I'm not someone who typically advocates jumping on the trend bandwagon, for several reasons. Not all trends are created equally, for starters, and what works on a bunch of teenage runway models in Milan may very well not work for your everyday-working-girl, mom-on-the-go, real-woman-with-hips life. Or body. Or budget! And we all know that buying into every trend leaves you with a closet full of nothing to wear.

But that doesn't mean that indulging, in moderation, in some carefully chosen trends is completely out. The trick is to identify the trends, and THEN identify the trends that will work for YOU. Then take those pieces and mix them in with your current basics for a look that is current and yet still classic.

What ARE the trends for Spring 2008? Sarah Granger at SFBayStyle has compiled an impressively comprehensive list, which highlights the wide range of choices for spring and summer.

themes:
safari
punk
art deco
impressionist
modified military

Sarah talks not only about basic shapes, like modified military, but about options for prints and textures and colors; she looks at clothing shapes and accessories and even hair and makeup trends. This is a wonderful place to start if you want an overview of what is coming for the next couple of seasons. Use Sarah's list to look for trends that will work FOR YOU -- can't see yourself in military wear? How about something 70s inspired? There are lots of choices.

Photo via Fashion Directory.

The dress is still hott for Spring 08, which makes me incredibly happy because dresses are so EASY. This season, though, the dresses are feminine and floaty. Think about the various ways you can make feminine work for you -- again, both in shape and in texture and color. For day, look for structured dresses in girly colors; for evening, look for beautiful fabrics with some sheen or pattern.

Not sure you can wear punk or safari or a floaty floral dress? Think about incorporating trendy color into your existing wardrobe. The Pantone Fashion Color Report for 2008 is loaded with great fruity colors for spring and summer. Fashion Trendsetter tells us that, "According to the report, the spring '08 palette is defined by classic, versatile neutrals punctuated by splashes of invigorating brights, empowering consumers to explore new and creative ways to combine colors." I am partial to the Rococco Red, Freesia, and Snorkel Blue; pair a pop of color, in a scarf or bag or belt, with your basic neutrals for a look that is current without being overwhelming.

For affordable trendy pieces, look to stores like H&M. Red Carpet Fashion Awards previewed H&M's spring '08 line, which consists largely of '70s and tribal influenced pieces. While the turban may not be you, don't write the whole look off. Pick some pieces -- a 70s inspired jacket, for instance -- to mix in with your tailored trousers and white tees. I am not really a fan of disposable fashion, but if you choose carefully, even trendy pieces can last beyond a season, particularly if you buy items that you really wear and love. Instead of being one season wonders, these may become staples in your wardrobe. That's the beauty of testing trends: you may discover a side of your style you hadn't seen before.

When you incorporate a trend into your basics wardrobe, do it sparing, and ONLY if the trend fits your body. Stick with overall silhouettes that work for you -- A-line skirts and boot cut trousers flatter everyone -- and mix in inexpensive pieces in bright colors and bold patterns. Challenge yourself to test out ONE new trend this season, even if it is something as simple as a zebra-print handbag or tribal-influenced necklace. Give your basics a punch of trendy this spring and keep your look current and fresh.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet and Fashion Find. Send her your style questions at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com.