Casual micro-check pants have started to surface in the US. I really like the look of these pants and have two pairs that I enjoy wearing when I’m bored of denim, but in the mood for a relaxed pants look. They are a great alternative to jeans in the casual pants category.

A “micro-check” is a monochromatic, fairly subtle, plaid design. Micro-checks can be casual or business casual depending on the integrity of the fabric. In order for this look to stay casual, you’re after pants in a cotton-rich fabrication. Fabric is key. Purchase these pants in a rayon or viscose wool blend and they’re instantly dressy.

Select a leg silhouette that works for you and commit to a heel height. I like micro-check pants best matched with plain tops, but prints will work if you choose them carefully. Add a denim jacket when it’s chilly and check-mate, you’ve beaten the casual pants dilemma.

The Gap has two nice micro-check pants options in at the moment (98% cotton, 2% spandex).The one style is flared and the other straight. The black and white flared leg is not nearly as low rise as its described. It has a brilliant adjustment detail to make it fit perfectly on the waistline.

I adore timeless denim skirts and always have a few in my wardrobe. They are a nice alternative to jeans for casual and smart casual dressing. I’ve found them extremely versatile and cost effective because they are inexpensive and I can wear them throughout the year. They’re ideal in warm weather with a top and sandals, and just as fab in cool weather with knee-high boots and a cropped jacket.

One of my complaints every season is the lack of denim skirt variety. I’d welcome a range of silhouettes, colours, lengths and washes. At the moment, there’s a nice selection of knee-length straight-ish denim skirts. It’s a look most body types can wear if you get the right fit on the hip and thigh area:

• To create a curve:  choose a style that tapers in towards the knee.
• To straighten a curve: choose a style that hangs straight from the hip down, or flares out slightly.

I personally prefer a dark wash, but have successfully popped clients into lighter washes, black-black, cream and grey denim skirts as well. If you don’t have one already, consider adding a denim skirt to your wardrobe. It’s a great way to get out of a pants rut.

An assortment of knee length straight denim skirts. Some of the side seams taper in, while others hang straight or  flare out slightly. Dress them up or down and make skirts a “go-to item” when you’re sick of jeans.

If you haven’t heard of the Sweet Pea brand, it’s time you did. Their tops are versatile, comfortable, flattering and fun to wear. A flop-proof option to have in your wardrobe if you don’t mind man-made fibers and bold printed designs.

Sweet Pea tops are made of a 100% polyester knitted mesh and come in a range of styles and printed patterns. They are great dressed up under a jacket for smarter occasions, and just as fab dressed down with clamdiggers and casual sandals. The fabric is wrinkle resistant, which makes them easy to launder and the perfect traveling pieces. There’s no chance of shrinkage and the fabric wears well. Shiny, our YLF cleaning queen, mentioned in the forum that the dye runs when you hand wash these tops. So make sure your laundry batches are colour coordinated!

Usually priced between $60 and $95, Tanya recently pointed out that Bluefly is having a sale and styles are 50-70% off at the moment. Sweet Pea tops are perfect on their own, or layered with cardigans for Autumn. They’re a win if it’s your style. I haven’t had a disappointed sweet pea client yet.

An assortment of sweet pea tops. They don’t seem to cling nearly as much as other knitted tops do. Their all-over-print designs, the nature of the mesh fabric, and clever styling details often make them forgiving around the mid section.

Spring’s fringe “it” shoe is now everywhere. I suspect that the peep-toe bootie was well received at retail six months ago, explaining why fashion buyers repeated the transitional look for Autumn. Interesting.

I liked the look of the ped when it first came out and I still do. It is edgy, modern and very new. They look super with a pair of skinny bottoms. I also like the peep-toe bootie with frocks and skirts on the right body type. This shoe is off limits for me personally, because I can’t wear peep-toes or soaring heel heights. But I whole heartedly appreciate the trend.

This style was not popular at YLF when it debuted. Has your eye adjusted? Are you sporting peep-toe booties? Or is this still a look you can live without.