgy to boho/cowgirl to showgirl, so pay attention to your intentions.

Who it doesn’t work for: If you spend all day with the kids, in and out of your car, you’re super low-maintenance, or your dog will see fringe as more of a toy and less of a fashion statement, you might want to be sparing in adopting this trend.

How to make it work: Any kind of fringe requires some attention, but the easiest and most adaptable way to wear it is as a small accent (a few inches) at the hem or sleeve, as opposed to a fully fringed skirt or foot-long fringe at the bottom of your dress.

*photos from Her Campus, Moda Operandi, Layers of Chic*

ASYMMETRY

The cold shoulder trend is over (thankfully), and this is its evolution – the one shoulder top. It’s a great way to be sexy without showing too much skin, but definitely something that’s more appropriate for the weekend than the office.

Who it works for: Anyone who wants to show a little skin and loves their collarbone and shoulders.

Who it doesn’t work for: If a strapless bra isn’t in your repertoire, then either are these tops.

How to make it work: There are many choices in asymmetrical tops, but there are also options in dresses and skirts, too. And you can play with where the asymmetry is placed – for example, a top with an asymmetrical hem can be super flattering to your hips and leg line.

*photos from Style Pantry, Style of Sam*

POLKA DOTS

Wearing prints is an easy method to bring interest and dimension to your outfits – and dots are a pretty straightforward way to do it. Most dot prints are just 2 colors (black and white is a spring favorite), so it’s not an alarming color frenzy for the pattern-phobic. And they’re also a bit whimsical, in a geometric kind of way.

Who it works for: If you love prints but haven’t tried dots, now is the time. Options are out there in various silhouettes and price points, so you can invest appropriately based on how much you think you’ll wear it. And if you’re ready for print mixing, try a stripe and dot combo!

Who it doesn’t work for: If polka dots aren’t your thing, don’t force it. And that goes for most things in fashion.

How to make it work: One great thing about a pattern trend is that most people can wear it, as long as you pay attention to scale. As a general rule, keep the print in scale with your frame. If you’re on the petite side, avoid overly large dots, and if you’re on the bigger side, avoid super small dots (although sometimes rules are made to be broken…).

*photos from Soraya Bakhtiar, Camille Styles, Boden*

TIE FRONT

Tie front tops (ones with an actual knot) are everywhere right now, and for good reason. They are super flattering since they call out your waist, which makes your legs look longer and can balance out your overall proportions. And styles that are on the looser side are appropriate for most body shapes.

Who it works for: Anyone who wants to call out their waist in an easy, laid-back manner (and prefers not to tuck). The trend does translate as a bit casual, but a tie-front silk blouse is completely appropriate for a business casual office.

Who it doesn’t work for: The trick with this trend is to have the knot fall at the right spot. If you’re long-waisted, it may fall too high, resulting in a tie front crop top. And if you’re specifically short-waisted, it may be too long and make extra fabric puddle around your middle.

How to make it work: This trend works for most figure types, just be aware of where the knot hits (see above). And be open to trying petite styles or tall styles (even if this isn’t normal for you) based on your proportions.