Krista Schultz may not know much about cooking, but she knows how to tie one on.

An apron, that is.

The mother of two and boutique owner has a collection of two dozen aprons — from a white lace-trimmed hostess apron to a stylish Parisian-theme design that comes in a miniature version worn by her 6-year-old daughter, Hannah.

"I don't cook. I rely heavily on help from a personal chef. But I can put on a cute apron and still pull off a great meal," laughs Schultz, who owns Initially Yours gifts in Snyder.

Lisa Kistner, a more serious cook, also loves stylish aprons — including a Vera Bradley multicolored floral design she received from her daughter for Mother's Day. It came in a recipe box covered in the same fabric.

Kistner used to wear aprons primarily during the holidays, but she has enjoyed their resurgence in recent years.

"I wear them more and more now," says Kistner, who cooks for a dozen or more people every two weeks for Bible fellowship meetings.

Favorites include a Buffalo-theme apron her husband purchased from a Junior League of Buffalo boutique during a Decorators' Show House. Others were handmade.

"I have two Christmas aprons made by a friend of mine. She could macrame a couch if she wanted to; she sews like nobody's business. She makes holiday ones that are stunning little aprons," says Kistner, an assistant to Amherst Town Supervisor Barry Weinstein.

Aprons have indeed made a comeback in recent years — "especially in the past seven or eight years," says Anne Petri, of Pitt Petri Gifts & Bridal Registry on Delaware Avenue.

"They're very feminine and traditional — but with a twist," she says. Retro, mod, Scandinavian, whimsical and hand-painted designs are all trendy, as are French themes — a pink apron with black Eiffel Tower motif, for example.

It makes sense, she says.

"Entertaining at home has become so much more popular, and people are getting into the whole thing. An apron is just one more way of accessorizing your outfit — whether you're the official host or family chef. It's a cute accessory," Petri says.

In addition, books on aprons — history, collecting, sewing, etc. — have been published. Web sites launched (www.heavenlyhostess.com is just one of them). Retailers such as Anthropologie offer many styles, and Pier 1 comes out with some fun ones each season.

As EllynAnne Geisel, author of "The Apron Book," notes on her Web site www.apronmemories.com: "With the revival of aprons as kitchen couture, there's a new audience to consider — those for whom an apron is a funky accessory to an outfit, an occasion or an attitude."

As for compiling a wardrobe of them, apron-lovers can go vintage (or vintage-inspired) or contemporary.

There is nothing old-fashioned about the Susan & Veronica collection, for example, a line of fashionista aprons designed for the woman who believes that "style begins at home."

"We put a contemporary spin on the iconic staple," says vice president Susan Natoli, speaking this week from her hometown of Perry.

Collections include their signature Sugar Bomb strapless collection; this design evolved because Natoli, 35, did not like getting her long hair caught in neck ties.

Other collections include Honey Kiss waist aprons, limited-edition aprons, Pink Ribbon aprons and a new line of Sugar Bee children's aprons.

Their aprons suit a variety of personal styles — style-savvy, flirty, playful and edgy, says Natoli, who previously worked for MTV, as did her business partner, Veronica Prager.

The aprons come in an array of fun patterns. "Uptown Girl" is perfect for a champagne brunch with girlfriends. "Vanity Flair" mixes well with cocktail parties.

With her lifelong passion for fashion, Natoli took classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology while working in New York. After sewing a chic apron as a gift for Prager's bridal shower, the two knew they were onto something.

Their online store, www.susanandveronica.com, launched last October.

While apparel design is costly and complicated — the pattern grading, fabric draping, etc. — designing aprons is a fun, lower-maintenance way to get creative.

"Aprons are like little dresses — but not full dresses," Natoli says.

Other trends:

Kids' aprons help budding chefs stir up things in the kitchen. The Podge, a Clarence store specializing in kitchen and gourmet items, is just one place that sells them. Patterns range from cats to cupcakes. You may want to purchase a matching chef's hat, too.

Buffalo-theme aprons continue to be popular. Premier Gourmet and Jenss Decor are two stores that offer them.

Clever phrases provide a laugh. Two favorites (from www.jcpenney.com): "What happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen" and "Your opinion is not in the recipe."

Coordination is key. Today's aprons often can be matched to dish towels, pot-holders, place mats, collapsible coolers, kitchen utensils and, of course, your outfit.

As Krista Schultz puts it: "If you're wearing a polka-dot apron, you don't want to reach for a leopard-print pot-holder. It's just not going to work," she says.

smartin@buffnews.com