Spring Fashion '07: A Blank Canvas

This spring, try creating your wardrobe like a painter creates her masterpiece: start with a blank white canvas. Then use shots of bold color in the form of belts, handbags, shoes, or jewelry to make a statement all your own.

One of the most popular silhouettes this spring is the shirt dress, plucked back to the realm of modern fashion from the marvelous '50's. The silhouette is modest, flattering, and comfortable, and particular styles range all the way from sharp and mod to downright dollish. There's a shirtdress out there to fit every fashionista's personality. Though wrap dresses are yet another very viable option. The Proenza Schouler shirt dress featured sports all of the classic menswear details of your boyfriend's nicest dress shirt, and adds an unexpected twist to an otherwise prim and polished ensemble.

A word on white: Some women shy away from white for obvious reasons--it supposedly does the opposite of black. Not necessarily so! White done right can be both flattering and utterly eye-catching. However, if you're the type of girl that inevitably gets strawberry sorbet on her white summer skirt, black and white pattern dresses can serve this purpose just as well, and have a unique look of their own. Prints are also sure to flatter less-than-perfect figures. The Allen B Schwartz printed shirt dress pictured is a lovely example. You can also mix it up and try the same idea with a shirt dress in a plain color.

Now that the canvas is set, get ready to apply your artistic genius! This season is about bold, vibrant colors. And they're tropical, all the way: Grass green, turquoise, sea blue, flamingo pink, sunshine yellow, mango orange. Pick your favorite and look for accessories that make a statement. Wide belts, bangle bracelets, bright bags (slightly oversize, please), and colorful shoes are a sure bet.

The beauty of this trick is that you can use bright accessories to draw attention to your best assets. Tiny waist? Put on a wide, bright belt. Matter of fact, try out a wide belt even if your waist isn't Reese Witherspoon's--the width of the belt will actually create the illusion of extra slimness through the waist. Head-turner of a neck? Unbutton that collar, pull your hair up, and put on a pair of bright, eye-catching earrings. You can find lots of earrings along these lines from the Urban Outfitters website. Always yearned for an excuse to buy a pair of vibrant-colored shoes? Go for it. Don't limit yourself with fear of going over the top, either. Buy a couple of unique pieces in a beautiful color that makes you happy--you'll come back to them again and again.

Don't forget that less is always more--go for minimalism, not impressionism. Let one or two pieces that compliment each other have center stage, and you'll have people in awe of your crisp, bold spring look.