Your Complete Guide to Spring Fashion

What to wear now, whether you’re starting a new job, getting promoted, heading off on a vacation, or just looking to blow your bonus.

On the Platform

Stylish people have fully embraced ugly-chic shoes such as Birkenstocks and New Balance sneakers. The next evolution of the trend is platform shoes, which are more stable than heels and more interesting than flats. If your taste is sort of bohemian, wear the wooden-sole ones; if kind of sleek, go for a black pair that adds height. Unlike most other shoes hiding under your desk, you’ll want to bring these home for the weekend.

Fabric of the Season: Suede

Once worn mostly in the fall, sumptuous suede is popping up in lightweight spring clothes. For women, classic A-line dresses, shell tops, and trench coats are luxe in neutrals such as tan and taupe. (Colorful suede can look a bit disco.)For men, suede is best in outerwear, such as the navy bomber here, or for a new work bag. Stay away from pants, everybody. And protect your investment with a product like Scotchgard’s suede spray. $10.96; amazon.com

After-Work Plans

On her: Jason Wu jacket, $2,295; Donna Karan cotton canvas dress, $2,595;Donna Karan plastic belt with leather closure, $250; Jason Wu black leather handbag, $2,895; Schutz pumps, $155; Odette NY gold earrings, $98; Ippolitalollipop two-stone pendant necklace, $895; Ippolita gold rock-candy mini single ring, $550

On him: Burberry Prorsum selvedge-denim jacket, $995; Burberry Prorsum olive-green wool-blend trousers, $795; Louis Vuitton V polo shirt, $805; Florsheimflagstone cap shoes, $160

Better Pants

14 excuses to stop wearing boring bottoms to work every day

Women's From left: Hache chambray trousers, $460; Comptoir des Cotonniers orange trousers, $110; Paul Smith navy silk shorts, $1,005; Jason Wu crepe trousers,$1,195; Wes Gordon pink pants, $890; Chinti & Parker navy patterned pants,$220; Stella McCartney Air Force blue Donna culottes, $730

Men’s From left: Louis Vuitton classic trousers, $890; Richard James white trousers,$279; Giorgio Armani gingham trousers, $1,275; Orley cropped camel pants, $395;Brioni trousers, $1,710; Perry Ellis red trousers, $79.50; Todd Snyder olive pants with cuff, $245

Try a Belted Piece

Coats, suits, dresses, and skirts are tied up this spring.

Pack Your Bags

On him: Berluti green origami coat, $4,100; Fendi gray T-shirt with leather contrast pocket, $700; Bally vintage round sunglasses, $395; Jack Spade off-white denim, $228; Common Projects white leather sneakers, $400

On her: Vince striped sleeveless tunic, $195; Tomas Maier dusk painted-palm skirt, $1,290; Charline de Luca strappy sandals, $490; Oliver Peoples Jacey sunglasses, $325; Mansur Gavriel backpack in cammello/rosa, $745

Pattern of the Season: Loud Stripes

Stripes are always in to some degree, but this spring’s version punches them up to 10. Pair one striated item with a dark or light solid—anything in between looks muddy. And, yes, verticals are truly more flattering. If you’re feeling sheepish, the best way to dip your toe in is with a banker’s stripe collared shirt (far left and right).

On him (left): Bonobos light-blue-and-white-striped woven shirt, $85; Paul Smith London trousers, $410. On her (middle left): Ayr shirt in heather silver,$125; Ace & Jig Bay pants, $230. On him (center): Gucci navy-and-white-striped trousers, $970; Orley yellow knit sweater, $495; Oliver Sweeney brown suede oxfords, $379. On her (top right): Jimmy Choo Tarida striped slingbacks, $895;Acne Saville chinos, $360. On her (right): Paul Smith Black Label shirt, $225;Calvin Klein Collection marine technical jacquard pants, $1,750

Loafing Around

Loafers were once lambasted for being too preppy or reminiscent of the bad fashions of 1990s Wall Street. Good thing attitudes change: Few shoe styles are more appealing in terms of comfort or versatility. The most restrained ones look awesome worn with dressier suit trousers or casual chinos.

Whether you opt for a pair in burnished leather, nubby suede, or some newfangled woven texture, seek out a more elongated, slightly round toe shape, which will keep your foot from looking stubby. Tassels are a bit jaunty—so that’s your call.

Clockwise from top: Jimmy Choo tan loafers with tassels, $725; Florsheim jet penny loafers, $125; John Lobb beige suede loafers, $790; Santoni woven loafers,

Sporty Details

Technical fabrics such as neoprene, Spandex, and nylon have crept back into stores this season to help your wardrobe on casual days. The strongest pieces feature bold colors and graphic elements—thick stripes, reflective taping, and maybe a little neon—and function best as statements in an otherwise subdued outfit of jeans, solid skirts, and plain tees. You want to look leisurely, not athletic. And unless you’re a fitness instructor, don’t wear them to a job interview.