Dress your age! Spring trends for moms, kids

Trends — can't live with 'em, can't get away from 'em! Every season we agonize over which trends to buy into and which ones to avoid. And one of the biggest issues we face is to determine what and which trends are age-appropriate. You never want to look like we are trying to be young or chasing our youth, rather, we should look great for our age! Don't aim for trendy, aim to look relevant. So for this Mother's Day, we're going to show you how to pick trends that can work for your mom or your daughter and all the ladies in between!

First rule: Wearing a trend doesn't mean you have to wear the exact same outfit as someone younger or older than you. Trends can be interpreted to fit the individual and that includes using accessories as accents instead of actual clothing.

Second rule: Some things are just better for the 20-30-somethings. Most of the fashion industry aims trends at that 20-30-something sweet spot, where our bodies, skin, energy are all their best. Keep this in mind when shopping. Anything that shows too much cleavage or leg is for this age group only. If you aren't old enough to vote or are eligible for social security, just steer clear of too much skin. (That does not include arms. If you've got good arms, show them off — like Michelle Obama does!

Third rule: Watch out for trends that involve extreme shapes or cuts. Anything too billowy or super tight or that distorts a natural body shape is a no-no as we mature. Look for trends that involve print, color, and texture and can be found in a figure flattering item for you.

Metallics – for daughter
Pale metallics, in particular, are very big this season. A typical 20 something can get away with wearing almost any trend. Try a heavy brocade metallic skirt and super bright color. On someone older, this kind of retro, almost 1950s skirt, might age a woman but someone young can pull this look off. While a metallic outfit might look great at a cocktail party, metallics are absolutely appropriate for day. Try pairing a skirt with a thin knit twin set and ballet flats — and it's great for the afternoon, even a wedding. Note the weight of the material. The stiffer the fabric, the more a garment will hold it's own shape without mimicking your body shape. A line skirts are universally flattering: they call attention to a waist line and camouflage a larger hip area or add the appearance of curves and fullness if you have no hips!

-Pink silk ruffle sleeve top: $89.00 / Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Stores
-Silver metallic brocade skirt; $99.99 / Pink Tartan, Loehmann's
-Pewter Metallic Heel: $89.00 / Nina, www.zappos.com
-Bronze metallic clutch: $28.00 / La Regale, Macy's
-Red and pink Lucite bangle: $25.00 / Circa Sixty Three, www.circasixtythree.com
-Rhinestone trim rose flower cocktail ring: $17 / Fashion Junkee, www.fashionjunkee.com
-Swarovski crystal bracelet: $55.00 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com
-Swarovski crystal bracelet: $48 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com
-Silver Bracelet with rhinestones: $45.00 / a.v. max, www.avmazacessories.com
-Swarovski crystal earrings: $28.00 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com

TODAY The metallics trend for mom and daughter.

Metallics – for mother
Rather than trying to put your mom in the same outfit, reinterpret the idea of shine for her with touches and accents of it. Try a summer suit made of cotton, with a sheen to it. Also add a shell in a liquid, shiny fabric and metallic shoes and jewelry. While participating in the very same trend, you have now toned it down so that it is wearable and still figure flattering. Taking out the bright and letting the metallic be the center of this tonal outfit makes her look chic and relevant without looking too trendy or young. In general, I LOVE a short sleeve jacket and matching trouser for the season: It's a great casual take on suiting and individually these pieces will work for a zillion different outfits. Try a jacket with a floral skirt and sandals and pair the trousers with a boatneck 3/4 length sleeve top for a sailor style.

-Lilac Liquid metallic top: $39.99 / RN Convertible, Loehmann's
-Grey wool linen cap sleeve belted jacket: $149.00 / Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Stores
-Black Satin pants Calvin Klein: $39.99 / Loehmann's
-Pewter pointy toe flats: $79.00 / Nine West, Nine West Stores
-Mesh Chain with Pavé and Rhinestone Necklace: $69.00 / Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Stores
-Fresh water pearl earring: $58.00 / Elise Perelman, www.lunessa.com
-Black and olive Stretch stone Rings: $9.99 / Fashion Flairs, www.fashionflairs.com
-Silver geometric textured cuff bracelet: $24.00 / Fashion Junkee, www.fashionjunkee.com
-Silver cuff bracelet: $25.00 / a.v. max, www.avmaxacessories.com

Rocker – for daughter
Think lots of black, gray and white and a touch of neon: Hard Rock mixed with '80s New Wave. Distressed denim, even thin leathers. (Yes! Even for summer.) This season the look has a hard edge; skinny, razor sharp silhouettes. A woman in her 30s can clearly pull off a skinny pant and sky high heels. Dress up the look with a tank and vest. Wear pants with a rock group logo T-shirt (they are everywhere this season) and a pointy toe flat to get the same effect. If you are petite (under 5'4"), look for a full length pant as a cropped one shortens your leg line and can make you look shorter. This trend is body conscious. You can have curves and wear it but, keep in mind, everything is cut closer to the body.

-Black skinny cropped jeans: $88.00 / Eight 14, Macy's
-White cotton printed tank top: $59.00 / Club Monaco, Club Monaco Stores
-Black cotton vest: $39.98 / Jameson, Loehmann's
-Neon pink pointy toe pumps: $84.99 / Guess Shoes, www.heels.com
-Studded black patent clutch: $59.99 / Glamnoir, www.fashionflairs.com
-Gold fill Swarovski crystal chandelier earring: $88.00 / Elise Perelman, www.lunessa.com
-Gold chain linked bangles: $55.00 / a.v. max, www.avmaxacessories.com
-Leather cord rhodium bracelets: $10.00 each / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com

TODAY The rocker trend for mom and daughter.

Rocker – for mother
So how can Mom wear a similar style? By growing the outfit UP and wearing a fitted jacket and pencil skirt instead of a cropped, younger looking pant. This will make the look more sophisticated without trying to look too young. Get a rocker feel by adding a snakeskin bag, studded shoe, and sequin scarf, but interpret the look to suit the woman wearing it. Afraid of a pencil skirt showing too many figure flaws? Try a black tux wide-leg trouser instead! Love the skirt but don't want to show a bare leg? Try a sheer black stocking with a back seam to keep the look sexy and rock and roll.

-Grey burn out t-shirt: $32.00 / Dirty Violet, Urban Outfitters
-Black cotton fitted blazer: $29.00 / H&M, H&M Stores
-Black cotton pencil skirt: $69.00 / INC, Macy's
-Black sequin scarf: $69.00 / Club Monaco, Club Monaco Stores
-Black mock croc clutch bag: $58.00 / Steve Madden, Macy's
-Hematite Mesh and Pavé Links Necklace (worn as a bracelet): $69.00 / Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Stores
-Circle rhinestone drop earrings: $39.00 / Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Stores
-Black leather studded belt: $40.00 / Betsey Johnson, Macy's

Ethnic/bohemian - for daughter
Big prints, lots of color and billowy fabrics are all big this season. The maxi dress is a huge trend but be careful: Full length dresses that don't define a waistline can look matronly if you are more mature or petite. A 30-something woman hits that trend sweet spot age-wise, and while the maxi dress is a demure length it still shows plenty of skin on top, making it sexy at the same time. Try adding a wedge sandal but you can easily pair a dress like this with a flat one, just make sure to hem the dress to the heel height you plan on wearing it with. Dresses like this are very versatile in the summer. They can go from day to evening, especially ones such as this which show skin and have a bit of shine in the fabric. Add a short, fitted cardigan as a cover up for evening or a cooler day, NOT a long roomy cardigan or wrap, as you will look like you got swallowed in all that fabric!

-Off white and blue printed maxi sun dress; $119 Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor LOFT Stores
-Taupe suede beaded cork wedge sandals: $54.99 / Steve Madden, www.heels.com
-Liquid Metal Nickel Bracelet: $89.99 / Liquid Metal, www.pulsestl.com
-Swarovski crystal bracelets: $45.00 and $58.00 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com
-Blue topaz necklace: $78.00 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com
-Swarovski crystal earrings: $100.00 / Elise Perelman, www.lunessa.com

TODAY The boho trend for three generations of fashion lovers.

Ethnic/Bohemian – for grandmother
Focus on the print to make this trend age-appropriate. Instead of a maxi dress, hem this dress to a more flattering length. By showing some leg (to the knee is the most universally flattering length for any age or height), you’ll create a longer leg line overall, making you appear taller and slimmer. In addition to keeping the print neutral, add a lightweight fitted jacket to define the waistline, give your body some womanly shape and definition and show a bit less skin. This will make an outfit just as trendy as your daughter’s, without being as young. Adding a scarf with a bolt of color enhances the trendy feel of the outfit without overpowering it. Scarves are huge for summer. Use them to dress up an outfit like this (if you are wearing a printed outfit, go with a solid color scarf) or a plain T-shirt and jeans (go with a great, wild, fun print).

-White ruffle cotton poplin jacket: $50.00 / apt. 9, www.kohls.com
-Black and white cotton smocked dress: $64.00 / AB Studio, www.kohls.com
-Blue beaded border scarf: $29.50 / Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor Loft stores
-Blue Lucite bangle: $25.00 / Circa Sixty Three, www.circasixtythree.com
-Multi color silk bangles: $49.99 (set of 6) / Rosena Sammi, www.shoprosenasammi.com
-Blue Quartz earring: $45.00 / Lunessa, www.lunessa.com
-Black Fun Boho faux leather fringe bag: $50.00 / Fashion Junkee, www.fashionjunkee.com
-Black leather T-strap sandal: $40.00 / Aldo, Aldo Stores

Ethnic/Bohemian - for granddaughter
Embroidery is a big part of the ethnic bohemian style. Kids can wear anything and look amazing. Let them be creative and wear what they want. You could pair a cute dress with a leopard body suit, wool tights and red shoes and the outfit will still look amazing. While kids can participate in trends, it is totally unnecessary. Under the age of 12, my rule is let kids wear whatever makes them happy and feel wonderful.

-White cotton floral embroidered halter dress: $20.00 / Blueberi Boulevard, www.kohls.com
-Gold metallic sandals: $39.00 / Nina Stride Rite at Macy's
-Pink and Green Indian rhinestone bangles: $12.50 (set of 10) / Dowel Quality Products, Little India East Village

More in fashion & beauty   Slideshow: Victoria’s Secret feisty fashion What would Brangelina give? Stars' hottest gifts   Images: Best and worst ‘Dancing’ outfits

More from TODAY Italian court convicts Knox |   Family plans to appeal Poll: Should Tiger Woods’ wife leave him?   ‘Hark the Herald Angels’ and more Christmas classics  14 fun and frugal gifts for this holiday season Makeover! Nuclear power plant worker gets hot

MORE FROM FASHION & BEAUTY

Fashion & beauty Section Front

Makeover! Nuclear power plant worker gets hot   Slideshow: Fashion gone Gaga Is my mascara toxic? Risky beauty ingredients   Find a perfect holiday look for kids, adults   Doctor busts skin myths What would Brangelina give? Stars’ hottest gifts 14 fun and frugal gifts for the holiday season   Add flair to your basic winter wardrobe Victoria’s Secret model chosen from online vote Quiz: What’s your personal style? Fashion & beauty Section Front   Add Fashion & beauty headlines to your news reader: