Plaid is such a cozy cold-weather staple that often fashionistas don't think of it as an option for spring. But done on the right lightweight fabric and with a brighter color palette, plaid becomes a prep-inspired, less girlie-girl alter-native to the plethora of floral prints that have cropped up all over the place this season.

Jordin Sparks pairs a short, plaid jacket with a denim dress to add visual interest and texture, while funn girl Amy Sedaris does the exact opposite by layering a classic jean jacket over a ladylike, shiny plaid dress. Try a pastel-colored plaid blouse, especially one that's sleeveless or short-sleeved, for a quick and easy way to dress up jeans.