An easy way to give yourself an end-of-winter wardrobe lift while cost-effectively building your wardrobe for seasons to come is to take advantage of end-of-winter clearance sales. Here are 5 winter wardrobe staples to look for now:

#1 Cashmere Sweaters & Scarves. Called the Cadillac of all wools, cashmere is more expensive than lambs wool and merino wool with good reason — it lasts longer when cared for properly, can be worn in more than one season and is less itchy than other wools. A few classic cashmere sweaters and scarves can last a lifetime. We always find a few cashmere steals on the clearance racks for our clients this time of year and are thanked for years.

#2 Winter Coats. Merchants are motivated to sell off their coat collections right now to make room for spring collections that are arriving daily. Make their real estate problem work for you by visiting your coat closet and getting focused on what you’d like to replace or update in your coat collection. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get what you need when you arrive at the store with a fresh focus. Best part -- you won’t feel guilty buying the coat that felt like a splurge at the beginning of the season when it’s up to 70% off!

#3 Knee-Leather Skirts. When properly coordinated, leather can add a significant amount of style to a wardrobe. While it is tempting to stock up on leather goods that are on sale, we advise people against investing in pieces that might go out of style quickly. The leather items that we take note of when we see them on sale are knee-leather skirts. The length sets it apart from shorter and long cuts that go in and out of style more quickly.

#4 Bright Colored Gloves. Black and brown gloves tend to sell out quickly and because you where them the most, it makes sense to buy them when you need them, even if they are full price. Gloves in fun colors like red, fuchsia, turquoise and yellow can add great fun to a wardrobe and become true fashion finds when purchased on sale. When you are buying gloves, particularly late in the season when pickings are slim, err on the side of a bit tight rather than a bit large, as these items always stretch with wear.

#5 Simple, Neutral Tops. We tend to stock up on tops for our clients at the beginning of a season in the “in” colors that are being shown that year. They tend to sell out quickly and you want to get the most mileage out of them in their best season. If you can find simple layering tops in basic colors (i.e. black, cream, beige or red) during end-of-winter clearance sales, grab them. Our friends at myadea.com make excellent light-weight shells that layer superbly. They rarely go on sale but are worth their weight in gold to our clients, especially those who wear jackets and sweaters a lot to the office.

February Q&A Now Posted. This month, we help a site visitor pack for a cruise.

Welcome Anne and Sarah (& a Special Offer for New Clients). To welcome Anne and Sarah to our firm (and encourage new clients to experience their talent firsthand) we are selling a $300 package in our on-line store throughout the month of February that allows new clients to work with Anne or Sarah for three hours. Our standard fee for 3 hours of consulting is $450 — you save $150. You need to live within a 30 mile radius of our office in Needham, MA to use this offer for a 3-hour in-home, closet consultation. If you want to skip the at-home session and just go shopping, that is also a way to utilize this special offer. Call 781-444-0140 with questions. We are selling this package like a gift certificate. You do need to purchase it this month, but it can be used anytime you are ready. Purchase this package now in our online store. New clients to our firm only please. Thank you.

Save the Date — Celebrating our 20th Anniversary by Raising Awareness & Funds for Belle of the Ball. Please plan to join us on Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 1-4 pm at the Linda K. Paresky Conference Center at Simmons College in Boston to celebrate the success of Anton’s Cleaners award-winning Belle of the Ball prom dress donation program. Guests will enjoy a designer fashion show, bid on amazing gift baskets, and take home a stylish gift bag. Bring a gently worn prom dress and automatically be entered to win $250 worth of dry cleaning courtesy of Anton’s. April 1st also marks the 20th anniversary of our firm so we are particularly pleased to be celebrating this important milestone by raising money for this wonderful cause. Tickets are $45/person and will be available for purchase via antons.com shortly. We’ll send out another email to let you know when the tickets are ready for purchase. There will also be a way for you to make a straight donation to Belle if you can’t attend. Read more about Belle of the Ball (and what your donation supports), by visiting antons.com/belle.

Register to Win. Finally, you have until midnight on February 29th to register to be our February contest winner. The winner will be sent a $25 gift card to The Container Store. Good luck!

#1 Retire 2-3 sweaters you never wear anyway. Your closet (and your psyche!) will feel ten pounds lighter — promise! Looking to upgrade your sweater collection — go long, lean and pair them with belts, boots leggings, skinny jeans and dresses.

#2 Add a scarf to your outwear wardrobe in a hue or print you love. This is the best fashion remedy we know of to ward off the winter doldrums. Animal prints and those that double as wraps give neutral basics instant pizzazz. Want to learn to tie your scarves better? Checkout this fun video 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf.

#3 Shop for a brand new workout outfit. Even if you don't workout, use it as an alternative to jeans and sweaters on the weekends. If you are committed to working out more in 2011, this will help keep you motivated. Add a fresh pair of sneakers for the gym and waterproof boots when you wear it as street-wear.

#4 Organize your Shoes. Getting your shoes under control can do wonders for the organizational state of your closet as well as your confidence. It can also get you out the door faster. We love The Container Store for all the cool products they have that store things in a way that compliments how you live. As you organize, vow to get rid of the shoes that are uncomfortable, don't fit, are worn out or just plain out of style. Your castaways can be somebody else's good fortune so donate generously and with good intention.

#5 Upgrade your PJs. Lounging around in stylish and comfy PJs for at least a good part of one day on the weekend this time of year will do your soul good. While you are at it, get your guy some suitable lounge pants too. Bottom line, even if you are not a lounger, life is really too short not to at least sleep with some style!

Here are five simple ways to add a contemporary flair to any wardrobe for the holidays and into 2012. Hope one or two of these ideas resonates with you — enjoy!

#1 Fill in Necklines (and Eliminate Bulk) with Camisoles. For the past few years, camisoles have earned a new level of respect. While still not the best choice for the boardroom, they are an appropriate way to fill in the neckline of more casual and dressy sweaters, jackets and shirts. They create visual interest (and coverage!) without adding unnecessary bulk. Those with lace, beads and other embellishments are particularly handy when planning holiday outfits.

#2 Add Some Kick with Cowboy Boots. I must admit that when I first saw them in the fall fashion magazines, I thought cowboy boots were a trend I could live without. When I tried on a pair with a skirt and jean jacket, I was hooked! Although certainly not for everyone, they are an easy way to update jeans and skirts without breaking the bank. They are also just plain fun to wear. Look for then in a variety of colors and heights that compliment your style.

#3 Top it off with Velvet. A fitted velvet jacket may be all you need to update your wardrobe for the holidays. Men can get it on this trend too! Women, to flatter a full figure, look for a shorter style with a single button that cinches at the waist while allowing ample room for the bust and hips. This silhouette is particularly pretty when worn with an A-line skirt that ends at the knee. We often tie a ribbon at the waist of these jackets for added holiday flair. When the holidays are over, a velvet jacket can easily be worn with casual pants (including jeans) and boots.

#4 Layer with Vests for Warmth & Style. Visit any mall and you will see a rainbow of down and fleece vests everywhere from sporting goods stores to designer shops to trendier teen boutiques. Today’s vests are less puffy and styled to flatter a range of women’s and men’s body shapes and sizes. They often allow you to forgo heavy winter coats, especially if you layer tees, t-necks and sweaters strategically underneath for warmth. If you find yourself at the wheel of your car a lot in the winter months, a vest is a must-have item! They are also a great way to add color to your wardrobe in the winter months.

#5 Combine Black Basics in New & Exciting Ways. Finally, "black on black" is back in a big way this holiday season. What makes it fresh and new is how you coordinate each black element of your outfit with the others. I recently helped a client who works in the advertising industry create a stunning outfit that she can wear to work and out to dinner with clients and friends now and through the rest of the winter months. First we paired a knee-length black leather skirt with a black cashmere boat neck sweater that were already in her closet. We then shopped for black suede knee-high boots and fishnet hosiery. On the way out of the store, we found and purchased two sets of long, opera-length black jet beads to finish off the outfit. The result? A stunning, one-of-a-kind outfit with component pieces that can be broken up for maximum versatility throughout the winter.

It’s November. Do you know where your holiday clothes are?

Here are some easy-to-implement tips for storing and making the best use of all your special occasion clothes so they (and you!) will look great — one, two and maybe even ten years from now:

1. Devote Separate Storage Space. If you have the room, devote a separate closet for your special occasion clothes. Short on space? Hang them in the back of your main closet in a zippered garment bag specifically made for out-of-season storage. Not only will these pieces be out of your way, making day-to-day dressing easier, but they will also be easier to locate and review when an invitation comes your way.

2. Organize Holiday Accessories Too. Consider storing dressy shoes, evening bags, fancy hose, evening shawls, holiday scarves and special jewelry together so they, too, are protected and easy to locate when you need them. We recommend using stackable storage bins for maximum protection and organization. The Container Store is a great resource.

3. Create A Staging Area. When we help a client shop in their closet for the holidays, we use one of our portable packing racks (for sale in our online store), placing all suitable wardrobe basics on it first. Pulling out all the black pants, black skirts and simple black dresses you own and hanging them on the rack, for instance, is an easy way to then mix and match tops and jewelry combinations to see what works well with each. When you have the basic outfit together, you can then place shoes you own underneath and decide if they work or if you need a new pair. Often times, new shoes and a new bag are all it takes to give holiday clothes an updated look.

4. Revisit Your Jewelry Box. This season it’s all about long, layered necklaces; big, bold earrings; and well-placed pins and brooches. Chances are some of the jewelry you’ve had for years, but never knew what to do with, will have an opportunity to shine now. Layer long necklaces with short necklaces and mix pearl stands with chain links until you land on just the right combination. Not much of a necklace person — no problem. Vintage pins look nice placed at the neck of a dress or in their more traditional spot — on the lapel of jackets and/or coats. If you prefer a clean neckline, large earrings left over from the 80s could work, depending on the outfit!

5. Get Festive with New Buttons. Adding festive buttons to a favorite jacket or sweater may be all it takes to cost effectively get you ready for a last minute holiday invitation. Visit a local button store to review all the options. We do this on behalf of our private clients all the time with excellent results!

The key to successful holiday dressing is not necessarily having a closet full of clothes. Rather, it’s about having the right base pieces and knowing how to dress them up in a way that is appropriate and makes you feel confident as you head out to a myriad of destinations.

#1 Partner with your Drycleaner. After you wear your dry cleanable linen and other strictly summer clothes for the last time this season, place them into a dry cleaning bag for drop off. Set a goal to have all your summer clothes completely out of your main closet by October 15th. Regardless of the season, most cleaners will store your clothes for the cost of the cleaning. Best part: You’ll feel like you have a brand new summer wardrobe when you pick your things up next spring!

#2 Create a Get-Away Tub. As part of your fall closet check-up, launder all of your strictly summer tee shirts and other machine washable summer clothes and fold them into a plastic tub for storage. Even if clothes appear clean, invisible stains (especially on light-colored clothes) can turn into permanent spots by the time you take them out for the next season. Added Bonus: If a winter trip to a warm climate presents itself, you’ll have a head start packing for your trip!

#3 Whites & Linens. It is still best to pack white linens away after Labor Day. Ditto for white shoes and white sandals. Of course, white sneakers can be worn year-round. Darker sneakers can be more stylish when you are wearing them as “street wear” as opposed to “exercise gear.” White denim can be worn well into fall and many white cotton tees, camisoles and shirts are year-round staples. Darker linens such as black, chocolate brown and hunter green are fine to wear through September and even into October when it stays warm here in New England. Extra Style Tip: Women, if you do choose to continue to wear white jeans, pair them with black tops and shoes and silver jewelry for an easy, transitional style option.

#4 What about Pastels? Follow the same guidelines for white when determining when to pack pastel and other light-colored cotton, linen and tropical-weight clothes and accessories away. Pastel-colored wool sweaters, particularly in cashmere, can be handy wardrobe transition pieces now and in the spring when paired with such things as jeans, leather and lightweight wool. A Word on Organizing Seasonal Jewelry: While we are on the topic of light colored items, storing strictly summer jewelry (e.g., sea glass-inspired designs and the like) in its own storage compartments away from non-seasonal jewelry makes good sense as well.

#5 Bags, Totes & Belts. Straw bags, totes and hats should go into hibernation for the winter right after Labor Day. Leather belts, as opposed to rope and other fabric options, are the best choice from now through spring. Women, an oversized leather tote is a great fall staple for any woman on the go. Consider adding one in a deep shade of red to add a rich, warm element to brown, gray, navy, khaki and black clothing and accessories as you head into fall. Deep red footwear can give you the same seasonally appropriate punch of color when strategically incorporated into your wardrobe.

#6 Fall Footwear & Hosiery. "City sandals" (i.e., a little chunkier in the heel with more coverage across the foot) are a better transitional sandal choice than “strappier” styles and flip-flops that automatically scream summer. Regardless of the style of shoe you choose to wear in the fall (in addition to sandals, ballet flats, peep-toe pumps and loafers are all standard fall shoe choices), black and brown are the easiest shoe colors to incorporate into a fall wardrobe. Boots can make their way back into the closet after October 1st. Ditto for opaque hosiery. Bare legs are fine as long as it stays warm. Nude nylons always work when you need extra coverage. Men, it is never appropriate to go without socks in a business environment.

#7 Contemporary Guidelines for Patent Leather. Contrary to what you may have been told, patent leather footwear is acceptable year-round as long as it coordinates well with the rest of your outfit. For instance, a pair of patent leather sling-back pumps typically looks well with lighter weight fabrics even in the winter. Think eveningwear and pretty, feminine suiting for the office when coordinating patent leather footwear in cooler months. The same shoe will most likely look out of place with heavy woolens.

#8 Layering Works Wonders. Women wanting to feel more pulled together as the weather gets cooler are wise to add layering options to give transitional dresses, skirts, pants and jeans more versatility and flair. Leather and jean jackets in a variety of cuts and colors along with shawl wraps and lightweight blazers and sweaters are the way to give sleeveless basics more longevity as you move through fall. Extra Tip for Men: You guessed it, a navy blue blazer (or other sports coat in a color that works for you) is all many of you need to layer effectively in the fall. They work as well with a shirt and tie as they do with polos and khakis. Sweaters over dress shirts are also a good professional layering option if that fits your style.

#9 The Best Fall Coat. Unlined trench coats in a variety of lengths make good sense on rainy days as well as cooler days when you want warmth and style in one handy garment. Make sure an updated trench is one of the best items you own. Colorful rayon and silk scarves in warm, rich hues that connect to the colors you are wearing underneath are a great way for women to add style to their outerwear. Additional Scarf Tip: Save your wool scarves for your wool coats, which start to come out of the closet in early November.

#10 Dress for Success. Finally, if you work outside the home, be sure to review your company's dress policy. The list of what is and isn't acceptable often changes after Labor Day. Bare legs and arms can be risky in many professional situations, even when a company’s dress policy states that hosiery and sleeves are not mandatory in the warmer months. It’s really about boundaries, respect, appropriateness, and, of course, good taste. These things never go out of style — especially in a business environment!

In the summer months, many companies allow employees to dress more casually. While many professionals welcome the opportunity to shed more formal business attire and be a bit more relaxed in their appearance, many are unsure of where to draw the line.

Here are five tips for cracking the summer dress code while maintaining a professional image that won’t cost you your reputation (or your paycheck!) this summer:

#1 Think business first, casual second. "Business casual" is actually an oxymoron. No matter the weather, you are wise to think business first, casual second — or never, if that is your preference. Women: light-weight career separates with conservative necklines and hemlines coordinated with equally professional footwear, tops and accessories are the way to go in warm weather. Men: short-sleeve polo-style shirts and light weight dress slacks will get the job done in business casual settings.

#2 Know the code. Before hitting the mall to add some new summer items to your wardrobe, read your office dress code closely to be sure what you select is appropriate for where you work. For instance, many companies frown on any type of sandal being worn to the office, even if they allow more relaxed clothing. Be a conformist in a good way by selecting clothing and accessories that honor your personal style while giving you professional clout with the powers that be.

#3 Partner with your drycleaner. Summer fabrics can go limp fast if not laundered and ironed properly. Save yourself time and energy while giving your wardrobe a professional boost by having extra starch added to your shirts and linen slacks, tops and skirts by a reputable drycleaner. Even khaki pants and polo shirts look more crisp and professional when handled by a professional cleaner. When you invest in the care and maintenance of all your professional clothes, they work extra hard for you.

#4 Get Groomed. Don’t let your personal grooming routine go on vacation while you’re still expected at work. Showing up to any professional business engagement unshaven or with wet hair can signal that you are unorganized, lazy or lack common sense. Likewise, toenail polish that matches your bathing suit can call unnecessary attention to your feet even if you have a dress code that allows for open-toe shoes. The best part about personal grooming — it doesn’t have to cost a lot and allows you to show respect for yourself, which instantly shows respect for others.

#5 Be consistent year-round. Finally, no matter your work style (or the time of year), there is a lot to be said about being consistent. Anchor yourself into a stable image that represents the most capable image of you every day of the week. You’ll brand yourself (as well as the company you represent) as reliable, a team player and serious about getting your job done. Work doesn’t stop in the summer months. Your professional image shouldn’t stop working for you either!

Here are five popular style strategies we frequently implement with our male customers. While many of them come to us just wanting a basic upgrade, they emerge more confident and stylish just by paying attention to these few ideas:

#1 Be Prepared with a Suit. Even if you work in a business casual environment, you still have room in your wardrobe for at least one good dark neutral suit that fits you well at your current weight and makes you feel your personal best. Life happens #8212; weddings, funerals, job interviews and the like. Don't comprise the power of being properly attired when it might matter most for you and the people you love.

#2 In Praise of Sports Coats. With or without a tie, an updated sports coat can up your style quotient like no other garment. While a navy blue blazer is a staple in many men’s wardrobes and can come in handy when dining in a jacket-required establishment, attending a graduation or other family obligation, there are so many other blazer choices available today that offer a more sophisticated approach to style. Subtle textures, unexpected colors woven into the fabrication and interesting button and pocket placements can all go a long way to increasing your personal and professional presence.

#3 Get Measured. Dress shirts are often called the centerpieces of a man's professional wardrobe. When they fit well, are properly pressed and paired with the right ties, trousers and jackets, the wearer stands out in all the right ways. Interestingly, over half the men we work with either have never been properly measured to determine their correct dress shirt size or are relying on old measurements that are no longer accurate. They settle for less than perfect fitting shirts that can undermine an otherwise impeccable approach to style. Once you establish your "real" shirt size (yes, that means getting measured!), search for brands that fit you well and become loyal to them. This will cut your shopping time in half. Your fashion confidence will also soar!

#4 Move Beyond White. Speaking of dress shirts, most male closets contain a large variety of white dress shirts, some are new and fresh, others are over 20 years old with an equal amount of mileage showing all over of them! Vow to ditch the dress shirts that no longer fit, are stained and/or you don’t have a need for if your dress code has become more business casual over the years. When you stock up on new dress shirts, move beyond white. Blues in a variety of shades are a great first choice when adding color. Yet, don’t stop there. There are so many different colors available today (lavender, peach and yellow to name a few) that add a fresh and appropriate amount of color to dark neutral suiting, even for men working in conservative industries.

#5 Be Bold with Beige. Many men stick to dark neutral suits, jackets and pants for good reason — they hide wear and tear better than lighter choices, are more slimming and can be easier to mix and match. However, a beige suit in warm weather can be a real stand out fashion choice as long as it is well coordinated and works with your complexion. Try it with a peach dress shirt and brown shoes and a brown belt. Add a tie that pulls in the brown and beige while complimenting the peach and you’ll have a winning look!

Last word
Finally, our message for men would not be complete without a word about shoes and socks. For many men, shoes are an afterthought, but cheap or unkempt shoes can ruin an otherwise polished look. Dark socks such as navy, black or brown are best. Over-the-calf socks are much better than shorter styles. Coordinating your belt with your shoe instantly pulls your look together. And — going without socks is never appropriate in a business setting, ever!

How you choose to dress each day shapes both your own mindset (how you feel about yourself) as well as the reaction of others to you. In a job interview, how you package yourself is extra important. You want to instantly be perceived as competent and confident. Here a few of our best wardrobe tips to help land (and keep!) the job of your dreams:

#1 Suit Up. With today’s more casual workplace rules, many people want to know if they still should wear a suit to the interview. In most fields, the answer is yes, especially for that all-important first interview. When you show up suited, it tells people that you understand job interview etiquette and want to be taken seriously right away.

#2 Relax with Thought. If the company tells you that you don’t need to wear a suit for the second interview, listen and adopt your dress code carefully. For men, we suggest a blazer with well-coordinated dress slacks along with a dress shirt with or without a tie — your call. For women, we also often suggest a blazer well coordinated with business separates — pants, skirts and tops with conservative necklines — you get the idea!

#3 Add Color Appropriately. While dark suiting is the standard for job interviews (it projects more authority and can be price neutral if you are on a budget), don’t be afraid to add color to your interview ensemble — especially when interviewing in creative and less formal industries. Dress shirts, blouses and other professional tops are the easiest and least risky way to do this. Pick hues that complement your skin tone and personality and make you feel your personal best.

#4 The Details Matter. How you coordinate belts, shoes, socks, hosiery and totes is significant. And don’t skimp on alterations. Sleeves and hems should be the correct length. Be aware that less is often more in terms of accessorizing — you don’t want to create unnecessary distractions. These types of details send subtle yet very significant messages about your attention to the small things that matter a lot in today’s competitive business arena.

#5 Don’t Let Outerwear be an Afterthought. You are often wearing outerwear when you first meet someone. Make sure yours stands out in only the best way. A trench coat and a well-maintained tote are essential finishing pieces for most business outfits, especially when interviewing.

Last word
We all have a tremendous amount of control about how those we meet form first impressions about us. Like a resume, make your interview attire an integral part of your overall game plan — don’t neglect or ignore it. Carve out the time early in the job interview process to be sure you have the right look for the job you want. When you invest in yourself, you invite others to invest in you.

Dresses can be fun, flattering and a no-brainer on days when you don't want to think about coordinating an outfit. They can be ultra-casual, such as a sundress or beach cover-up, or make the most formal of statements when heading down the aisle to say, "I do."

Dresses can also work well as professional attire when they are coordinated to set a business tone. They actually offer a nice change from traditional business suits and separates, especially this time of year.

Because dresses are not the easiest garment to fit (i.e., your proportions are different on the top and bottom, you are well endowed or carry weight through your mid-section), you do need to pay attention to the styles that will fit and flatter you best. Classic sheaths, A-line designs and wrap dresses never go out of style because of their timeless appeal and the fit options they offer to various figure types.

With these thoughts in mind, here are 5 fresh tips to help you incorporate the dress trend of the moment into your wardrobes this season — hope they make navigating the dress rack a little easier — enjoy!

#1 Beyond the LBD. While the LDB (a.k.a. the little black dress) is where we often start our dress collection journey with our private clients (you just can't beat the night and day versatility), other solid colors such as red, coral, yellow, navy and white offer a fresh twist on this classic favorite and can brighten up your wardrobe for spring.

#2 To Print or Not to Print. Printed dresses are not created equally, especially for professional situations. Subtle, smaller prints work on most body-types and sizes and tend to be more office appropriate than bigger, louder prints. Wearing a solid color cardigan or jacket over bolder prints is one way to tone them down for work. A good rule of thumb to follow is that prints much bigger than your fist tend to be too bold for many work situations.

#3 When in Doubt, See a Tailor. A skilled tailor can often perfect the fit of a dress and is worth seeking out before snipping the tags off a dress that you are not sure about. For instance, if the lower half of your body is slightly bigger than the top half, a sleeveless sheath dress in a size that fits through the hips can be taken up at the shoulder to perfect the fit through your upper body. Many of our petite customers also benefit from this style trick if they are interested in a sleeveless dress that is not offered in petite sizing.

#4 Become Your Own Artist. The dress provides a wonderful canvas upon which to accessorize like crazy. Long layered necklaces complement the vertical line of a dress well as do long scarves. If you'd like to show off your waist, a skinny belt at the waist of a simple dress is a good choice. Thicker torsos can often be camouflaged with thicker, wider belts that hold you in. Of course, jackets, cardigans and a variety of shawls and shrugs also add individual style to dresses.

#5 It's a Wrap! Finally, our dress tips would not be complete without mentioning the wrap dress. Those made of matte jersey define the waist, flatter a variety of bust-lines and hug the body instead of clinging to it. The deep V-neck elongates the neck and the slanted vertical line created by the wrap slims the body. If you are well endowed through the bust area and have a hard time keeping the "girls" from popping out, wear a camisole under the dress for extra coverage. It works every time!

Editor's Note: Our April Q&A is now posted on our website and helps a site visitor decide when and how to forgo hosiery with skirts and dresses this season. Hard to give tips about wearing dresses without addressing hosiery choices — do check it out!

#1 A Versatile Dress.
Choose a sleeveless style that can be paired with jackets, cardigan sweaters and a variety of shawls and wraps. While still a great choice, think beyond the LBD (a.k.a. the little black dress). White, red and coral offer a fresh twist on this perennial classic.

#2 A Leather Jacket.
Whether you are conservative or in need of connecting with your inner biker babe, there is a leather jacket for you this spring. Coordinated correctly, they work as well with jeans as they do with a wide-range of dresses, skirts and traditional pants.

#3 Pleated Trousers.
Lighter weight spring fabrics make this traditional pant more comfortable, soft and chic. Many have wide, flowing legs meant to skim the ground — others have a slimmer cut, landing at the ankle with a cuff.

#4 Shades of Yellow.
A pop of color lightens up black and white, navy, brown and gray for spring. Yellow is the perfect accent for all your base neutrals this season.

#5 A Printed Trench.
If you already have your bases covered with a black and/or beige trench coat, consider adding a printed trench for extra style. We are partial to animal prints and florals this season.

#6 Open-Toe Pumps and Flats.
Whether for work or play, an open-toe can help lighten your look without being too over-exposing. Part sandal (you can see some of your toe) and part traditional shoe (they have a full backing around the heel), they are being shown on every heel height from stilettos to kitten heels to wedges to booties.

#7 Ruffles.
Whether cascading down the center of a simple sheath dress or creating soft, feminine details on tees, jackets, blouses and skirts, ruffles add style and can also camouflage a variety of figure challenges when strategically worn on your body. Skinny belts can create just enough of a horizontal balance to a long row of vertically placed ruffles.

#8 Big, Bold Accessories.
Items such as over-sized cocktail rings; weighted cuffs; thick, woven belts; long, layered necklaces; and oversized sunglasses add an interesting contrast to spring’s lighter weight fabrics and can ground your look with serious style.

#9 Top Handle Bags.
Their signature "clutch" handle makes them more structured than last season’s hobo-inspired looks. Many also feature a longer strap so you can wear them messenger style across your body. Pick a hue you love and wear it with everything!

#10 The Jumpsuit.
Finally, our list would not be complete without mentioning this fresh trend. Many are sophisticated enough to go to formal events when you add the dressy extras!

As the winter winds down, it’s always good to get a few more wears out of your strictly winter clothes and accessories. It’s also a great time to evaluate winter items that you didn’t wear and make an effort to either wear them in the next few weeks or find them a new home outside your main dressing area.

The goal of successfully transitioning your closet from winter to spring is to free up some room now while making a plan about how to give fabrics and styles that can be worn through spring an updated and fresh look.

Here are 5 of our best practices to help guide you in this process:

#1 — Segment Your Closet. Using what you already own, create 5-6 outfits for days that are cold and 5-6 outfits for warmer days. Hang them in two separate areas of your closet. Either write down or hang the accessories you plan to wear (including hosiery) with the outfits. This is a fool proof way to get out the door quickly, feeling great, when the temperature could otherwise throw you for a loop.

#2 — Know Your Wools. Your hand and own body temperature will guide you in knowing which of your wools need to be retired first. Many heavy wool coats can be put away in early to mid-March. Dark-colored sweaters, especially those made of merino wool, typically go next. Lighter weight wools, such as Gabardine, are smoother and lighter in weight and tend to transition better into spring, especially when paired with cotton, silk and other light-weight tops and scarves. Many light-weight cashmere sweaters are actually sold in the spring and are meant to be worn through the summer. Heavier cashmere sweaters can join your merino wools in early retirement.

#3 — Get a Leg Up. Keep strictly winter boots in close proximity for a while longer. If you don’t have any rubber boots, consider buying some. They are not just for kids anymore. Every designer at every price point offers sophisticated and fun options. Black rubber boots are an easy choice for work, they tend to be more sophisticated and the material will lighten up your whole look. More colorful rubber boots can work wonders on your psyche and are meant to be worn casually.

#4 — Bag It. Place a dry cleaning bag in your main closet. After you wear a dry clean-only winter item for the last time, place it in the drycleaner bag with the goal of having all items in need of this type of cleaning out of the closet by May 1st (or sooner if you like). Most cleaners will store your items through the warmer months free of charge – you just pay for the cost of the dry cleaning. When you call to reclaim the items in the fall, it’s like getting a brand new wardrobe!

#5 — Use Color Strategically. Finally, color is still the best way we know to beat the winter doldrums. Pairing colorful shirts, knit tops and blouses with darker base neutral clothing (i.e. pants, skirts and jackets) is an easy way to start lightening things up early in the season. An oversized tote in a bright color is another way to add a fresh twist to your wardrobe as you transition out of winter. Save colorful shoes for April and May. Patent leather footwear is a good choice this time of year as it is easy to wipe clean if it gets wet. Patent leather also offers a lighter look and feel than suede and standard leather does.

1. Dress above industry standards. Overly casual dress codes are for amateurs. The term "business casual" is actually an oxymoron when used to express a style of dress. We advise leaders to think business first, casual second — or never — if it doesn’t serve them well.

2. Appear effortlessly pulled together at all times. When it comes to managing your professional image, what you do behind the scenes on your own time is critical to showing up for work confident and pulled together every day. Seasonal shopping appointments (including tailoring), standing appointments with skilled stylists (including those who specialize in wardrobe, hair, make-up and skincare) are not indulgences when they are an intentional component of creating a professional presence that delivers results for you and your company.

3. Fit in While Standing Out. A well chosen watch, a designer tote that is organized and functional and a fashion-forward coat in a cut that sets a business tone are three examples of how we have added fashion and style to the professional image of executives working in more conservative industries. These clients consistently tell us that having 2-3 exceptional pieces in their wardrobe allows them to wear standard business basics with more flair. If you are in an industry where more fashion-forward business basics combined in unique yet still office appropriate ways are more the norm, get your basics covered first. Skirts, slacks and dresses all topped off with unique blouses, shirts, jackets, sweaters and accessories are the way to go. Stylish footwear can also significantly up your fashion quotient when coordinated wisely for work.

4. Come across at ease and be perceived as approachable. When your clothing fits you well, is appropriate for business and sets good business boundaries, you feel more comfortable in your own skin. When you are more comfortable with yourself, others are more comfortable in your company. It really is as simple as that!

5. Set the tone for what is expected from others. If you are struggling with a workforce that is overly casual and lax in their appearance (and attitude!), a good way to start to reverse this trend is to enhance your own style of dress. For example, if you hardly ever wear a jacket, start wearing one. Blazers and sports coat tend to instantly communicate a higher level of expectation from others you interact with both on and off the job. Jean days are another trap for leaders. Jeans are generally perceived as the lowest pant choice on the professional food chain. Remove them from your wardrobe if you are looking to send a subtle yet significant message that standards are changing!

Editor’s Note: Our professional image seminars are always customized to meet the objectives of participants. We offer single sex and co-ed options for senior level professionals, sales teams and support staff. We work closely with you leading up to all presentations to be sure the topic is introduced effectively and is relevant to your culture and industry. Please email Mary Lou Andre to learn more.

1. Retire 2-3 sweaters you never wear anyway. Your closet (and your psyche!) will feel ten pounds lighter — promise!

2. Add a scarf to your outwear collection in a hue you love. This is the best fashion remedy we know of to ward off the winter doldrums.

3. Shop for a brand-new workout outfit. Even if you don’t work out, use it as an alternative to jeans and sweaters on the weekends. If you are committed to working out more in 2011, this will help keep you motivated.

4. Freshen up your boots. By now many of your boots are probably covered with salt and water stains. Instant shoeshines are available at shoe stores for under $5 and work wonders. The local cobbler is at your service for tougher jobs.

5. Upgrade your PJs. If you think about how much time you spend in them, it’s silly not to love them! While you’re at it, give yourself permission to lounge around in them for at least a good part of one day a week — it does your soul good this time of year!