Metro Friendly

Walking through the cobble-stoned streets of New York, it is apparent that spring has arrived as nearly every woman is wearing a light and airy monochromatic dress flush with embellishments.  Mainly bold with color in addition to fluid ornaments placed elaborately on the neckline, these dresses are elevated to a level of stylish reform.  From a ruffled collar on coral blue silk to a belted navy blue cotton dress with a drop necklace of round silk buds, embellishments create lines and change the mood of these one-toned dresses. With the hemlines cut above the knees, these summery dresses are perfect around this time of year.

-Janice M. Chow

The Spring 2009 catwalks were covered with floral prints, which couldn’t be more fitting for the season.  The femininity and flirtiness of floral dresses were blooming in the collections of Oscar de la Renta and Tracy Reese, so it’s no wonder that this trend would translate off the runways.

Floral dresses have a slight countryside reference, but place them in the middle of Milan and they couldn’t be any trendier.  These flowy dresses are wind-sweeping and flattering.  Do not be afraid to be daring with the colors because now is the time to stand out amongst the whites and neutral tone colors with electric blues, yellows, and purples.

-  Monica Papagna

A casual printed shirt can really go the distance if worn properly. This reliable staple is a wardrobe must-have regardless of style and trend. Whether watching a live band or taking a casual stroll at the promenade, a printed shirt is just right and fitting for the hip and trendy. One can never go wrong with pairing this oh-so-reliable piece with the power-hungry boyfriend blazer or the super chic high-waisted and thick-belted skirt. Of course this wardrobe essential can also look great with the right textured leggings or a pair of fabulous heels. So for those thinking of tossing these good old shirts out in to the oblivion, you might just want to reconsider since a good printed shirt equals a vintage treasure.

- Celine Bayla
photos: Naoko Iwata

The trend of pairing black opaque tights with denim bottoms came from the street, rather than the industry. It’s a simple concept that celebrities and civilians have embraced. It’s been seen in London as far back as January and is still a lingering trend, and for good reason. Such a combination makes the legs look slender while staying stylish and warm. The look ranges from casual to slightly more sophisticated as these women wear denim and tights while meeting a friend for macaroons or walking across the park. As the London Times said recently, “Luckily for us, black opaques and shorts—particularly denim—go together like [rockers] and Kate Moss.”

-Jill Carin Adams of streetstylelondon.blogspot.com