This year, fashion has put a whole new meaning to coming out of one' s cocoon.  The clothes of spring are bold and varied: menswear meets feminine tailoring, African safari, and neon bright colors were just some of the biggest trends.  One predominant theme could be found pretty much throughout, however: the clothes are offering less coverage.

From Marc Jacobs to Alexander McQueen, designers all over the place have been exhibiting outfits that are increasingly...well...smaller.  Even those with substantial fabric are selectively sheer, leading the average woman (read, not a size 0 model) wondering "is that something I can do in real life?".  The answer, as always, is yes...and no.  Here are a few guidelines I' ve dredged up for those who would like to embrace this trend, while still keeping things decent.

1.  Pay attention to where you are.  If you' re at work, stay on the safe side.  Maybe wear a sheer top over and tank top and under a blazer, to add just a bit of playfulness your your usual workwear.  Out on a Saturday night? Then you can get away with a little bit more.

2. Flaunt your assets.  Got a great pair of legs? Embrace the mini trend.  A kicka*s upper body?  Let your shoulders and/or back go bare.  If you don' t feel comfortable baring one part of your body, focus on a different part.  And never NEVER flaunt it all at once.  A low-cut strapless minidress with no back will not look good no matter who you are, and no matter how great of a body you' ve got.  The idea here is a playful tease, not all-out nudity.

3.  Stick within your boundaries. As with not flaunting something you' re not willing to call attention to, do know just how much you' ll be comfortable baring.  Don' t wear things that make you uncomfortable.  The only way to rock a little bareness is with confidence, anything else just looks awkward.  Feeling awkward all over?  Play around a bit.  Even something as innocent as a one-sleeved top flashing just an arm can pack  a big hit of sexy.  Embracing the bare trend doesn' t have to mean being risque.

4. Make sure it fits.  This seems like an obvious, but it' s a common mistake: if you buy an outfit that doesn' t fit, it' s not going to look good.  This is especially important when the outfit in question is selectively baring just one body part- you don' t want your low-cut back to bare your bum because it' s too big!  Make sure whatever you buy doesn' t sag and doesn' t squeeze, so you don' t have any surprises.

5.  Mind the underwear.  Another obvious one, but it' s one of the most common heinous crimes I see.  Make sure your underwear is not showing: bra straps should either be nonexistent or tucked in, underwear should not be sticking out nor should it be creating suspicious bulges.  If your outfit is sheer, make sure your underwear goes with it.  I wouldn' t ever suggest going commando with anything mini, but be super careful if you do.  The world has enough Lindsay Lohan moments.  And don' t go braless, no matter how small the girls are.  It never looks good.

6.  Keep it classy. This isn' t about nudity.  Have fun, but don' t cross the line into streetwalker territory.  My rule of thumb?  If I' m skimpier on top, I' m more covered on bottom.  And vice versa. 

7.  You only need one accessory...and that' s great skin. So cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize like mad to get your midwinter crocodile skin ready- spring and its new daring styles will be here before you know it!