Photos by Andy Starnes, Post-Gazette photos Tricia, left, sports a soft straw hat ($60) and Mycra Pac One raincoat ($292) over Morrissey cropped pants ($158), O.Y.B. gold tank top ($46) and Yansi Fugel cropped jacket ($452). On Sarah, soft straw two-tone hat ($48) and Mycra Pac One colorblocked raincoat ($392) over Morrissey gold hot pants ($138), Yansi Fugel sleeveless hoodie ($162) and Yansi Fugel tank ($112) at Carabella, 328 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. Click photo for larger image. More Coverage: Photo Journal: Focus on Fashion

Meredith Vieira caused a fashion flap last Wednesday when she wore white pants on NBC's "Today" show to celebrate the first day of spring.

Her supposed fashion faux pas generated so many viewer letters that the morning news program aired a segment the next day that informed the masses what the super-stylish already know: Ms. Vieira wasn't necessarily wrong because when to wear white isn't that simple anymore.

For spring, the fashion "rules" and cute little clothing conventions passed down through the generations from bygone eras -- including the notion that bright white is taboo before Memorial Day -- are under assault by those determined to present a fresh and energetic aesthetic. These days, it's less about rigidity and tradition than about clothes and accessories that work in new, unexpected and always-feminine combinations.

"From looks that are soft and sweet to bold and beaming, there's no mistake that fashion this spring is for the girly girl," said Cora DeLoia, co-owner of Spoiled Chics the Boutique in Sewickley. "The theme for spring 2007 should be 'I enjoy being a girl' because this is the season when it's all about eyelet, lace, flowing skirts and dresses."

Confused by the range of choices? It's hard to go wrong when you wear what makes you feel pretty and confident.

The latest styles make it easy to look chic from head to toe. Wooden platforms, patent-leather wedges and embellished ballet flats are on-trend footwear for many looks, while jaunty fedoras and wide-brimmed hats top them off.

Wearing multiple trends doesn't have to be complicated. Byron Lars' polka-dot mini dress with pouffy skirt ($290) gets a hot complement with Robert Clergerie's sky-high red patent-leather wedges ($595) at Maxalto, 54261/2 Walnut St., Shadyside. Click photo for larger image.

But the right outfit is the anchor, and this season women can choose from vibrant print day dresses and curve-caressing pencil skirts, bubble hems and poet-sleeve tops, updated shorts and wide-legged trousers. Wrap a wide belt or obi around the waist for a modern, au courant feel.

"I'm seeing lots of blousy tunics," said New York stylist Joan Roland. "And dresses that are either high-waisted and empire, almost babydoll-like, or sheaths."

Fashion sings a heavy-metal song, from bronze rain slickers and copper bracelets to gold-trimmed sunglasses and silvery jackets. It's shimmer and shine from dawn to dusk, with metallic glimmer adding glamour to nearly every category from sneakers and tank tops to slacks and evening gowns.

"Metallic will most likely live through the spring and summer and transition into some fall wear," predicted Pittsburgh stylist Susan Muschweck. "But don't rule out the workhorse blacks and whites. They're forever faithful and never fail."

Black-and-white "spectator" looks are dramatic and can be attractive on any woman "regardless of hair or skin color," noted Laura McDowell of T.J. Maxx.

"Black-and-white updates the basic black or basic white suit," she said.

Cobalt blue, pale greys and lively greens are key colors, and animal prints run wild in apparel and accessories.

Predictability and streamlined silhouettes are out, she added.

"Volume-ish tops look good with narrower bottoms, and vice versa," said Ms. McDowell. "You want the opposite effect happening on top and bottom."

A wardrobe update doesn't have to set you back a mint because the latest looks come in a range of prices.