Careful choices in spring can boost wardrobe all year

But fashion is moving in a new direction, one that doesn't require you to turn your closet completely over every time we enter a new season.
"I think there are a lot more transitional pieces that work all year round," says Regina Haymes, market director for Marie Claire magazine. "Silks and chiffons, traditionally saved for summer and spring shows, are now being shown for fall and being layered with tights, boots, sweaters and jackets."
She says you can take your favorite silk or satin sundress, pair it with a chunky cardigan and tights, or layer a thin-gauge turtleneck underneath it, and take your favorite summer fashion into the winter.
Layering is a trend the runway has revived for the past few seasons, she says. It allows for options instead of having to buy things that are heavy or only in your closet for the winter.
Laura McGrew, owner of Tomboy Design Studio in Kansas City, Mo., says making clothes last through the whole year is as simple as mixing and matching.
"In the fall and winter, people wear darker colors, and you can take some of those darker items and mix them with brighter colors and pastels to update your look without buying an entire new outfit," she says.
Another trick is buying items that can be worn year-round, like a mid-length skirt or denim Capri pants. McGrew says you can pair these items with strappy shoes or boots to reflect the seasons. Leggings are also an easy accessory to take skirts and shorts through cooler days.
Reserving the fun and flirty for the summer is no longer necessary. Items like gaucho pants, the polo dress and the color white can be worn every season.
"There are fewer rules in fashion," Haymes says. "It's about having pieces you really love to wear."
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TRY A POLO DRESS
Spring
A polo dress is breezy and fun paired with leggings and ballet flats for spring.
Summer
On those sunny days, wear your dress with flip-flops and keep it moving.
Winter
When it's cold out, layer a thermal underneath and sport your polo dress over jeans.
Fall
Or on those days when it's not too cold but far from hot, wear your polo dress with your favorite hoodie, a pair of tights and some flavorful boots.
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ALL-SEASON WEAR
A few key pieces for a year-round wardrobe:
Leggings and tights - Good for taking your favorite dresses, skirts and shorts through the cooler seasons.
Denim - A pair of fitted jeans that can be cuffed up or down is easy to pair with pieces from all seasons, whether it is a dress, a cardigan, boots or flats.
Layering tees - Long-sleeved thermals and T-shirts make it easy to take your favorite summer and spring wear into the winter and fall.
Cardigans and hoodies - If you want to add warmth to your favorite summer shirts, go with these lightweight pieces.

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