Express fashion handbag

What's buzzing this spring? Color--and lots of it. After a harsh winter and a tougher economic climate, radiant hues and energetic tints express an attitude that says conditions are finally clearing--and looking good. Even at the corporate levels, the most conservative dressers can infuse their style with brighter statements.

It's an easy adjustment for women, who often look forward to emerging from the winter cover-ups. But according to Latisha Daring, fashion stylist and owner of the Brooklyn, New York, boutique Pieces, this season men will have options of simple touches to transform standard business attire. "Men are often afraid of color, but it's the perfect way to update a suit," Daring says. "Simply add a bold striped dress shirt and accent it with a bold patterned tie, a contrasting pocket square, and bold cufflinks." On the following pages, Daring pulls together spring wardrobe options.

BUDDING OPPORTUNITIES

Suit, Lafayette 148 (jacket, $398; skirt, $350); silk blouse, BCBG; pearls, A. V. Max ($90); alligator handbag, Lana Marks ($7,995); shoes, Marc Jacobs ($240).

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HUE MAN

Ensemble: Suit, Canali ($1,195); shirt, Hugo Boss; silk tie, Ted Baker ($75); cufflinks, David Donahue ($110).

Options: Shirt, Charles Tyrwhitt ($120); silk ties ($105-$145) and pocket squares ($65-$125), Robert Talbott; shoes, Tanino Crisci ($625); belts, Martin Dingman ($175-$900); cufflinks, Robert Talbott ($375).

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A STAR IN STRIPES

White pinstripe suit, Theory ($350); blouse, BCBG; pearls, A.V. Max ($58); shoes, Chanel ($475); alligator handbag, Lana Marks ($8,965).

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COLOR CASTING

Ensemble: Suit, Hugo Boss ($895); shirt, Burberry ($155); silk tie. Emilio Pucci ($120): shoes, Fratelli Rossetti ($395); cufflinks, David Donahue ($125).

Options: Shirt, Charles Tyrwhitt ($120); ties ($105-$145), pocket squares ($65-$125), cufflinks ($375), Robert Talbott; belts, Martin Dingman ($175-$900).

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DAY-TO-EVENING BLUSH

Day: Wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg ($325); pearls, A.V. Max ($90); shoes, Moschino ($390).

Evening: Black Helix handbag, Lana Marks ($455); choker, Noir ($62).

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