There's never been a better time to say yes to a new dress. Even if you're a diehard fan of separates and rarely wear a dress, this spring's crop of designs will have something for you to slip right into ... it's fast fashion at its best for every special occasion ... from weddings and graduations to garden parties and class reunions. Here are some of the best dresses to hang in your closet this year:

—The shift or sheath dress. It's become a classic in our wardrobes, and a workhorse for professional offices that can easily transition to the cocktail hour. With or without sleeves, this dress also can transcend the seasons when layered with a jacket or sweater for cooler days. For an updated take on the shift this season, consider a dress in a dark floral print with bell sleeves.

—The body-con dress. This is a cousin of the shift dress, but a little more form-fitting, usually in a body conscious knit that hugs curves and therefore may not be all that flattering to every figure. The newest knits are the most fun this year in bold, graphic stripes.

—The fit and flare dress. If a shift dress or body-con dress is just not your idea of comfort, then the fit and flare dress may be just the one you need. These dresses highlight your waist and gently flare over hips and thighs. In pretty pastels, the fit and flare dress is a perfect choice to wear to spring and summer weddings.

—The lace dress. This is another trendy way to wear all of the above silhouettes. Designers add this fine texture to dresses in all-over lace looks or cutouts that give dresses just a touch of sheerness at the hem or neckline. If you have a more formal event to attend this spring, then a lace dress in a short or longer length is a more dressed-up option. It's also a great way to update that all-time favorite Little Black Dress.

—The little white dress. And speaking of the LBD, how about taking the opposite approach this year and trading in your black for a crisp white dress. In lightweight cottons and flowing silks, white is a refreshing change from the dark colors of winter. Try it for work in a tailored shirtdress; for parties, go for soft silks. Pop your whites with colorful handbags and shoes; metallic accessories are more elegant choices.

—The '60s trapeze dress. One of the most chic dress silhouettes of the season, this swingy dress will give you a whole new way to make a creative statement — Twiggy style. You may not have to worry about your mid-section in this triangle shape, but just make sure your legs are up to carrying it off. Balance this fun dress with platform sandals.

—The robe dress. This is a wrap dress at its best. At its most formal (it has been a hit at recent awards shows), it's long and lean and shows off a lot of legwork. But in shorter versions, the wrap dress is another working wonder that goes from day to night. Check out these dresses in abstract prints for day and in embellished sequins for evening.

—The slip dress. Another trendy option for the young at heart who dare to wear this boudoir-inspired slip of a dress out in public. For an edgy cover-up, team these slinky slips with a leather moto jacket.

—The off-the-shoulder dress. Halter dresses may have been a warm-weather staple in the past, but the newest way to show off that erogenous zone is the "cold" shoulder dress silhouette. Give this dress even more glamour with a statement necklace or drop earrings. How's that for class at a class reunion?

—The pant dress. Still not convinced that you need to wear a dress for success? Still stuck on separates? Then dress up your wardrobe with a trendsetting combo — layering a dress tunic over slim pants. Make sure the tunic "dress" top hits at the knee or mid-calf. Slits up the side can add a bohemian flair to your new favorite "dress." Now that's success.

Swing into spring in a retro-inspired chiffon trapeze dress by Vince Camuto.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.