Here’s another relevant piece of information regarding the skinny model controversy (see “Can fashion models be too thin?“) – a set of recommendations released earlier this year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA):

Keep models under 16 off the runway and don’t allow models under 18 to work at fittings or photo shoots past midnight.

Educate those in the industry to identify the early warning signs of eating disorders.

Require models identified as having an eating disorder to receive professional help and only allow those models to continue with approval from that professional.

Develop workshops on the causes and effects of eating disorders, and raise awareness of the effects of smoking and tobacco-related disease.

During fashion shows, provide healthy meals and snacks, while prohibiting smoking and alcohol.

These are merely suggestions and will not be enforced.

The question of unhealthy body mass indexes (BMIs) was not addressed. According to their statement:

“The CFDA is about awareness and education, not policing. Therefore, the committee is not recommending that models get a doctor’s physical examination to assess their health or body-mass index to be permitted to work. Eating disorders are emotional disorders that have psychological, behavioral, social, and physical manifestations, of which body weight is only one.”

Another indication that the ultra skinny model will be around as long as super–slim sells.

Exaggerated heel height continues to make a trendy impact. It seems that 4- to 5-inch stacked-heeled platforms and wedges are destined to remain fashionable for a good deal longer. These new highs are a low point for me. While I’m an enthusiastic promoter of “leg-flattering elevation” (because a pair of heels slims down your curves by adding height), many of the heeled shoes in stores at the moment are frightening.

I adore flat shoes, but enjoy a stable 2 inch heel when I feel it enhances my outfit. These days I’m often attracted to a fabulous shoe, but then inhibited by the heel height. This is especially a challenge because it’s a dress season, and dresses look nicer with some sort of heel. Shoes for Spring are for the most part either really low or ultra high with very little in-between. I draw the line at comfortable 3 inch heels that I can wear for half a day to dressier occasions which involve me being seated for some of the time.

Do these new highs actually increase your style quotient? I don’t think so. How can anything uncomfortable, impractical and bad for your back and feet be stylish. Towering platforms and soaring wedges are one trend I’ll be forced to bypass season after season. I sincerely hope that trusty 2-inch heeled shoes make a strong comeback soon. For  the meantime I’ll be spending my shoe budget on something else!

If you can walk comfortably in any of these 4-inch-plus heels from Zappos.com, it’s a skill that you can put in your resume.

Not quite red, pink or orange, but rather a mixture of the three. It’s what I call coral and it’s a superb colour to wear for Spring. Since it comes in a variety of intensities, there’s sure to be a shade that’s best for you. Take your pick from watermelon, pomegranate, guava, lipstick, rose and hibiscus. I like coral best when it’s matched with either other warm tones or white. It’s fresh and feminine and certainly worth a try.

Coral clothing and accessories from French Connection, Arden B., Anthropologie and Zappos.com.

Simply put, it’s a dress season. Regardless of your lifestyle, a women’s wardrobe is not complete without the odd dress. Unfortunately, a dress is probably the most difficult item to fit on a body unless it’s tailor-made. But having our clothing altered is a good solution and one that you should embrace when it comes to shopping for that perfectly fitting frock. Over the next 4 months, you’ll see stores full of new dress shapes and lengths, along with fresh colours and exciting prints. Day dresses are particularly big which makes a lady-like change to work and casual wear as temperatures start to soar.

You’ll see these new looks:

• Sack or shift – the “it” shape for the season. This ‘70’s inspired style is unstructured, voluminous, and worn just above the knee. It’s loosely cut silhouette is shaped at the shoulder and very comfortable.
• Maxi – ankle-length day dresses are back after falling off the fashion radar for 15 years. This length is best on statuesque inverted triangles who won’t look like they’re drowning in all that fabric.
• Shirt-waister – this A-line or straight silhouette has buttons down the front and is belted at the waist. The top part of this silhouette resembles a shirt which explains it’s name. It’s perfect for pretty pear body types when trapeze in shape.
• Sheath – the return of the form-fitting ’60’s sheath is a prim and proper alternative. Avoid this style unless you are well proportioned. It’s best on racy rectangle or hot hour glass body types.
• Draped – a dress that drapes in the front and/or back through design details like knots, pleats, tucks, gathers and ruching. It’s perfect for adorable apples who need to disguise their midriff. 
• Wrap – Diane von Furstenberg’s ingenious wrap-around creation gained immense popularity last season and continues to do so. It’s the shapely and curvier girls who look best in this style.
• Bubble – this dress balloons out subtly at the hem and makes quite a statement at any occasion.
• Kimono – wide sleeves and obi-inspired waist details make this style exotically fun. 
• Empire – the empire seam (a high-waisted seam that sits directly below the bustline) can either be gathered or straight. The dress resembles a maternity baby-doll style if the seam is gathered, but can look very chic if the seam in straight.

Looking good in a dress is all about wearing the right style for your body type, making sure that it fits you correctly and wearing some sort of heel (even if it’s just an inch). I’ll cover which dresses are best for each body type in more detail as the season progresses. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to try something new – you might fall head over heels in love with this dress trend, just as I have.

The new Sack, Shirt-waister and Kimono dress silhouettes (Nordstrom).