Pretty clothes have made a comeback, and they're just the lift a wardrobe needs. Attitude and forceful style have their place, but who wants to tough it out all the time?
Feminine and refined is the way spring looks. Dresses and suits are shapely and finished with dressy little bags and fancy heels. They are clothes women can call their own, with not even a hint of masculine inspiration.
However, this femininity is built on serious construction -- more seams and pattern pieces are necessary to shape fabric to the female form. There is more attention to detail with pocket treatments, appliques and even some buttons and bows. Designers are also bringing a lightness to the season in their choice of a gentle palette. The newest spring tints are the color of fruit blossoms and glazed jelly beans. Sweet, yes, but with surprising pop after too many tasteful neutrals.
-! It's a fine time to dress up.
SHOPPING INFORMATION
Cover and left--Jacket, $355; vest, $175; skort, $135, by Ellen Tracy at Saks Fifth Avenue. Bracelet, $68, at Trillium. Earrings, $60, at Octavia.
Page 6 -- Gown, $138, by MICA at the White House. Slides, $35, by Sam & Libby at Woodward & Lothrop. Earrings, $72, at Trillium.
Page 7 -- Jacket, $570; skirt, $275, by Russell Bennett at Ruth Shaw. Earrings, $105, at Octavia.
Page 8 -- Suit, $650, by Kathryn Dianos at Panache. Sandals, $210, by Pincaldi at Joanna Gray. Earrings, $40, at Trillium. Bag, $25, at Precis.
Page 9 -- Jacket, $360; vest, $220; pants, $218, by Laurel at Saks Fifth Avenue. Bracelet, $120, at Trillium.
Page 10 -- Suit, $350, by Bicci at Panache. Sandals, $49, at Precis. Bracelet, $95, at Octavia.