The beginning of February indicates the preparation for spring fashion in my business. I have mentioned the term "value engineering" in previous posts. Knowing how to introduce pieces into my clients’ wardrobes that will offer variety keeps me a valuable resource. Wardrobes not only evolve with people's shape and size fluctuations but also with our lifestyles and our environments. For those of us who follow fashion, designer's ideas influence how we dress. Their influence also drives what is available. Trends become a menu of selections and each of us decides what we are hungry for season to season.This spring you may be happy to know that stripes are dominating. Stripes are one of the safest trends since they are generally well received. Perhaps it's the semblance of order that they represent, offering an immediate structure to our world, which can be quite chaotic. But before you get too comfortable with this information, designers have reimagined our faithful trend.If you've ever shied away from stripes because you thought they widened your silhouette, let this season's vertical stripe do what it does best: elongate.

Smythe skirt from TSALT, $398 | Lila P striped top from Kiskadee, $148 

 Stripes are also being shown realigned. I absolutely love this unexpected play on the classic stripe, especially for the D.C. woman. At a time where nothing is as we could ever have imagined it, neither are stripes!

Tibi Lucci Wrap Effect Striped Skirt from The Hive, $395

Another favorite interpretation of stripes are for those who like to color outside the lines. The whimsy of variegated cabana stripes makes me think of unplugging from the constraints of our orderly lives and cutting loose. These are very Free To Be You And Me stripes!

Daphne Midi Dress from TSALT, $495

 Don't fret. There are still conventional stripes to be had, too. I can't help but wonder if the Veronicas named this dress after Jimmy Carter because I promise I had this dress in 1980! Shirt dresses are back this spring, too, and they do look a lot like the early 80s. It may not have been perfect, but it most certainly was a simpler time.

Carter Dress from Veronica Beard from The Hive, $350

 Now is a good time to take a look at your collection of stripes. There may be some excess... From my experience, more than a few women double down in this category. Purge those stripes that are not as satisfying and add some of the new, 2018-interpreted versions. Use the "one in, one out" rule of thumb to keep your wardrobe from becoming dizzy with too many verticals and horizontals. With these styles, there will be a level of familiarity with an added zest for adventure.[nemus_slider id="45819"]