In living colour

Jump-start the season, and kick winter's weary butt, with an eye-popping hue. Juicy fruit shades are all big faves. Girls can grab a jacket in watermelon pink or slip on a breezy dress in lime green (give it shape with a wide belt); guys can add zest to a nautical palette with a shot of lemon yellow and bright blueberry.
On her (OPPOSITE PAGE): Cropped trench, $80, Winners, winners.ca. Chiffon sleeveless top, $95, and fold-over snakeskin clutch, $185, both Banana Republic, 1-888-BR-STYLE. Skinny acid wash jeans, $40, H&M, hm.com. Rhinestone thong sandals, $20, Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY.
On him: Button front shirt, $23, and oversize striped sweater, $35, both H&M, hm.com. Nylon zip front jacket, $124, Banana Republic, 1-888-BR-STYLE. Straight leg jeans, $40, Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY. Sneakers, $80, Winners, winners.ca.

In living colour

On her: Silk sleeveless dress, $160, and fedora with ribbon band, $74, both Banana Republic, 1-888-BR-STYLE. Obi-style two-tone belt, $40, Winners, winners.ca. Enamel earrings, $6, H&M, hm.com.

White hot

A crisp, black-tie worthy blazer puts a formal spin on weekend staples such as a checkered shirt and jeans. Mixing dressy pieces with casual ones will give you more bang for your buck and elevate any outfit. Oh, and don't be afraid to flash some leg with an avant-garde cut of denim.
BEAUTY NOTE: Hey, guys, need an instant pick-me-up? With notes of Mexican lime, rum and sandalwood, Adidas Dare! Eau de Toilette, $35, 30 ml, is sure to put a spring in your step. Available at drugstores and other retailers.
ON him: Linen-blend blazer with satin piping, $70, oversize checkered button- front shirt, $35, cropped denim pants, $40, and mirrored sunglasses, $15, all H&M, hm.com. High top sneakers, $50, Winners, winners.ca.

Go with the flow

Dhoti and harem pants may only be for the most fearless fashionistas, but relaxed trousers of any style will cut the coolest silhouette this season. Fabrics that move, like jersey or silk, are easiest to wear. Mandatory pairings: heels, to add swagger, and a fitted top half.
On her: Cropped dhoti pant, $40, and bronze bib-style necklace, $13, both H&M, hm.com. Button-front shirt with three-quarter sleeves, $74, Banana Republic, 1-888-BR-STYLE. Leather snakeskin-textured belt, $130, Winners, winners.ca. Lace-up printed wedge sandals, $30, Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY.

Top shop

Attention, smart shoppers! Now is the time to stock up on separates that can take you from day to night, workweek to weekend. Hence, a uniform of jeans and an attention-grabbing shirt always satisfies. Voluminous tops in a bold colour (orange is hot) and flirty fabric paired with slim-fitting denim works for the ladies, while an alternative to traditional blue jeans make a graphic tee new again for the guys.
On her: Chiffon accordion pleat top, $80, Winners, winners.ca. Skinny jeans, $50, H&M, hm.com. Enamel bangles, $13 for set of three, and wedge sandals, $30, both Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY.
On him: Graphic print T-shirt, $15, and short-sleeved jacket, $70, both H&M, hm.com. Straight leg jeans, $40, Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY. Lace up shoes, $70, Winners, winners.ca.

Put it in neutral

The antithesis of shocking neon, a barely-there shade of beige popped up all over the runways as the new neutral. Sounds boring, we know, but hear us out. Strong shapes, like this full, calf-length skirt, give this ÒcolourÓ a fashion-forward edge, and adding separates and accessories in contrasting shades pumps up the volume another notch or two. Buh-bye, boring.
BEAUTY NOTE: Equal parts sweet and sassy, Vera Wang Rock Princess Eau de Toilette Spray, $72, 50ml, hits just the right note with a mix of lush raspberry, white peach, night-blooming jasmine and smouldering musk. Available in drugstores and department stores in April.
On her: Tulle skirt, $60, H&M, hm.com. Ribbed scoop-neck tank top, $10, and suede thong sandals with rhinestones, $20, both Old Navy, 1-800-OLD-NAVY. Braided belt, $62, and striped scarf, $74, both Banana Republic, 1-888-BR-STYLE.

Photography: Alvaro Goveia
Makeup and hair:Taylor Borris, Elite Artists
Photo assistant: Neal Burstyn
Shot on location at George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus, georgebrown.ca
Styling assistant: Tanya Hosten
Special thanks to: Elmer Olsen Model Management