Simplifying This Spring’s Trends: Top 10 Ladies’ After 5 Essentials

2. The White Revival. There is nothing more powerful looking than a women embracing a white outfit, especially this season. We know white can sometimes be intimidating, but this Theory tunic can put any insecurities to rest. The lean – but not clingy - fit and textured Italian knit fabric is very forgiving, flattering, and really very comfortable. (Wear a cami for full coverage.) It looks effortlessly chic paired with white loose trousers like the ones shown (that can also be purchased through the ‘shop it’ button) and is just as beautiful with linen trousers. Petite ladies should not be afraid to wear a tunic like this wide leg pants – just add a high heel. This top also looks great with skinny jeans, or a slim trouser in a color like pink or bold blue.

3. The New Pants Silhouette. Culottes are back. There, we’ve said it. But before you skim right past this, we have found a pair that gets our stamp of approval. These Bailey 44 pants have a beautiful weight to them and the fabric is deep and saturated – ideal for a night out, they can also be worn to work. The single pleat gives them a more tailored quality that doesn’t feel extreme or overly trendy. The fit is much more universal than most Bailey 44 pieces (we suggest sizing down if you are between sizes). They aren’t overly billowy like some culottes can be, so they balance beautifully with a simple blouse and work wonderfully with a fitted blazer, too. To keep the look elegant, we suggest pairing them with a strappy heeled sandal for a night out, though a metallic flat sandal is chic, too – especially if you’re taller.

4. The Feminine Suit. This Halston Heritage combines the re-emergence of the suit with the one-piece ease of a jumpsuit for the most modern update to the LBD (Little Black Dress) we’ve found – and fell in love with – in a long time. Ladies, this is edgy and sophisticated at the same time. You literally can’t help but feel sexier and tougher when you slip this on. And once you do, the work is basically done. Add your sexiest heels in black or metallic with a cuff bracelet or long necklace  and you are ready for a romantic dinner, cocktails, or an elegant party. While this is a contemporary line, the fit is easier and goes up to 14. It comes with the belt and has pleating at the waist to provide some structure and shape. Any tailor can add a stitch or hook to the neckline for more coverage.

5. The Bold & The Beautiful. Chetta B’s floral print, grounded in black, gives it a sophisticated feel that is amazing for women of all ages, And in sizes 2-16, that’s the idea. It’s made of a scuba material that is thicker, with some stretch, so it’s very forgiving. The seams above and below the waist also help create an hourglass silhouette, while the exposed zipper down the back is a great architectural finish to the ladlylike print.

6. The ‘70’s Inspired Top. We love a good wrap-style. And with ‘70’s inspiration in full-force this season (and next), we are happy to find the best ones and indulge. Diane von Furstenberg knows a woman’s body and how to create the perfect wrap style for it like no other. We’ve talked about this “ballerina” style in others colors and materials before, Today, we’re all about the simplicity of this silk/cotton black version. It looks amazing pulled tight with a simple tank top – or nothing- underneath and a high-waisted pair of jeans or trousers. And it is also an utterly amazing layer over a dress, as shown here. Whether you are wearing a simple sheath, something a-line, or a shirtdress, this wrap cardigan provides coverage for your arms and belly, while providing waist definition and curve at the same time. Once you get it on, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

7. The New Look of Denim. We’ll be diving into the world of spring denim next week, but here’s a little sneak peak. Just as tops are seeing influences from the 1970’s, so are jeans. And while this can get tricky, there are some higher rises and wider legs that are grown-up and truly flattering. 7 For All Mankind has done it right with this pair. The deeply saturated wash has some nice stretch to it and no distressing, so the wide leg creates a beautifully slimming shape. And instead of a typical 5-pocket style, these jeans have trouser-style front pockets so there is no break to the elongating shape. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and elegant. The slim, contemporary fit is balanced perfectly with a beautiful blouse tucked in, the wrap sweater we just talked about, even a blazer, and a classic pair of heels or wedges.

8. The New Shoe Height. While wedges and platforms are regaining ground, the simple elegance of a pointy toe, single-sole pump is still the frontrunner. With “summer suede” and shades of pretty blues and pinks being at the top of our most-coveted lists, these J. Crew pumps deliver on all counts. The heel is high, but at 3 ½” is actually manageable for a lot of us. We love pairing them with the unexpected, like rolled up boyfriend jeans, as well as wide leg linen or white cotton trousers. And of course, they work with almost any dress. This minty blue is perfect – even with denim – and it also comes in a striking coral and a couple of neutrals.

9. The Night Bag. The envelope clutch is the perfect update for your simple, black clutch. The size is a bit bigger than clutches were a few years ago, so even your iPhone 6 Plus will fit, along with your other essentials. The zipper edging gives it a modern update that pairs nicely with the tougher leather – a perk when you are laying it down at restaurants and bars. The price of this leather Rebecca Minkoff is pretty amazing, too – especially when you see how much use you get out of it, for casual nights out to more formal affairs. While black is easy and goes with everything, the soft blue and peacock turquoise (also through the 'shop it' button) are great for spring.

10. The Final Touch. Necklaces are going in a couple directions – long and layered or short and choker-inspired. A true choker can be tough to pull off if you don’t have a long, elegant neck. But this version from Jules Smith looks great on everyone. Click through the 'shop it' button to see it on a model. It’s actually curved to lie comfortably against your clavicle and can be adjusted as needed. But it feels nice and sturdy once it’s on. It can dress up or down, and is simple enough to wear for work, with a cocktail dress, or jeans and cute top.