As the old saying goes, a good year is determined by its spring – and if this season’s clothing trends are any indication, 2007 is shaping up to be a very good year, indeed.

Gone are the days of ridiculous accessories (for the record, I actually liked the poncho) and hard-to-wear cuts – you can stop complaining about the gauchos now, gals. And the only place I’ve seen anything with embroidery across the butt is Victoria’s Secret.

Instead, spring blows a breath of fresh air onto the fashion scene, with truly wearable styles that flatter every figure – and fit every budget. That way, you can save your money for a pair of designer jeans (I’m partial to Citizens of Humanity these days) or a wear-with-everything purse – Angela Adams or Coach Legacy for me.

For the first time in a long time, there is no shortage of easy, breezy looks for women of all ages. Looking for prints charming? Well, you’re in luck – no frog-kissing required. For college girls and twentysomethings, try a vibrant floral babydoll top with jeans. In the office, women can layer a polka-dotted blouse under a suit or try a bold graphic-print wrap dress.

Speaking of dresses, they’re an absolute no-brainer. Not only are they comfortable and forgiving, you can set your alarm clock a half-hour later because you won’t even need to think twice about what you’re wearing. Work? Wedding? What have you? A dress has you covered.

And if you’re looking for color cues, look no farther than your daily newspaper. This spring’s looks are black and white and red all over.

As I said – it’s easy to look good this spring. And that bodes well for the rest of 2007. Who knows? Maybe this will be the year that “Hottie” across the butt finally disappears.

Ahoy, ladies

Nauti gets nice this spring with a modern twist on traditional red, white and navy looks. Sure, you can buy a striped boatneck at Gap or L.L. Bean, but why not try a crisp shirtdress with a smart rain hat ($39.99 and $3.97, both at Gap) – perfect for April showers. And a gauzy red polka-dotted blouse ($16.99, T.J. Maxx ‘n More) will look fresh at the office or after hours.

She’s with the band

Headbands are an affordable, easy way to add flair to your outfit. I love the scarflike headbands at Target and Cherished Home in Belfast, the cute prints at Gap and New York & Co., and the deceptively inexpensive styles at Claire’s (pictured, prices vary).

Best dressed

When it comes to effortless dressing, nothing beats, well, a dress. And the classic wrap dress made famous by Diane Von Furstenberg presents a triple threat: comfortable, flattering, elegant. If you find it in a mod black and white print (Bisou-Bisou at J.C. Penney, $39.99), so much the better.

Strong suit

Tired of the same old, same old? Instead of pants or skirts, pair your jacket with crisp capris or tailored Bermuda shorts – trust me on this one, it looks better than it sounds. Macy’s and Kohl’s have great, inexpensive options for juniors. My favorite looks for the office come from New York & Co. (pictured, $69 for jacket, $36.50 for pants)

Babydoll love

A shirt that accentuates your bust and camouflages your tummy with soft folds of fabric – what’s not to love? The babydoll truly is the best. Wear it long with leggings or short (but not too short) with jeans. Just be sure it fits – too big and you’ll look pregnant, too small and that sort of defeats the whole purpose ($17.99, Target).

Patent pending

Forget what your mother told you – it’s perfectly fine to wear patent leather shoes with dresses. And pants. And skirts. Patent leather adds shine to spring outfits in the form of oversize belts, great shoes and, my favorite, sleek clutch purses that are just a little bit retro (purse, $24.95, flip-flops, $14.50, both at New York & Co.; pumps, $24.99, Kohl’s).

Be flat

Your feet will thank you. And so will your inner fashionista. Stilettos may be sexy, but ballet flats are fun and funky in animal prints, toile, florals and dots. Isn’t your black suit crying out for zebra-printed shoes? I thought so.

A whiter shade of pale

Last winter was all about edgy, Gothic nails. Now spring has arrived with a blanc slate. When it comes to manicures, white is the new black, ballerina pink is the new vampire red. As always, I swear by Revlon ($3.89, Target), but this China white from NYX is pretty cool, too (about $3, Drugstore.com).

The bangles

Even if it’s just another manic Monday – in just another basic suit – these stackable plastic bracelets will add a bright, funky touch to even the most staid of wardrobes. Sure, they’re a little wacky. But it beats walking like an Egyptian. ($5.50 for large bracelet or set of three small bracelets, Kohl’s).

Trapeze artist

Fly through the day with the greatest of ease in trapeze-hemmed garments. I love this look in a structured jacket such as this Jackie-O inspired linen number from Kohl’s ($24.99), but it’s adorable in a chunky cardigan and a floaty skirt, too.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, visit ShopGirl’s blog at http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4.