BEAUTY TIPS: HOW TO DRESS BETWEEN SEASONS

Spring can stymie even the most fashionable woman—one minute the sun is shining; the next it's chilly and raining. But with a few simple pieces and a big umbrella, it's easy to look stylish in the face of unpredictable weather.
•Dress the part. Keep in mind that your outfit should evoke the season you're going into. Start by banishing chunky black boots, heavy, dark hosiery, and bulky turtlenecks in favor of the dresses that are arriving in stores for spring and summer. You can wear them now with tan or brown boots, balanced with a blazer or a sweater on top.
•Layer away. A tank top, sweater, and jacket is great; three T-shirts on top of one another is not. Make sure at least one of your layers is structured, whether it's a blazer or knee-length coat. And while it's OK to wear pieces in the same color family, keep them neutral and be careful not to overdo it; you'll look like an apple in green on green on green. I also like to mix fabrics. Cashmere looks great next to silk or cotton. The contrast is quite elegant and keeps your various layers from looking sloppy.
•Show some leg. If it's not raining, don't wear stockings or socks—bare legs look great in flats. Ballet flats are wonderful, but they should have a true heel and sole; you don't want to look like you're wearing slippers. Rain boots are ideal in bad weather, but when you get inside, switch to real shoes.
•Upgrade your cover Ditch your winter coat for a safari-style jacket or a trench that is cinched at the waist. I also like the '60s-style A-line coats that designers are doing right now. They look mod over little dresses or trim pants.
•Take shelter. I love umbrellas! If it's going to rain I'll carry a well-made umbrella in a rich color or vibrant stripe. I just hook the handle over my arm. And I adore those see-through umbrellas—very Courrèges


An Interview with Inge Fonteyne…Fonteyne is a fashion stylist who has worked with Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow.