Dos & Dont's: How To Rock The Retro Look This Spring

It's the season for dresses and skirts. Some whirl and twirl, some hug your hips, all are sexy! From left: dress with belt, Dior; earrings, House of Lavande; bag, shoes, Dolce & Gabbana. Dress, Jil Sander; earrings, Cartier; pumps, Gianvito Rossi. Shirt, skirt, Jason Wu; earrings, M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza; bracelet, House of Lavande; bag, Jil Sander; shoes, Marc Jacobs. Dress, Lanvin; necklace, House of Lavande; sunglasses, Oliver Goldsmith; pumps, DKNY.

...and some '50s don'ts

Girdles! Oppressive. Let 'em stay buried with the Cold War. White gloves. How are you going to use your iPhone? Poodle skirts. For October 31 only, please. Vintage clip-on earrings. They look so good but hurt so bad. You'll need Advil. Trying to live today's life with yesterday's handbag. Nothing's wrong with a prim little box clutch; just bring a tote too!

Simple rule: If the shape is retro, choose a modern fabric, and vice versa. Works every time. From left: jacket, shirt, skirt, shoes, Marc Jacobs; scarf (on all), Herme��s. Coat, bandeau top, skirt, bag, heels, Prada. Cardigan, Banana Republic; dress, Proenza Schouler; bag, Kate Spade New York; shoes, Marc Jacobs.

What do you think of our Dos & Don'ts? Are you into the retro '50s look?

Photos: Patrick Demarchelier, Fashion Editor: Anne Christensen