Now that winter is officially over it’s about time we spring forward. A wardrobe shift is necessary with the warming months coming up ahead. However with the recession looming overhead, shopping these days is a rare indulgence, and probably the most essential trend of the season is to make the most of what you already have. The shift of seasons brings about change, whether we like it or not, and the optimism of spring propels us to move forward.

I won’t pretend and say that I know everything about fashion. I don’t. I’m not an expert and I don’t work in the retail industry. Simply put, I believe that our sense of style along with thousands of others out there, are either defined by instinct or the subliminal consequence of street style, as influenced by the media, music and the movies. With hit movies like Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Milk, and Vicki Cristina Barcelona (to name a few) it’s fairly easy to establish a connection with imminent fashion statements that will definitely find it’s way to your closet—that is, if you don’t already have it.

Spring fashion for this year is quite versatile, leaving room for uniqueness and individuality. This trend is one part a return to basic design and another, a leap forward into the elaborate. Bold patterns, splashes of color, and Ethnic prints inspired by African, South American, and Indian cultures.

Accessories is one of the easiest (and often times cheapest) ways to make an outfit look new.

1. Oversized necklaces - A trend that can be carried out with boldness with either a large pendant or thick, chunky wooden neckpiece. This can easily be worn with a basic crisp white blouse and jeans with beaded sandals.

2. Large Earrings – From runway shows to the red carpet, large earrings have made it's way back into the spotlight. Meant to be worn solo without a necklace or bracelets, earrings are meant to frame that lovely face of yours. Wear them bold, bright and big. If you had one spring fashion statement to make, this might as well be it.

3. Stacked Bangles – Mismatched bangles stacked in one arm are essential for that tribal getup. Experiment with different textures, sizes and shapes. Mix metal with wood, gold with silver and bring them together with good combinations of color. This trend is not for the subtle at heart.

Think Penelope Cruz in Vicki Cristina Barcelona. The simplicity of a white dress, pastel colors, her hair, a flurry of brown wavy curls softly flowing with the wind. Bohemian Chic may probably have more to do with one’s personality than a spell of paisley prints. This trend is all about fringes, feathers, flow, flowers, and freedom.

You're not trying to be the poster child for Haight-Ahsbury here. You're not emulating the Gypsies from Bohemia either. Inspired by artistic self-expression, there is no rule as to how far you can go with this unique trend and lifestyle. You can be as simple or as intricate as your heart desires.

Neon is on the rise. But don’t get too excited, you don’t want end up like nineties roadkill. Instead, what you’re aiming for is a subtle flash of neon, a wonderful spring glow. Chances are you've already thrown out brightly colored scarves, blouses maybe even your neon Pez dispensers. You only need a small amount of color to make a statement. Bright colors can be mixed and matched too for a bolder look.

God knows all of us, at one point, have fallen victim to a fashion faux pas. Wearing bold colors all together can easily go wrong if you don't have the confidence to pull it off. Mix and match as much as you like, consider age appropriate colors, and if it feels "wrong" in front of the mirror, chances are you're right. Trust your gut.

It’s the season for khaki. Bust out the beige. You don’t need to be part of a Safari expedition to wear a fashionable Spring trend that’s been around for years. Neutral tones for this season are a perennial favorite, which is both classic and modern at the same time. From the sporty to the sophisticated, this timeless trend is back not as a style forecast but as a solid fact.

Gardens are all about inspiration. The flowers of spring are in bloom in your backyard—and your closet. Last season’s spring floral dress is still likely to be in style, no need to let the consumerist in you to go on overdrive. Take a hint from nature, the same flower blooms seasonally from the same tree.  Accessorize with a different belt, scarf, or jacket and it’s an entirely new dress.

Let’s face it. Not everyone can read through fashion runway trends. Everyone has his or her own personal style and individuality means that you don’t end up like a magazine cut out. One fashion advice that I found to be very helpful is that we should shop through our closet; I suggest during the change of seasons when the warm earthy tones of autumn and the thick bulky sweaters of winter are parked at the far end of your closet. Chances are there’s something there you can find useful; a flowing skirt, an accessory, or scarf that’s relevant to the current seasonal trend.

In the frame of mind of going green, fashion has much to do with recycling. Sure we thrive in a world of consumerism but learning how to reuse and recycle is probably the most valuable trend you can follow.