Last week’s sunny Lawrence weather was the perfect inspiration for spring shopping. Keep your eye out for new, spring shapes, many of which you can begin wearing with your heavier, winter wardrobes right off the bat. Read on for new takes on classic outerwear pieces, layering essentials, and fun tops and blouses that will place you right in line for spring.

Trench:

Although the trench coat won’t receive the boot anytime soon … or ever … small updates keep this classic jacket modern and in-style. Look for a shapely trench coat with domed shoulders for the most up-to-date version. For another fun alternative to the trench coat, look for a lightweight driving coat in an empire-fit or A-line cut. Both of these jackets are trendy and figure-friendly options.

Blazer:

Update last fall’s boyfriend blazer with an equally versatile jacket. Still look for an oversized blazer, but now pay attention to details — small changes perhaps previously overlooked by most boyfriends anyhow. Feminine aspects, like softer, curvier proportions and tailoring, are now being emphasized. Styles with ruched sleeves, ruffled lapels and fish-tails are more common and on spot for this spring. Essentially, look for a less-boxy, more feminine version of the boyfriend blazer that is still a bit oversized.

Tops:

Although the past seasons were heavily influenced by minimalist, utilitarian shapes and designs, designers let loose their spring fever in 2011, showcasing new, trendy shapes on bottom and top. Regardless of color — although I hope it’s a bit brighter than the all-drab grey-and-winter-black wardrobes that are ubiquitous right now — pay attention to the shape of each garment.

Asymmetrical looks:

Look for intriguing cuts, like asymmetric blouses and even dresses. Asymmetric cuts are not too tough to come by, so keep your eye out for more intriguing asymmetric spin-offs. Some tops and dresses won’t just have asymmetric hemlines, but they will also incorporate asymmetric neck or arm holes, shifting the entire pattern and aesthetic of the shirt.

Voluminous blouses:

Blouses of all types that focus on volume are a key wardrobe item this spring. Shapes that parallel the billowing, voluminous peasant tops of the 1970s made a comeback on spring 2011 runways. Seek out shirts that utilize excess fabric and darts to create unique folds and soft, full curves throughout the entire piece. A voluminous effect is particularly trendy around the hips, so pair these tops with sleek, trim trousers or skirts to achieve a balanced look and pleasing shape overall.