The trends for spring/summer are a mish-mosh of ‘80s rock and ‘70s boho with “luxe,” “relaxed” and “edgy” pieces that fit into each category – so I asked Bluefly’s buyers (who have to shop wisely for a living) to break down ONLY the things the fashionista-on-a-budget absolutely needs. Here’s what they had to say:

1. A FLIRTY, FLOWY DRESS

You can interpret this trend a few different ways, according to our dress buyer, Sandy. Long or short, one-shouldered or sleeveless, a bold floral print or solid bright color, the goal is to have a dress that can easily translate from day to night with some statement-making detail. If you’re big on weekend trips, go with a jersey dress that packs well.

2. A CLASSIC TRENCHCOAT WITH A TWIST

The trenchcoat is a timeless spring classic and a great way to buy into the season’s biggest trends. For example, instead of the traditional khaki, go for a bold-color or a double-breasted style, or a belt with a wide buckle or oversized buttons – some detail that updates the trench so it feels timely.

3. AN “AGGRESSIVE” ACCESSORY

Whether it’s a pair of shoes or a new bag, it’s all about the over-the-top statement piece. Shoes: sky-scraping platforms heavy on the straps, studs, cutouts, fringe or perforations. The bolder the better, which means flats – unless they’re gladiators or timeless Cole Haan – are out. Jewelry too. Chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles, Grecian cuffs and ethnic pieces are the bling for spring. For bags think bright-colored or exotic-skin leathers, hardware like studs and grommets, and less obvious shapes like the clutch. If you can’t afford a designer bag right now, hot indie labels like Rebecca Minkoff (a celebrity fave) and Treesje have amazing wallet-friendly pieces that are totally on-trend.

4. “BOYFRIEND” BASICS

We got a preview of this trend when Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a pair of pegged jeans around town last summer and now “boyfriend” jeans are back. Our denim buyer, Jessica says worn, torn and “distressed” wash jeans are an important trend this spring mainly because people want to look good without looking they tried to look good. Our tees and cardigans buyer, Kate concurs, “It’s very, ‘I just threw it on,’” as she explains why some of spring’s hottest tees are made from “slub” – a cotton fabric looks deliberately broken-in and the trend in cardigans is cozy, oversized comfort with luxe nautical details.

5. A “BOHO GLAM” SWIMSUIT

Think graphic tribal prints, hardware details, embroidery and embellishments, our swimwear buyer, Joanna advises. If you want more bang for your bathing suit, go with a one-piece that can transform into a super-glam top over a flirty skirt or jeans.

Admit it. You have a thing for luxury. Talk to me. What’s your fantasy? Prada? Chanel? I am here for you. They call me the Haute Hunter, a gatherer of all things cool and couture. I’ll map out the must-have treasures for you — what is worth the sticker shock, for this season and beyond. Those leopard print Jimmy Choos – snap ‘em up. You’ll wear them with your favorite jeans or a black tie gown.

The Celine gold python trench running north of $10,000? Wait for a more bourgeois designer to be “inspired” with a similar look.

How did I get into this game? As the daughter of a women’s clothing designer father and a chicest-closet-on-the-East Coast mother, it was probably predestined. A three-time Emmy Award winner, I produced various design stories for a nightly half-hour show on ABC-TV. Now, I write a fashion advice column for the Boston Globe, and seek out stylemakers for my multi-media website, Boldfacers.com.

I look forward to feeding your fancy fashion fire without burning out your savings. High-end style is about quality, baby, not quantity!

Anyone who reads lots of fashion or style blogs should have heard of The Sartorialist. It’s an intelligent, photo-filled fashion blog filled with inspiring photographs of everyday people in interesting outfits on the streets in various cities.

A lot of the time you have to assume that the people Sartorialist founder Scott Schuman photographs are wearing vintage or secondhand finds because of the uniqueness of their clothing. Schuman does not often snap someone in identifiable clothing–i.e. anything with bold logos or recognizable graphics. The exception to the vintage assumption is, naturally, NY Fashion Week. The photos he takes in and around Bryant Park feature a lot of stylish women probably wearing a lot of expensive clothing. I doubt women wear anything from a secondhand shop to Fashion Week…unless it’s secondhand designer!

How can you emulate the cool, street-style of these women given their 15 seconds of fame via The Sartorialist?

I’ll show you.

This girl has managed to look both stylish, individual AND comfortable. Luckily, Victoria’s Secret makes a dress similar to the one she’s wearing:

Her gray shoes add a bit of flavor, where black shoes would have just melted into her tights. Try these from Payless. They’re cute and really inexpensive. To finish off, a black coat with a great cut and trendy quarter-length sleeves.

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