Spring 2013’s most daring fashion trends

Blake Lively knows leather can work for any season or climate: She chose Isabel Marant's bright shade, which takes the edge off of leather's more traditional black form.

Aussie actress Cate Blanchett pared down Peter Pilotto's mixed-print look by switching out the patterned pants with a slim pencil skirt, making it office-appropriate.

Supermodel Miranda Kerr found the perfect balance of structure on top and drape below in Helmut Lang's spring-ready suit. Tip: Keep the blouse and hair sleek and minimal to work as a backdrop to the bold print.

While red-carpet regular Gwyneth Paltrow did shorten Michael Kor's originally floor-length gown, the key to pulling off her look was keeping it below the knee. If going for peek-a-boo cut-outs, maintain a ladylike silhouette overall.

DJ Solange Knowles gave a peek in a thigh-high slit in Kenzo, but she also kept a more conservative cut up top with an embellished neckline and full sleeves.

Elie Saab's dramatic cobalt gown proves that lace has stepped out of the lingerie category this spring, and Jessica Chastain's take—in a wearable cocktail version—works because of the below-the-knee pencil skirt.

Just as Simone Rocha showed on her runway, actress Chloe Moretz went for pared-back, classic accessories for this look-at-me trend. Bonus: It's an excellent excuse to skip the jewelry!

Alessandra Rich's dramatic, sheer lace dress suddenly became a little more cocktail friendly (but makes just as much of an impact) when Olivia Palermo paired it with a classic black blazer.

Not just for nighttime? Nina Ricci's fresh take on sparkle works for Anne Hathaway because the formerly evening-only embellishment lays on a day-friendly blush crepe.

The master of prints, Peter Pilotto, fearlessly mixed patterns, ruffles, and cut-outs—and actress Kerry Washington knew to let those elements take the spotlight, adding nothing else but classic pumps.