Scans from People Style Watch’s latest issue.

Spring is coming, and with it comes a whole new set of fashion “rules.” As the weather heats up, clothes get lighter, shorter and more comfortable, but you also must start shaving your legs daily, getting manicures and pedicures, applying the self-tanner…you know the drill. Summer can be a pain. Just keeping yourself looking good is hard enough, but to worry about clothing and accessories on top of that is far too much thinking, in my opinion.

I’ve compiled some items for you that are guaranteed to make you look great this spring/summer season, and most of them will even be wearable once the weather turns cold again in about eight months or so, depending on where you live.

Thanks to People Style Watch for inspiring this post! I highly recommend People Style Watch (take some of their suggestions…bulldogs are IN, milkshakes are OUT…with a grain of salt) if you want to get some great shopping ideas.

Shoes

Every good spring/summer outfit should start from the ground up. Why? Because spring and summer temperatures allow you to wear every kind of shoe you own. Sandals, flip flops, pumps, peeptoe heels, flats, boots…every shoe (except for Uggs) is fair game once warm weather hits.

The BCBG fuchsia heels on the far left have a vintage quality to them that I love. It would pull together an outfit really well, and still have a spring-y, romantic look to it. The next pair is my favorite of the set: the Michael Antonio color-blocked pumps. The chunky heel is great, because it’s fair easier and more comfortable to walk in. The price is amazing on these, only $20. The pink Bamboo flats with the ankle strap have an adorable mini wedge heel, so if you’re the type that can’t go out in flats, these might be a good go-between. Dove gray is my new favorite neutral. It goes with everything and can look either tough or soft and romantic depending on how you wear it. The hidden platform in these would add a little extra height in a more subtle way. The pink mary janes are by Charles David, and they are also on sale. I like the vintage cut and the subtle brown and white piping on the side. The yellow Payless heels look a little “Easter,” but with the right dress or pair of jeans, they could add an unexpected element to a plain outfit.

Shirts/Blouses

Spring tops should have an easy, comfortable look, and I like romantic colors: white, ivory, gray, navy, pink, etc. Stay away from light, light pastels: color saturation is more trendy this season. Anything with ruffles, eyelet or the like is a safe bet and can be worn in multiple ways for work, play, dates, etc.

The Kensie Girl tunic from Nordstrom has my favorite color combo right now: blue and black. Once taboo to wear these together, it’s now commonplace and stylish. This tunic is long enough to be worn as a dress, but short enough that it wouldn’t look strange worn with skinny jeans or leggings. The 40’s-style bow blouse from Nordstrom looks soft and romantic, and proves that shirts don’t have to be Easter-colored to look that way. One of my favorite blouses in the bunch is the Macy’s voile tunic. It’s a great length (girls love anything that covers their hips, right?) and a good, comfy fit without hiding your figure. I’d buy this a size smaller than I usually wear for a fit that doesn’t beg a “is she or isn’t she?” pregnant question. The mint-green tunic from Alloy looks so retro, but has a great, bright color. With skinny jeans and black flats, this is the ideal going-out shirt. The embroidered blouse from Urban Outfitters looks like something you bought handmade in Mexico. Forever21 makes great ruffled blouses, like this Victorian-style one. In order to keep the look modern, I’d wear it with fitted skinny jeans and platform heels. Another great blouse from Forever21 is this one, with a navy satin sash. It looks cheery and bright, and could be worn with a pencil skirt to work or with jeans out to dinner.

Sweaters

No matter how warm the days are, you’ll need to take a layer with you in the spring and summer for cold restaurants, over-AC’d cars, chilly stores and breezy nights.

Alloy makes some great sweaters. The romantic bell sleeves on this one echo the other romantic looks for spring, and the Renaissance-styling on this one would look great over a plain t-shirt and with jeans. For a less subtle look, try American Apparel’s long cardigans with a belt.

Dresses

Dresses for spring should be made of light fabric, loose but not too loose and have a soft, feminine look. Try these:

This dress from Delias combines a lot of different trends, but to a great effect. The light color, ruffles, bubble hem and detailed back make for the perfect spring party dress. This strapless, nude-colored lace dress looks romantic, but also a little sexy, thanks to the cut and (lack of) color. For a more casual spring look, this Roxy eyelet dress does the trick, and is easily my favorite dress featured here. Target always has some great dress offerings, like this linen Mossimo one. A dressier option is this layered Forever21 version. I like the subtle print on the front and the sexy tie sleeves. The least expensive dress here is this shift dress at only $15, but I love the neutral color and pleats in the front, which are always flattering.

Other Accessories

Spring accessories are always fun–and these are especially fun considering the price.

This Dominique Cohen necklace from Target is on sale, so snatch it up quick. Spring scarves always look great against neutral outfits. This handbag from Old Navy is also on sale for about $13, and comes in a taupe color. I like the versatile style–it could be worn out to dinner or to shopping. Last, but not least, a flower necklace is always a welcome addition to any spring outfit, and for less than $7, I’ll take one, thanks.

Which trend for spring do you like most?