Michael Kors goes metallic with this shift (and sandal); available at Neiman Marcus

Hope Springs Eternal

Resolved: That anyone interested enough to read beyond this headline is tired of the obvious.

Therefore: This article will not use the words, “Recessionista,” “Stimulate the Economy,” or “Shop Your Closet.” It will also not mention Wall Street’s desire for you to buy. You’re reading this because you want to buy! Wall Street doesn’t need you to look totally hot for your college reunion! Wall Street doesn’t care if that skirt makes you look like the Michelin woman! Wall Street wants your money. Fashion desires your heart and soul. And no matter the “economic climate” (note: add to banned phrase list), a true affashionado will always find a way to ignore credit when credit is due, at least when the bill comes from AmEx.

(Entre nous, most men don’t understand this. Men are hunters. They bring home big cars, big TVs, big takeout meals. Things they think they need to survive. Women are foragers. We bring home things we think we need to thrive, like coordinating sofa pillows, four flavors of Ben and Jerry’s Frozen Yogurt, and shoes. Hey, you always get two when you buy one box of shoes!)

So suspend your disbelief and your credit limit for a moment. This spring, we’re going for the gold. And the peacock blue. And the geometric prints. And the snakeskin. No matter how spent you are, here are some concepts to consider, however you choose to spring sartorial.

The Girl In The Gilded Cage: The stores are counting on someone to shop, and that would be the one looking for gold cage shoes or boots. Yup. The one thing you are sure not to have in your wardrobe, of course, is this season’s fashion “must.” YSL has some great ones. Just say a little bird told you.

Moroc-And-Roll With It: Spring runways showed wonderful, wearable desert and safari styles in muted beige colors. At Ralph Lauren, turban-inspired headdresses, matte gold shifts, and off-white linens conveyed a sense of calm in the eye of the sandstorm. Like Kristen Scott Thomas in The English Patient, these sleek, flowy dresses are to be worn midday in some mythical land where everyone looks divine despite the 104-degree weather and spitting dromedaries.

Fringe Supporters: This season’s movement is more flapper than trapper, but being on the fringe is a good thing. Even the house of Hermès was cutting the rug—and the leather—into a post-hippie-modern-movement thing. But don’t think you can resurrect your 1970s buckskin jacket (and ixnay on the Dan’l Boone hat.) Think delicate, suggestive, amusing. Like the late, great Blossom Dearie singing “Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” So out it’s in.

Dior features sky high platforms; available at Neiman Marcus

Teeter-Totter: Alas, fashion’s fascination with meta-tarsals isn’t over—shoes have higher platforms than ever. Launch your fashion platform with a seriously tall set of tapers to tip your toes into. Dior does some doozies. Try not to topple.

Swag-grr: Instead of around the waist, Chanelshowed its traditional three-row chains draped at an angle from one spot to another: bust to hip, shoulder to bust. Be careful to get the bunting right or you risk looking like a front porch on the Fourth of July.

Metallica: Metallic is big, big, big. Glowing golden or shining silver is okay for day, and de rigueur for accessories, particularly bags and shoes. A silver shirt or a golden skirt can sharpen up a simple suit or turn trousers into shining armor.

Plan 9 From Outer Space: There is a mod futuristic vibe to many designs, both in color and structure. Elaborate shoulders, trapeze shapes, high-tech fabrics all contribute to the looks shown at Balenciaga and Gareth Pugh, among others. Think updated Judy Jetson with better hair.

Fantasy Island: This year’s vacation may be scaled back to a driving trip to Lake Shasta, but make it feel like a little jaunt to a Mediterranean island. Sport capri pants when buying a Slurpee at the Mini Mart. Spray on that tan, hoist your Goyard carryall, and hold up your highlighted head on that houseboat! Extra credit if you don’t dress your kids like Herve Villachaize or say, “Ze plane, ze plane!”

Handbags in Prada’s spring runway collection featured a lot of snakeskin; available at Neiman Marcus

Indian Summer Of Love: Once limited to dowry duty, interest in Mughal-style jewelry with rough-cut diamonds and dangling seed pearls is going like Ganges. These statement collars and delicate danglers set in high-carat yellow gold are turning up and turning heads for elaborate evenings. Bollywood has definitely come to Hollywood.

Run, Run, Run, Run, Runway: The most extreme looks were meant to make a point, not to make people point. Is anyone really going to wear a head-to-toe multicolor crystal bodysuit, hood and boots attached? No, The Talented Mr. McQueen was trying to make a point about fantasy and fabulousness and shape and silhouette on the runway. But he’s doing a capsule collection for Target that has some sexy slacker jackets and lengthening leggings that are quite fetching. Extra credit if you break out the Beadazzler to hit the bull’s-eye with bling.

Throw Stones: Saturated, intense jewel colors including citrine, turquoise, and amethyst keep the palette fresh and vibrant. Black belongs at the back of your closet this season unless it’s in high-contrast patterns with white or tan.

Snake In The Grass: Snakeskin, particularly colored python, is giving croc and alligator a slither for your money. Snakeskin bags, belts, and shoes are especially desirable, and so light they feel like a second skin—to be shed when the climate is right.

Resolved: A retail fling in spring can be a good thing!

Therefore: Shop to it!

Jennifer Raiser thought the lemongrass suit looked better inperson.