Even if you aren’t Irish, at least you can act like it (by wearing green silly). Fortunately, green is one of those colors that looks great on everyone regardless of hair color or skin tone but it isn’t worn enough. This just isn’t right. You always notice someone wearing green. Think about the last time you wore green. You probably felt different. Maybe a little more energetic? Green, the color of money, nature and of course envy demands to be noticed. Color psychologists—yes, there are such people—suggest that job seekers wear this powerful color to job interviews. And so what better color to wear for a night out with the girls? Meeting boys is sort of like a job interview (well, for them anyway). Here are some great choices for wearing green, whether you want to swaddle yourself in it or wear it as a Spring appurtenance.

The Green Evening Dress When you wear a green dress to a party, restaurant or local bar all eyes will be on you. The Rouched Green Dress ($245)  and Marilyn Dress ($140) from Sugar in Los Angeles are good enough for the stars, so you know you’ll shine wherever the evening takes you. Go for the super short look with this pleated cami dress by Ghita ($285). The pleated V-check bodice gives this sassy piece a little swing.

The Green Day Dress Green gets you noticed during the day too, plus it’s very appropriate for Sring. This playful Adelaide Dress by Diane von Furstenberg ($325) is perfect for a poolside party, afternoon lunch or shopping spree. The 60s and 70s are back in full force, and green was a favorite color in both eras. The Sleeveless Turtleneck Mini Dress by Lauren Moffatt ($326) is 60s inspired with enough of a modern flair for a happy medium.

Green Separates Add a burst of color to a white or khaki skirt, or work pants. Pair this Rosette Silk Crepe Top ($198) with denim for a daytime or evening look. Coordinate with a white pencil skirt under a cropped jacket for an outfit that’s appropriate for work and transitions into evening. The Spritzer v-neck from Anthropologie ($78) pairs with anything white, khaki or denim. For all those bohemians out there, the trend is still alive and well. Get your green fix with this adorable Cigarro skirt ($138)  from Anthropologie.

Green Accessories Just a touch of green is all you need. A headhand, handbag, necklace or shoe is all it takes to put that extra (green) spring in your step. Here’s a roundup of our favorites:

Susan Daniels: Green and Yellow Silk Headband ($38)

Goldenbleu Luella Snap Front Patent Leather Tote

Green Rhea Heel  at Kitson L.A. ($195)

Swallowtail slingbacks  at Anthropologie ($198)

Arboretum flats at Anthropologie ($138)

Chitchat choker at Anthropologie ($58)

Brella Hat by Trina Turk ($99)

Just remember that as with any trend, don't overdo it. A green dress paired with green shoes, green earrings and a greenbag will make you look like a Leprechaun threw up on you. Instead choose one way to express your splash of green. White, gold, silver, and brown shoes look great with a summery green dress, and the same goes with a green top. Throw on a pair of lightweight white capris, free flowing skirt or khaki slim shorts (like the Fairfax Pant by Trina Turk) and you'll make the Glamour Do callouts (instead of the dreaded black bar).

Okay, so it's no secret that The Gap has struggled to reinvent itself. While I can't speak to what's in the works for its next advertising campaign (please no rappers, aging rockers, or bubblegum popsters parading around in hoodies and Gap jeans); things are changing at a Gap near you.

A recent perusal of the Gap website revealed some interesting things. First, there's the return of functional/stylish work clothes and casual wear made for The Gap’s previous majority clientele. But the real question is: is it possible for The Gap to change public opinion? To recapture a unique marketshare not already owned by its sister companies, Banana Republic and Old Navy? Possibly. The Gap's winter-into-spring collection features some cute dresses, capris and shorts. Of course you can still find every style of denim--from topstiched to drawstring to bootcut to skinny--but the gig's up, Gap jeans just aren't cool anymore. So, the Powers That Be at Gap headquarters are trying some new tricks.   

I was pleased to see the Wear Now, Wear Later section on the Gap website, where dresses, skirts, and tops are shown on models for winter and then alternatively for spring. It falls in line with the rise in transitional fashion--and these handy pictorial guides help shoppers visualize entire outfits before they buy. They're also great for getting new ideas for clothes you already own. 

But the price points threw me off. One leather handbag costs $198, which is something you might expect at Banana Republic maybe … but The Gap? The bag is part of the new premium (luxe) leather hangbag line. Across the board the company seems to have upped the ante—a move I’m not sure consumers will buy, both figuratively and literally. Are women willing to fork over nearly $200 for a bag with a little blue label inside? Only time will tell.

Remember the days when trends lasted one season? To be caught wearing last season’s “it” item was the Kiss of Death. Now we cross our fingers and hope that skinny jeans and metallics come back for encore performances. Well, we got our wish. And for those of us who love wearing dresses—even in the dead of winter—we can hold on to most of those too. Finally, the style mavens are cutting us some slack!

A Leg up on Leggings

You’ve probably noticed that leggings are back in a big way, so if you were holding out to make sure the trend caught on, now’s the time to catch up to the early adopters. According to Michelle Antonelli, design director of Cable & Gauge and Spenser Jeremy, wearing leggings can be tricky (and you thought it was as easy as one leg after another).

To avoid further confusion, Ms. Antonelli breaks it down for us.

How to wear leggings

• Pick an easy style dress in one of the new baby doll, a-line or trapeze shapes.
• Go soft by selecting a feminine printed georgette or an easy soft knit dress in a great color.
• Keep it simple by opting for a solid color legging in black or brown
• Keep it in proportion. Make sure the dress or top you select hits just at or above the knee. If you’re wearing a mini-dress, select Capri length leggings and a ballerina flat.
• Skip the hosiery and show off your ankles and the top of your foot by wearing a ballerina flat or colored pump.

Dressing up for the transition from winter to spring/spring to summer

Fashion divas hate to give up their favorite frocks, and fortunately layering is still a key trend, which allows us to wear make a smooth transition. Here are some simple tips from Ms. Antonelli on making your must-have dress span a couple of seasons.

Favorite Sheer Printed Dress: When the weather is chilly pair with a great turtleneck, tights and boots. When springtime arrives shed the layers and slip into a strappy metallic sandal with the great completer – an abbreviated length cardigan. For a super casual summer look, treat yourself to a fabulous pedicure and slip on your favorite flip flops.

Essential Sheath Dress: Layer a fine gauge long sleeve knit tee to give the essential dress a jumper look for winter. On a chilly spring day trade in the tee for a soft short sleeved tee or slip into a colorful topper jacket that is just about two inches above the hem of the dress. When it’s time to go sleeveless be sure to select a structured patent leather flat or go for a color or special detail like a bow or buckle. Jimmy Choo recently featured a rich red with vanilla trip and a bow that would be the perfect addition to the essential sheath dress.

Knit Dresses: Matte jersey dresses or separates can be your year-round friend. Pair with your favorite short cardigan a pair of warm and cozy tights. Many women find knits an essential addition to their travel wardrobe or for those in between days when Mother Nature hasn’t quite figured out what she’d like to do.

The Return of Metallic: How to Make It Work

According to Antonelli, if the runway is an indication of what’s here to stay, then metallics will be with us for yet another year. Designers have embraced shimmer and retailers are still hot for metallics, but how can we be on trend without blinding ourselves? Here are two quick tips to keep in mind the next time you reach for a metallic piece:

Find Your Shine: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Handbags, shoes, belts, Lurex sweaters and dresses in brocade or jacquard fabrics all feature different degrees of shimmer, from metallic glazes to simple touches of metallic, hardware details (grommets, buckles and rings) and two-tone trims. Cable & Gauge features gold metallic thread details and hardware in its nautical and classic neutral resort styles that can be worn from late winter and into spring. The summer line will also offer shimmery shells.

Opt for Simple Shimmer: Remember less is more when it comes to metallic and the trick to pulling off the luxe look is to pick one piece and let it shine. It’s easy to start at the top by selecting a metallic knit with a special detail like a kimono sleeve or a blouson shape and dress it up with a velvet skirt for cocktails or pair it with jeans for a casual look. Experiment and investigate this trend, it’s here to stay… at least for now.

Special thanks to Michelle Antonelli, design director of Cable & Gauge and Spenser Jeremy for her fabulous advice!

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions