Time to give yourself a break. As the warm weather approaches, loosen up and slip into something more comfortable, and embrace a new way to dress by flouting the fashion rules. Here are a few ways to wipe out those old "dos and don'ts" and put a new spin on style this spring:

—Mix Your Prints — Plaids mingle with checks; stripes blend with florals — it's the year of the mismatched print and pattern. Don't be afraid of this trend. Many designers have done all the work for you by incorporating whimsical designs that are meant to be worn together — an abstract-print skirt with a checkerboard-print jacket; a floral-print pant with a watercolor washed T-shirt. If you're more adventurous, you can create your own pattern play with the clothes already in your closet. There is one rule of thumb that does make putting prints and patterns together easier — stick to one color palette from head to toe. If you're plus size, combining smaller prints and darker backgrounds may be a more flattering combination.

—Wear leather — Who says wearing leather is just for cold weather? With major advances in technology, manufacturers can produce leather in lighter-than-ever designs, making the fashion-forward favorite a year-round staple in our wardrobes. And let's face it — there is still plenty of cool weather ahead. This spring, check out the lacey laser-cut-out leathers in skirts, jackets and accessories like shoes and handbags.

—Slim it down — More and more designers are advising us all to dress to fit our bodies no matter what our size. Forget the old thinking about hiding behind billowy separates that float around you. Instead stick to clothes that fit, curves and all. Don't rule out this season's skinny jeans and high-rise pencil skirts. With innovative stretch fabrics, you'll be able to find lots of designs that not only flatter whatever shape you are but are comfortable, as well.

—Wear sheer clothes to work — Really? Well, of course there are some limits to breaking the rules — but spring and summer is the perfect time to bring out the sheer stuff and make it work for you in a whole new way, even for work. Just layer T-shirts and camisoles underneath to give your see-through blouses and jackets a professional twist.

No, your bra alone will not do. Sorry.

—Pile on the accessories. Forget the "Look in the mirror before you leave the house, and take off one thing." This spring and summer, the best way to go out on the town is to go with the mantra "More is more." Of course, it's all about individual style. But it's easy to do the statement necklace, plastic cuff bracelets, the big cocktail ring and the fringed handbag — all at once. Getting through the fashion metal detectors has never been so much fun.

—Dress your age. NOT! Yes, hot pants and mini-skirts may be out for the over 70 set, but more and more women love to experiment with trends designed for everyone. Remember the old rule, if you've worn it once, you shouldn't wear it again? Well, many of us may have had a "Mod" moment or two, but we're ready again to dance in the streets with bold graphic print dresses, suits and accessories. This is one trend for all ages — sans maybe those hot pants. That Vidal Sassoon haircut is on my to-do list!

Mix up your prints. Vera Wang pairs different black and white abstract prints in this cropped cardigan and skirt for her Simply Vera Vera Wang collection at Kohl's.

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.