Molly Bloom knows style

What will you be wearing under your heavy coat when it’s time to peel off the layers?

Shirts are lightening up for spring — lighter fabrics and lighter colors signal an end to winter while decorative touches celebrate the season.

Translating from women’s wear are lighter fabrics and embellishments. Embroidered shirts are set to replace the striped trend that’s been happening the past several years. Somehow the embroidery makes these shirts more casual than the striped variety, so unless you work in a hipster den these shirts aren’t office-casual. Besides, no need to stink up your cool shirt at work; keep it fresh for evening outings and jeans.

Short-sleeve shirts are big for spring. I love the eastery colors and nature prints, even florals. Some of the best shirts are solids. The crisp and lean cuts play the starring role. Some au currant touches such as snaps, epaulettes and pocket design punch up otherwise simple shirts (see the divided breast pocket and hidden button placket on the Diesel shirt pictured above).

Fit is key to spring’s shirts. Too small and the buttons are bulging and shoulder movement is strained. Too big and they loose their now-ness. Be sure the shoulder seam hits just at the edge of the shoulder, before it turns into arm. Lowered shoulder seams are for bad bowling shirts. Misplaced shoulder seams can also make you look round-shouldered — so not hot.

For men’s wear, slim on top requires slim on bottom. Pants that bow out at the knees clash with trim tops. Look for flat-front, straight-legged pants and trousers.