Spandex
It makes people apprehensive to hear that spandex is coming back. It's understandable. It conjures up the memories of 9-year-olds in huge sweaters with those god-awful stirrup pants. Well, dear readers, not to worry! The leggings and unitards of 2006 are not to be worn alone, except for the most daring (not recommended). Instead, it's primarily a layering piece that is especially cute paired with short skirts or dresses, and a warmer alternative to sheer tights for certain. Get the look at D.C.'s new sweatshop-free American Apparel, located near Metro Center, where leggings go for $26 and unitards for $32 in a variety of colors.
Yellow Ochre
As it was with fall/winter 2005, collections are gaining a lot of influence from Victorian England - not just with high, modest necklines and velvet, but by taking an ugly color and making it actually look good. Yellow ochre has been transformed this season from an acrylic paint staple to something worth wearing. However, as charmingly ugly and eye-catching as this color may be, it should be taken in small doses (think a cute springy trench or a skirt paired with other colors), and if it's not flattering with a particular skin tone, opt for accessorizing with it with bangles or a tote bag. Try the mustard-colored rhinestone hobo bag from Urban Outfitters for $58.
Lacy Dresses
Spring ready-to-wear runways were veritably flocked with frocks reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or a Victorian garden party (another tribute to Victorian days of old). Most of these are glorified lacy baby doll dresses, but somehow the lace and updated looks, like the tunic dress, are gloriously appealing, perhaps due in some part to the youthful, revitalizing effect that spring has on dead winter psyches. These dresses are adorable, and if the adorable look won't cut it, pairing the look with heels or cowboy boots can add the appropriate amount of vamp to the outfit. In the cold winter months preceding spring, try wearing one over jeans or with colorful opaque tights.
Warhol's 1970s
Fashion critics are all abuzz that thanks to the filming of Factory Girl, starring Sienna Miller as Edie Sedgwick, edgy, mod 70's clothing is making a reemergence. Miller's role may have a small part to play, but the increase in this style, both on the streets and the runways could just be because it's awesome. First, girls with Nico-style haircuts started showing up, and now lovely, loose-fitting mini-dresses and fantastic contrast prints are paying tribute to the style gods of the Warhol era. The key to pulling off Warhol superstar style is maintaining an androgynous look and sticking with short dresses and skirts and cute flats or boots. Also, take advantage of very geometric shapes and symmetrical articles of clothing with huge buttons.
Waist belts
Another '80s trend is back from the dead, and it's actually palatable. Skinny waist belts have now become predictable with sweet dresses, but now is the time to wear them with virtually anything. A thick decorative waist belt is going to look nice with a long tunic top or a high-waisted skirt as well as any dress. An adjustable one increases versatility - allowing it to be worn low-slung over the hips or high on the natural waist.
Skinny jeans
That nerdy seventh-grader isn't the only person wearing tapered jeans anymore! Skinny jeans are the most rock-star item of clothing to invest in this year, whether with a pair of boots during the cold winter months or with cute flats come springtime. To increase rock star quotient, try a pair like Lux's black skinny jeans for $68.
