Thinking ahead about your spring and summer wardrobe? Why not take your inspiration from the past? "As designers began to see fashion as an ever-flowing river, always doubling back on itself, interest in its usable past began to grow," says Tiffany Dubin, stylist and co-author of "Vintage Style: Buying and Wearing Vintage Clothes" .

And this year at the spring runway shows, designers continue to be influenced by vintage clothes of past decades, especially those of the '70s — the heyday of separates dressing.

"Designers have loosened the leash of fashion dogma," admits Dubin, "allowing women to choose their own individual look within an increasingly varied palette of styles, and the concept of a built-in fashion obsolescence now seems dated. After all, everything good comes around again and again anyway, and the great, flattering classic styles from every decade never really go away at all."

Here are some of Dubin's "classic" vintage silhouettes to look for whether you're out shopping at a flea market or buying a new look inspired by the real thing this spring:

— The waist-length jacket: Short and boxy, from the bomber pilots of World War II to the Chanel looks worn by Jackie Kennedy in the '60s, this is a "comeback" winner.

— The miniskirt: If you've got great legs, go for it. Short skirts always signify a youthful outlook, and as long as you can carry it off, why not?

— The princess skirt: Popularized by a real Princess Diana in the '80s, this long, full skirt is once again making the rounds in graceful silhouettes and soft fabrics. When teamed with chunky jewelry and sandals, it makes a glamorous statement for elegant spring or summer occasions.

— The jumpsuit: Italian designer Emilio Pucci made these colorful silk and jersey jumpsuits a favorite of the '60s. With their flowing palazzo pants, these elegant one-piece outfits are another way to go from the beach to the ballroom this season.

— The Capri pants: The uniform in the '50s and '60s of the European jet set, this slim, cropped pant still appeals to those sailing the Mediterranean as well as to suburban moms. Capris are perfect for spring and summer wardrobes as an alternative to shorts.

— The wrap dress: An American sportswear classic created by designers like Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin. It was interpreted in stretched, wrapped and tied fabric and reinvented in the '70s by Diane Von Furstenberg.

— The A-line skirt and dress: This flattering shape flourished in the '70s, and it still thrives today with its architectural silhouette that looks crisp for the office or more casual with cardigans and tank tops.

— The halter top: A favorite of Yves Saint Laurent in the '70s, this wrap blouse with its sleek bodice shows off shapely shoulders and arms. It's also elegant when paired with a chiffon shawl for breezy spring evenings.

— The trench coat: Popular with the British officers of World War I, the clean lines of this all-purpose coat has long been a menswear-inspired favorite of women. You can dress it up with an evening gown or dress it down over jeans — it's a vintage classic silhouette that never seems to go out of style.

Image: Spring style is in full bloom with floral prints and embellishments. With Kohl's selection of on-trend merchandise, shoppers are certain to find an artistic watercolor or ditsy floral print that suits their tastes and style. Get the look with a LC (Lauren Conrad) embroidered chiffon dress ($60). Photo courtesy of Kohl's.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.