In this article: From flirty to Fabulous

SPRING SHOPPING

Spring into shopping

We challenged Alyson Hannigan, star of TV's popular new show How I Met Your Mother, to an afternoon of shopping. Her goal: Find the coolest clothes to wear this season, whether you're in Hollywood or your hometown.

By Michele Hatty

To explore the hottest styles for spring, this year we turn to the small screen. We asked Alyson Hannigan, 31, to take us shopping for her character on CBS' popular new comedy, "How I Met Your Mother" (Mondays, 8:30 p.m. ET).

"I was such a tomboy when I was growing up," the actress confesses gamely. "I had no fashion sense. It wasn't until my 20s that I actually became a 'girl.' I feel like I need to make up for all the time that I've lost. So I'm hitting the stores hard!"

Clothing: Dress: Corey Lynn Calter; trench coat: Burberry Prorsum; vintage necklace: Platt Boutique Jewelry, L.A.

In real life, Hannigan loves designers like Marc Jacobs and Chloé, but she also heads to the racks at Urban Outfitters and Target when she needs a fashion fix. "I'm not obsessed with labels," she says. "I bought the cutest hat [at Target] for, I think, $9.99, and I got so many compliments! I'm all for Target."

On "Mother," Hannigan plays Lily, a 20-something New Yorker who spends her days as a kindergarten teacher and the rest of her time hanging out with her fiancé and their wacky friends.

Keeping Lily's schoolteacher salary in mind, Hannigan and "Mother's" lead costume designer, Susanna Puisto, took us to the fashionable Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif., to assemble three smart looks for spring: one Lily could wear to work, one she could wear on a Saturday afternoon, and one she could wear to a party with pals.

Because of Hannigan's fair skin and red hair, Puisto likes to dress Lily in jewel tones. But for style inspiration, she looks to hipster starlets Sienna Miller and Chloe Sevigny. "These girls make trends. They don't play by the rules," Puisto says. "And Lily is a New Yorker. She has an urban look, but it's still a little playful."

Soon enough, we had three great mix-and-match outfits that capture the essence of this season. We think these picks -- and Lily's cute-meets-funky style -- will inspire you this spring, as well:

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From flirty to fabulous ...

Hannigan and hershow's costume designer, Susanna Puisto, delivered! Check out these fresh new looks for spring.

A: Alyson   S: Susanna

The look: Manhattan weekend
	S: "I usually choose one focal piece, whether it's a necklace, bracelet, earrings. I usually don't do all three; it's too much." S: "This shirt has a suede-y texture to it that feels fabulous. It looks like play clothes from the '60s, and it's a very flattering style." A: "This trench is adorable with its scalloped edge. Add the funky jewelry to splash the color, and it's a good outfit." S: "The skinny jean is not for everyone. Jeans are the hardest things to buy. You've got to try them on. And whatever works for your body, that's what you should buy. You shouldn't buy something just because it's fashionable. You should buy something because it's flattering, too." A: "The bag reminds me of Marc Jacobs, who I love." A: "Love these shoes. These are very cute and very comfortable. You can go shopping in them and not have to go home and change."
TOPS Lacy camisole, Urban Outfitters, $24; Apron top, J.Crew, $58. CAPRIS Skinny denim capris, J.Crew, $200. BELT Punched leather belt, J.Crew, $45. TRENCH Scalloped trench, Anthropologie, $138. NECKLACES Graduated chunky bead necklaces, Banana Republic, $34 each. BAG Faux leather bag, Urban Outfitters, $48. SHADES Updated aviators, Urban Outfitters, $18. SHOES Wedge espadrilles, J.Crew, $118.
The look: Going out on the town
	S: "[On the show] I'll put Lily in an $800 dress if that's what looks good at the time. But if you like a designer dress, you often can find an affordable knockoff." S: "The '80s are back, and metallics are definitely in. Do both the gold chains and the gold pendant -- layer them." S: "The dress is really nice for spring: sexy, good for evening, comfortable. It's reminiscent of the disco era. That's why we paired it with the gold slingback sandals that also have a vintage feel." A: "I used to love silver, but these days I'm all about the gold. It is better for my skin tone, and now that it's back, I'm very happy."
DRESS Silk wrap dress, Anthropologie, $268. NECKLACES Enamel pendant necklace, Urban Outfitters, $24; Skinny chains, Urban Outfitters, $28. EARRINGS Hoop earrings, Anthropologie, $68. BAG Vintage bag, Urban Outfitters, $78. SHOES Slingbacks, Banana Republic, $120.
The Look: Kindergarten teacher
	S: "The jacket is very Marc Jacobs-y. If it gets cool, you could throw it over your cardigan. Or you could wear the jacket with just the camisole underneath." A: "This works for Lily because it counterbalances the skirt and funks it up." S: "A-line skirts are everywhere this season. This one is very Prada-esque. It's a nice cut, it's flattering, and it works on many different body types." A: "Lily's more conservative when she goes to work; she wants to make agood impression on the young minds." S: "We chose to mix bright green with neutral navy, which tones it down a little. I like mixing the tropical, feminine skirt with the masculine military jacket. It's a little more surprising, unexpected, fun." S: "The cardigan has three-quarter-length bell sleeves. It's so soft, and it has a nice silhouette." A: "The most popular girl in school had a big one of these as her school bag in the '80s, so ever since, I've loved these bags. And this is a great size, too, especially for Lily as a teacher." S: "The shoes have an ethnic, funky vibe. Round toes are definitely in, as is the stacked heel. It's funny how all of these things come from different eras, but it works when you mix them together."
TOPS Stretch camisole, Banana Republic, $28. SWEATER Angora and lambswool sweater, Anthropologie, $98. SKIRT A-line print skirt, Banana Republic, $78. JACKET Military-style jacket, J.Crew, $118. NECKLACE Chunky necklace, Banana Republic, $68. BRACELETS Bangles, Banana Republic, $16 each. SHADES Tortoiseshell shades, Urban Outfitters, $18. BAG Canvas tote, J.Crew, $39.50. SHOES Leather pumps, Banana Republic, $138.

Cover photograph (of Hannigan) by Robert Sebree for USA WEEKEND
Photographs of clothing items by David Baratz for USA WEEKEND; propping of clothing items by Trish Martinez
Hair by David Gardner, Solo Artists; makeup by Monika Blunder, The Wall Group; styling by Robyn Goldberg, Celestine
Hannigan's cover Clothing: dress: Corey Lynn Calter; trench coat: Burberry Prorsum; vintage necklace: Platt Boutique Jewelry, L.A.