White pants: the freshest specimens were wide legged with corset-like waists, while the wide, often cuffed, leg will make the transition to the “real way”. The waist will likely sit lower than just below the bra; likely just below the natural waist for the most flattering look. When paired with brilliantly bright tops, the look is cooler than sorbet, and just as appealing.

Trench coats: they truly are a modern classic, regardless of if you choose cropped, bracelet-sleeved or the classic knee-length style. Khaki rules, though grey, white and even black are just as versatile.

Modified caftans: while most women love the idea of letting it all hang out under a voluminous dress for evening, a little bit of streamlining is more flattering – tie-belt backs are an easy way to add shape to the shapeless. The long length adds formality and drama to an otherwise comfortable look.

Dresses: for day, wrap and sheath styles are where it’s at. Wraps offer a 1940s sensibility in soft prints, while sheaths lend early 1960s chic in neutral shades or two-tone pop art patterns.

Fluorescent brights: not quite neon, but the closest we’ve seen in a long time. Lemon, lime, orange, cobalt, fuchsia and violet look great paired with neutrals, or, if you’re daring, all together.

Abstract prints: if neon’s not your choice, soft, almost indistinguishable prints in chiffon are also big. Grey, soft coral or turquoise on cream backgrounds are dreamy yet dignified. For something with a bit more definition, black-and-white loopy scribbles are also new to the eye.

Shorts: it is spring, after all – and designers are starting to get shorts right. Mid-thigh lengths in loose-but-not-sloppy widths, paired with that higher waist keep touchy body parts under wraps while offering a more practical option than skirts.

Traffic-stopping gowns: more than a few designers chose to open their show with an evening gown, and often that gown was a shade of yellow and cut long and loose. Most women don’t have the pleasure of looking like escaped garden nymphs in daily life, but that innocent, happy and beautiful sense of fashion is something all women can carry with them this spring.