Spring Top 10 Fashion Essentials by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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Spring Top 10 Fashion Essentials

It always helps to have a plan. Even if you're not a diehard follower of fashion trends, it helps to occasionally refresh your wardrobe of basics with a few new pieces. Buying at least one new stylish "must-have" each season can stretch your choices and give you new options. Here is a quick shopping checklist of the top 10 essentials to consider adding to your closet this year:

—A Menswear Jacket — This one piece can transform both your casual clothes as well as your professional wardrobe. The best menswear-inspired jackets and blazers this spring take their cues from the tuxedo look. Wear these updated classics over striped jeans or shorts for casual occasions: over skirts or dresses for work or more dressed up events.

—A Floral Dress — The flowers are blooming in profusion this spring and summer and popping up on dresses everywhere. The sheath dress is still a big favorite, but strapless sundresses are another way to get this warm-weather look — a perfect choice for Easter, graduations and summer weddings.

—A Pencil Skirt — Think Betty Draper of TV's "Mad Men" and wiggle into one of these hip-huggers that have been a fashion basic for a long time. This season, try a graphic color-blocked print to give your jackets and blouses a mod '60s flair.

—A Pair of Printed Pants — Now that many of us are used to wearing colorful bottoms, it's time to go the second step and put some pattern into those pants. From pastel watercolors to sophisticated animal prints to digitalized graphics, it will only take one pair of these to instantly project your solid basics into the future.

—A Ruffle Blouse — It's all about combining the feminine with the masculine this year and adding a frilly blouse to your wardrobe will give those menswear-inspired separates a romantic twist. Designers provide a variety of versions of this blouse — from ruffed collars to poet cuffs. Worn under suit jackets or on their own, these are great for updating a new look for the office.

—A Slouchy Suit — And speaking of office attire, there is more good news.

The skinny pants may still be a fashion favorite, but this spring and summer, it's time to loosen up. "Slouchy" (Remember, this does not mean sloppy.) jackets and trousers are making their way back into the style spotlight. Boxier blazers paired with roomy pants give us all an alternative to the slim side of the fashion equation.

—A Leather Piece — The perfect transition piece from winter to spring is leather — whether it's a fun motorcycle jacket or a flared skirt or pair of lace-look pants. You will even find leather dresses available this spring. In lightweight leathers — the more colorful the better — you can layer these pieces with novelty sweaters and denim for weekend getaways or team with more structured jackets for the office.

—A Colorful Handbag — If there is only one thing you buy this spring, this is it — even if you are a fan of a simple black and white wardrobe, this bold accessory will give you an instant hit of "with-it-ness." And you can pick your favorite hue and style — from emerald green totes to pastel floral clutches.

—A Pair of Chunky Heels — The heel's the thing this year in footwear trends, and even better news — the flats are back, too. The clear Lucite heels are really stepping out in a big way, but there are plenty of other statement-making heels to choose from — in all heights. These are another instant hit for your wardrobe.

—A Metal Choker — The long rope chains and bib necklaces may be on their way out according to the style experts, but there's one jewelry silhouette that is taking over the neckline this spring. Watch for "cage-like" and floral designs in metal chokers to give you a sophisticated finish to a casual T-shirt or silk dress.

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.