Break out of a fashion style rut this spring. After a long winter of cocooning, it’s time to peel back the layers and add on the personality. Put some fun back into your wardrobe, and break up all that winter monotony.

Spring Breakups

Reawaken! Refresh! Revive! Here are a few ways to take a vacation from a boring closet:

Break out of the grey

Stash the 50 shades of grey, black and brown, and look for colorful clothes that are way out of your comfort zone. Yes, you can start small. Skip the long, flowing tangerine caftan and go for a poppy red tunic that pops wtih a great pair of white jeans and gold sandals.

Break out with accessories

Another way to start small. Accessories are easy ways to break out of a style rut. Wildly patterned scarves are one of the best ways to update classic neutral-colored separates. Opt for a beautiful silk one for spring in your favorite color.

Break out the new shoes

It’s time for those feet to breathe once again. Move the boots to the back of the closet; book a pedicure; and slip into a new pair of pointed-toe flats or platform clogs. Then you’ll be ready for those gem-encrusted sandals when the next sunny day arrives and you really feel like taking a break from the city pavement.

Break out the blouses

Most of us tend to rely on a few basics for the bottom half — our favorite jeans, classic black trousers, the wear-with-everything pencil skirt — so when we need to break some old “patterns,” the top half provides us with the perfect solution to a new look. Try some of the new graphic gingham check prints for a change.

Break out of a pattern

Refer to above. A new print or pattern, whether it’s on a top or a dress, can do wonders for our wardrobe’s outlook. It may not be a trend for everyone, but pattern clash is one of fashion’s newest ways to get fresh. One rule of thumb: Keep the print small on top, larger on bottom.

 Break out the new dresses

Spring is full of all kinds of special occasions — weddings, graduations, etc. — and buying a new dress to wear is one of this season’s best reasons for a shopping excursion. The shirtdress and the wrap dress in colorful florals are updated classics that offer flattering fits, and the denim dress is one of best trends to try for a casual day.

Break out of leggings

You’ve worn them all winter, so now it’s time to cool it with culottes, board shorts or a shorter, flippy skirt. Longer maxi skirts are another way to mix it all up. The good news? Any length goes, so pick what looks best on you and go for it.

Break out of the old

Spring and summer are traditionally big travel times of the year. Don’t forget to translate that into your wardrobe. Pick up a new floppy hat at the beach; a new bracelet at the flea market; a new pair of earrings at the antique fair. Wherever you go, embrace the local artisans and break into a new style season.

Check out new prints for spring. Caribbean blue gingham popover blouse from jcrew.com.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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RELEASE: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

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