Gota-haves

Spring is a great time to clean our closets and make room for a few fabulous finds. Our Fashion Forum members did just that, then went shopping for the ideal piece to bring their wardrobes up to date. With all the fresh seasonal trends — short '50s-inspired jackets, aviators, black-and-white, sheath dresses, the brightest of bright colors (love that blue!) and the most whimsical shoes and bags we've ever seen — there's lots to celebrate. Here's what four Fashion Forum members found irresistible, and how they made the trend work with things already in their closets.

~ Paula Rath

LAURA KAWAMOTO

My picks: Lime green botanical print, with lots of white.

The look: Feminine! A strapless floral print dress (Macy's) is not a one-season, one-year wonder. I'll still be wearing it two years from now. I love to wear the belt as a headband or in the manner for which it was intended.

From my closet: A classic cardigan makes it work for work, as do comfy (but cute) flats (Stuart Weitzman).

Another way to wear it: For a laidback look — to go to the mall or a bachelorette brunch — I'd show off the strapless with its sash, and add a white cuff and beaded necklace, lime green sunglasses, higher heels and a seatbelt purse.