The Colors of Spring... and Summer
Expect vibrant color, head-to-toe white and prints galore in time for the warmer seasons.
|
||
| More Must Haves :: A below-the-knee floral print dress :: Neutral, high-waisted, wide-leg pants :: A striped, cropped jacket :: White pantsuit with taupe top :: Colorful off-the-shoulder maxi dress :: A neutral open-weave knit cover-up :: Coral clutch :: Platform espadrille wedges :: Flat platforms :: Colorful cross-body bag :: Jeweled pendant :: Wide gold architectural cuff :: Wide-brimmed floppy hat :: Over-sized, rounded, colorfully-rimmed sunglasses |
It’s a color-coded spring and summer, and my advice is, don’t be afraid of it. Color is prevalent in fashion as well as accessories. There are still lots of pale neutrals to choose from, and top-to-bottom white dressing is all the rage, but just know you can wear a coral or tangerine (the “it” colors for spring) dress, top or jacket, and feel really good about it.
The next big trend news is that the '70s silhouette is huge this season. Look for flared trousers, pantsuits, short shorts, slim-tailored jackets, peasant blouses, maxi skirts and dresses, tunics, jumpsuits, and belts, whether narrow and worn with a wide-leg, high-waisted pant, or wide with an oversized tunic. The disco era never looked so good.
Perhaps the biggest news for spring is the longer hemlines. A dress or skirt with a hemline hovering around the knees or below is a must-have. The return of the '70s maxi and its floor-length bohemian-style skirts and dresses, whether in romantic florals, bold geometric prints, or solid white or bright colors, will put you in one of the best looks of the season. And, don’t forget that simple, off-the-shoulder peasant blouse atop your maxi skirt.
Now, down to the nitty gritty. In a season of lavish color, Gucci led the parade with a model in their runway show wearing a high-waisted green pant, orange blazer, violet tube top, and gold python belt. Combining two or three bright colors, such as turquoise, blue and hot pink – citrus neon hues are great fun too – makes for striking color blocking. Or, use an electric tone with the spring palette of neutrals, from milky whites and ivories to warm tan and nude shades. And, don’t underestimate the head-to-toe pure white look, including shoes and bag. It is a showstopper.
Prints are the next stop. You’ll find the romantic sophistication of botanical floral dresses taking center stage, with accents such as ribbons, ruffles, bows, feathers, fringe, and lace. Other prints in the mix include abstract, geometric, ikat, tie-dye, paisley, polka dots, and animal prints. And, stripes are a must. Popular for the past few seasons, stripes are bigger, bolder and brighter. Combining eye-popping prints in neon hues with khaki and other neutrals is also a win-win.
Slim-tailored jackets look great with the wide-leg pant, as do tunic tops and tucked-in blouses, and boyfriend jackets accent the longer skirts well. The proverbial trench is longer and shown in fabrications such as python print, sheer organza and suede. The menswear look continues its popularity with the pantsuit, blazers in soft leathers and suedes, and even tuxedo dressing, launched by Yves Saint Laurent in the '70s. Not just for evening anymore, you can throw a tuxedo jacket over a below-the-knee length dress during the day and look fabulous. Lightweight open-weave knits are a staple, either for layering or as a dress or blouse. In natural yarns, you’ll see them in crochet, macramé, embroidery, mesh, and fishnet-like stitches and weaves, looking best in white and pale neutral hues.
Accessories are great fun this season. Brights, neutrals and whites are shown as solids or with stripes, straw, raffia, shell motifs, exotic skins, and intricate weaves in bags and footwear.
Shoes reveal a variety of choices, most notably in lower heel heights, from hot platform espadrille wedges to wedges in cork, wood or patent leather. Also cool are kitten heel slingbacks, chic platform sandals, and old school loafers in colorful palettes. Flat sandals are great with the maxi hemlines, and the new “flatform” (flat platform) works well with the wide-leg pant. The '70s-inspired strappy stilettos and platform pumps in contrasting vibrant hues are perfect with the bright and bold dresses in sexy shapes. The bag of the season is the flap bag with a long cross-body strap, and a colorful clutch with your print sundress completes the look. Remember, a colorful bag is an easy way to spice up your neutrals.
Jewelry is centered on pendants, long necklaces and stacks of bangles and cuffs in woven leather, metals and woods. A wide gold cuff in an architectural shape is perfect. A floppy hat with a wide brim – from classic straw to vibrant colors and stripes – looks great with a peasant top or maxi dress, and those “Jackie O” sunglasses are still hot, with a rounder frame or modified cat’s eye frame a close second.
So, there you have it. Go ahead. Walk on the wild side. That blushy coral off-the-shoulder peasant blouse and matching ankle-grazing skirt are waiting for you.
