9 must-have spring trends: Fashion and beauty

Wrap star: The obi belt

This wide natural-waist cincher has a slimmer second strap that wraps from the back and knots at the front. When tied over dresses, blazers and light coats, it flatters your figure by drawing attention to the narrowest section of your waist. Inspiration: Saint Laurent, Spring 2015 collection Nida leather wrap belt, $88, braveleather.com.

Sexy back: Modern mules

The mule has received a revitalizing makeover for spring. These slipper-like shoes can be found in several iterations, from embellished flats to spiky stiletto heels to architectural wedges. This season's sleeker profile flatters all styles of dress, but we like it best with a pencil skirt or a frothy chiffon frock. Leopard pointy-toed shoes, $70, aldoshoes.com. Shellys London mules, $140, littleburgundyshoes.com. Leather mules, $140, bananarepublic.ca.

Purple reign: Plum eyeshadow

Purple is the eyeshadow hue for spring 2015, and of all the possible variations, plum—a blend of purple and burgundy with bronze shimmer—is our favourite. Press the shadow into your lash line, then blend outward for a soft smoky eye. If you have green or hazel eyes, a plum liner will intensify their colour. Click for more spring beauty trends! Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Subra, $33, narscosmetics.com. Aveda Romantic Grandeur Petal Essence Eye Definer in Fresh Plum, $20, aveda.ca. Marcelle Eye Shadow Duo in Cherry Blossom, $16, marcelle.com.

In check: Grown-up gingham

Forget the picnic-tablecloth connotations; gingham is the print du jour. Keep it contemporary by embracing the pattern in graphic black and white—the stark contrast is distinctly adult and chic. Pencil skirt, $70, lechateau.com.

Fringe fever: Tassel earrings

Statement jewellery isn't new, but these swingy shoulder-dusters are! Whether crafted from leather, silk threads, chain links, beads or metallic spikes, there's a fringe to fit every style sense and every budget. Inspiration: Oscar de la Renta tassel earrings Sasha fringe earrings, $40, cocoajewelry.com.

Carbon footprint: Charcoal beauty aids

Known for its ability to draw out oil and toxins from the skin, charcoal is making an appearance in face cleansers for acne-prone or oily complexions. Korean skin-care and cosmetics store The Face Shop offers a charcoal cleansing foam that smells great and is surprisingly affordable. How to determine the best facial cleanser for your skin type. The Face Shop Phyto Powder in Cleansing Foam in Charcoal, $8, international.thefaceshop.com.

In the trenches: Oversize trench coat

Transition into spring with a trench coat or an anorak. This year's rainy-day toppers are a little more relaxed with looser silhouettes and hemlines that fall below the knees. 424 Fifth trench coat, $179, thebay.com. Trench coat, $295, aritzia.com.

Well rounded: The circular bag

The circular-bag trend is unexpected and fresh. Try a clutch or cross-body style to add playful shape and sporty spirit to your everyday look. Sunday Best bag, $65, aritzia.com. Ibis leather cross-body bag, $395, mackage.com.

Prime time: Skin primers

Battle facial redness, shine, dullness and dryness with the next generation of makeup primers. Designed to be applied under foundation, they help makeup go on smoother and last longer while nourishing skin. Radiance: This illuminating primer reflects light for a glowing, youthful appearance. Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer, $42, thebay.com. Tone correction: Make Up For Ever's new range of primers targets uneven texture and tone. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Radiant Primer, $42, sephora.ca. Anti-redness: Maybelline's primer smooths pores and combats redness, dullness and uneven skin tone. Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Redness Control, $13, maybelline.ca. Mattifying: Revlon's compact balm minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines while eliminating shine. Revlon Photoready Prime + Anti Shine Balm, $18, revlon.ca. For more beauty tips, visit our Style Desk blog.