How do I build a trendy spring wardrobe?

The question

What trends should I pay attention to when I put together my wardrobe this spring?

The answer

I often receive questions like this. To reiterate, trends don't hold nearly the same influence today as they have in the past; you will find neither a single dominating hemline nor a must-have colour. And personal style – an inescapable notion, thanks to the proliferation of fashion blogs – trumps a single-season trend.

But if you are the type who needs to latch onto a look and accept that it might not last as long as your hair colour, then I recommend thick stripes – Marc Jacobs, Joseph Altuzarra, Lanvin, Acne and Tommy Hilfiger all showed them, mostly in combinations of black and ivory. Tops will be easier than bottoms and vertical versions more forgiving than horizontal.

And you can't go wrong with any of the season's updated Le Smoking tuxedo jackets; as far as trends go, this one is never out of fashion.

Amy Verner is The Globe and Mail's Paris-based style reporter. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @amyverner.