Spring 2010 is about mixing the outrageous with the elegant. There is a nod to past trends; however, this spring fashion is taking a big step in a new direction. Smart and sexy looks paired with sporty and delicate styles. Spring will see lots of leather and lace, sequins and metallics, fluid fabrics, and plenty of draping and ruffles. Corsets do double-duty as outerwear along with lingerie-inspired dresses.

There are sleeveless trench dresses and jackets, single colour blocks in head-to-toe white, slightly more sophisticated mini dresses, and textured webby knits. Hold on to those hound’s-tooth checks, one-shoulder dresses, tie-dye prints and Parisian-inspired pieces from the last two seasons, as these still find favour in 2010. Harem pants have been replaced by slinky jodhpurs and jumpsuits.

Many of the forthcoming spring looks can be re-worked with existing pieces from previous seasons. The jumpsuit, trench, biker jacket and classic shirt dress are just a few of the styles which continue to be fashionable this spring. Boyfriend blazers get a 2010 makeover with floral prints and tie-dye continues to be hot.

Key Looks for Spring 2010

Head-to-Toe White
White is the new black. Head–to-toe crisp white may not be the most practical of colours but whether it’s classic shirtdresses, shorts or pantsuits – the rule is go white head-to-toe. Remember to accessorize the shirtdress with some statement jewelry to minimize any danger of looking too matronly.

Leather – Jackets & Pants
Whether it’s a soft leather jacket, skin-tight trousers or masculine boots, the leather biker look is hot, hot, hot, for spring. You will see leather in black, brown or tan. A butter-soft biker jacket has become a wardrobe staple whether you are a 20-something or 50-something. This is one fashion piece well worth the investment.

Lingerie-Inspired Trend
Innerwear worn as outerwear with lingerie-inspired lacy dresses and see-through corsets channel soft and feminine rather than sex kitten. Sheer fabrics give a peak of flesh through mesh cut-outs or sleeves.

Jumpsuits and Jodhpurs
Jumpsuits continue to flourish in everything from sporty with hoods and zippers to single shouldered jumpsuits with sequins to denim overalls. Wear them with cropped jackets and statement neckpieces.

Very Short Shorts
Hot pants and boy shorts are making this spring all about legs. Pair them with knee high or over-the-knee socks for an unexpected sweetness to contrast with the super-sexy. Be sure to balance this look with sporty jackets, draped embellished tops and substantial footwear like ankle boots or clog-style sandals.

Short in the Front, Long in the Back
T-Shirts, blouses and tunics just got a make-over! They are now short in the front and long in the back. This style is called the fishtail shirt. The back can be as short as a few inches longer than the front or as far down as the knees. For this extreme style, dress the T-Shirt or tunic with something simple so that this fantastic trend can be the focus.

Ripped, Torn and Patched Denim
A great thing about this trend is that the fashionista can manifest this trend with what they already have in their closet. Pair with a simple white tee.

Sack Dress Trend
Easy-to-wear simple sack dresses are one of the spring’s hottest numbers. No heavily structured shapes here, just elegant comfortable styles which skim the figure, in all colours of the rainbow or classic white. Wear them with some gold gladiator flats, or metallic silver heels for eveningwear.

Looser Pants
For the last 10 years, skinny pants have dominated leg wear. This trend ultimately led to the legging revolution for the last 5 years. This spring, there are much looser pants, suggesting a possible end to the skinny jean decade.

Neutral Tones
Neutral tones create that elegant, barely there look. Champagne, beige and all shades of grey are in. Part of the reason why this neutral colour style has emerged is because there is so much print and energy in other trends this season, which suggests that neutral will also outlive these other trends.

Heavy Print
You will see bold geometric patterns and animal prints in everything from boyfriend sweaters to fitted pants. This trend both complements and contrasts the neutral tone style. Stripes are still in, but not in their usual form. Expect stripes to take on a new almost optical illusion feel. Heavy print leggings are going to be especially hot for spring.

Masculine Elements
Blazers and vests are still in, but now they are worn with shorts and leggings. Big shoulders are coming back as well, meaning that the 80’s are now officially a vintage era. You can play up the masculine tones with a feminine accessory such as a hair band, locket or bracelet.