Here's an April forecast for you single women out there: We're looking at a 100% chance of fun, flirty fashions all month long. (Oh, and, um, lots and lots of rain.) The skies may be gray and cloudy, but fashion- and beauty-wise, it's all about lightening—and brightening—up. That means daring neon color palettes (not as scary as it sounds), lightweight, barely there mineral makeup, flowing fabrics, and sunny doses of yellow. Hey, it may be pouring outside, but we don't have to dress like it.

 

Neon: No, you don't have to dig out your glow sticks and lime green spandex dresses from the ‘80s. For most people, this is a trend best done in moderation, so try pairing an electric blue clutch (like the Sondra Roberts Eastwest Clutch) with your little black dress, or paint your toenails a shocking shade of hot pink. Or, take the plunge in Banana Republic's uplifting neon pink Keyhole–Back Dress (shown).

 

Statement Necklaces: A dainty gold chain is pretty and all, but this season is all about big, eye-catching necklaces. Look for layered chains and stones, gems and baubles galore. Two to try: Chan Luu's Brown Mother of Pearl Necklace and the Abstract Multi Gem Necklace from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

 

Mineral Makeup: Who wants to wear heavy foundation? Mineral makeup offers lightweight, skin-boosting coverage that looks natural yet polished, and now your favorite drugstore beauty brands are getting in on the action. Check out Revlon's new ColorStay Mineral Collection.

 

Sheath Dresses: Upgrade your work wardrobe with the season's sleek sheath dresses, like this classy houndstooth version from Anne Klein.

 

Peep Toes: Time to get a pedicure! Peep-toe shoes are stealing the spotlight right now. If you find this season's wedges too adolescent, step into a sleek pump like Bandolino's Gordona (shown); the black and white combination is classic yet hip.

 

Yellow: Has someone been spiking fashion designers' Evian with Prozac? That might explain the sunny swarm of yellow garments coming down the runway. Get the Little Miss Sunshine look with Nanette Lepore's V-Neck Top in Marigold (shown) or Anthropologie's Lemon Meringue Tee.

 

A Canvas Tote Bag: If you're still using plastic bags (eesh!), perhaps Earth Day this month will serve as a friendly reminder that going green is the way forward. And with Diane von Furstenberg's Go Green Canvas Tote (shown), you'll be the trendiest tree-hugger in town.

 

A Little White Dress: It's time to lift the Labor Day anti-white embargo. Bench the black cocktail dress and stand out in the crowd with a dreamy white frock like Tara Jarmon's Cinched Waist Shift Dress. Oh, and stay away from the salsa.

 

Draping: Rami from “Project Runway” really was on to something. Goddess-style draping and one-shoulder dresses will make every woman feel like Aphrodite. Butter by Nadia's versatile wrap dress is the perfect option for women who want to try the trend without the commitment; the convertible fabric can be fashioned several ways.

 

Belts: Dresses, skirts, trousers, shorts…everything is belted this season. Give your pencil skirt a playful edge by adding a skinny belt in a bold color, or throw a large, dramatic statement belt over a sundress—it's an easy way to breathe new life into old outfits.