On the Edge of Spring: Rock 'n' roll Fashion Favorites by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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On the Edge of Spring: Rock 'n' roll Fashion Favorites

With spring right around the corner, now is the time to take stock of your closet and think about adding some new clothes and accessories that will give your wardrobe a new edgy look. There are lots of bargains in the stores and new items are arriving every day. Don't be too practical. Have some fun. Let that inner glam rocker roll with the tough stuff. Take your style list and start checking it off:

— First, add some distressed denim. Holes or not, it's up to you, but the latest way to do jeans is down and dirty. A pair of denim leggings teamed up with a studded bomber jacket and high heels is a rockin' way to hit the spring fashion stage.

— Grab some studs. The heavy metal is out in full force this season. Whether it's a casual studded tank top or a handbag trimmed with grommets or a gladiator sandal sprinkled with silver metal beads, hardware is the trendy way to go this spring.

— Zip it up. Another way to rock your wardrobe with an edgy flair: zippers. Look for dresses, tops and accessories with exposed zippers. These are meant to be seen. The bigger the better!

— Add some leather. Even when the weather turns warmer, leather is still a great way to put an extra dose of tough love in your closet. Instead of dark and dreary, brighten up a leather bomber jacket in a soft neutral color (pearlized white or cream tones really rock) and pair it with a girly ruffled blouse.

— Chain, chain, chain.

Yes, chains are all the rage ... from long strands of metal chain necklaces to chain straps on handbags and shoes ... put some chains of love in your fashion life. I've collected lots of silver, pewter and black necklaces to pile on this spring. I'll add white in the summer.

— Go utilitarian. Military chic is another way to give your wardrobe a trendy touch this spring. Think cargo-style shorts and capris. In distressed denim, they really go over the edge.

— Mix it up! Take your feminine pieces — sheer tops, pencil skirts and sundresses — and give them a twist. Top them off with "tougher" items: boyfriend-style jackets, patterned "Grandpa" cardigan sweaters and denim vests.

— Supersize it. Nothing says "over the top" more than a few accessories that are on steroids — statement necklaces with large stones, bracelets with leather bands or handbags with huge buckles. Think big. It only takes one item to make this fashion scene rock.

— Never forget the shoes. Another accessory that can make or break a look. This spring, strappy metallic heels, studded wedges, ankle cuff flats and open-toe booties all rock when finished off with edgy hardware.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.