Isn’t it Romantic?

By: Sharon Mosley

Romance isn’t limited to just chocolates and champagne. How about a little lace to go with it? This is the perfect time of year to flirt a little bit with your wardrobe. Send a message of love to your inner style diva. A ruffle here, a strappy sandal there, and the woman in workout sweats is instantly transformed into a ravishing romantic.

Here are a few essentials to give your wardrobe a dose of stylish romance, even if your favorite go-to outfit is jeans and a T-shirt:

— Anything with ruffles. They’re a trendy must-have this spring, and you’ll find ruffles cascading down shirts, skirts and soft cardigan sweaters. Anything that gives a flash of flutter can only make you feel a little more feminine.

— A swirly skirt. Think fluid fabrics like chiffon, rayon or silk in a flippy style that hits above the knee. A-lines are always figure-flattering, but short pencil skirts can also add that “sexy secretary” feel to your wardrobe.

— A wrap dress. Slinky is the name of the game for this classic popularized by Diane Von Furstenberg years ago. In solid black or red jersey, it’s always a winner; in geometric or floral prints, it’s not so serious.

— A silk or satin camisole. Lingerie-inspired, these “under” garments are the romantic way to give your “professional” jackets and sweaters a touch of romance. And you can give this item as much “play” as you want, showing off great accessories, such as an attention-getting statement necklace.

— Sequined tanks. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way. See above.

— Anything lace. Lace is another fabric that has always had romantic connotations. Whether you wear it in a top layered over a camisole or on a pair of slip-on mules, it hints of sophisticated glamour with an air of mystery that any drama queen would love.

— Animal prints. Grrrrrr … these still roar when it comes to choosing a foxy look. Often you only need a touch of the feline print — a patent animal-print pump, faux fur cuffs on a sweater or a chic cheetah clutch — to pull off a stylish look with more fashion flair.

— A sheer blouse. The perfect layering piece for a romantic wardrobe, the transparent chiffons, organzas or georgettes give you lots of options. Add some ruffles, and you have double trouble.

— Silk flowers. The big and bold necklace may be a hit on the fashion trend scene this year, but there are a few other “late bloomers” that are growing in popularity out there, too. One large silk flower, in a pretty lilac or rose color pinned onto a lapel or even a strand of pearls, can really turn you into a modern Victorian.

— Heels. Whether it’s a pair of sky-high gladiator sandals or a modest pair of kitten heel slides, dress your shoe wardrobe up with something other than flip-flops and sneakers. High-heel boots can also be a romantic addition to your wardrobe, especially in soft suede. Skip the clunky clogs that are hitting the stores this spring.

— Sexy stockings. Ooh, la, la. Teamed with long tunic tops or short skirts, sheer hosiery or patterned tights can add that extra dose of romance to any outfit. Try them in bright colors for even more pizzazz.

— Stones that sparkle. Hey, they may hang from your ears or decorate your fingers. But if you can find only one major piece of bling, turn on the lights and fight fire with fire!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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