There may still be a lingering snowflake or two in the air, but in the world of fashion, spring has arrived. Shop the new season in style and create fresh looks with your favorite closet staples. Here are the trends that shined the brightest on the SS2012 runways.
Colorblocking is one of the coolest statements of the moment. In pale hues, brights and neutrals, look for this graphic design on tops, dresses, skirts and totes. Wear a colorblocked item with solid colors, black, white or beige. Stick with simple silhouettes, skinny jeans and clean-lined shoes. You can also create your own colorblocked look by mixing solid complementary pieces from your wardrobe. The key to this fashion statement is no "matchy, matchy."
Clutch bags are no longer exclusively for a night out. Larger versions of the classic go-to evening bag are both fun and functional. You can choose from a variety of colors, leather, straw and fabrics. Wear with a dress for a polished look or tuck a fun clutch under your arm when you are wearing jeans and a fitted tee for a more casual take. Another ingenious take on the clutch is to fold a big tote in half and grab it from underneath. Just be sure the bag is not overstuffed.
Ankle-strap heels are fast becoming the versatile, go-to shoe. From wearable thin straps to bold wider styles, these feminine shoes go from the workplace to a night out on the town. The choice of heel height is up to you. Pair with sleek dresses and skirts to make legs appear longer.
With each new season comes a new palette of colors to choose from. Pastels were prominent on the runway. From shades of the palest pinks, yellows, lilacs and mint greens, the inspiration appeared to be a bag of Jordon almonds. Mint green is the one pastel that works best with most skin tones and is the easiest to wear. In the category of bright colors, scarlet and tangerine are the ones to watch. Nothing shines brighter than neon colors. Electric pink, green, yellow, orange and blue give shoes, dresses and accessories an eye-catching, modern feel.
You may not be used to seeing leather this time of year. Many designers worked this into their spring collections. Leather goes with anything and can be worn all year round. Real or faux, there are many spring-perfect light dresses, cropped jackets and skirts to choose from. You can go conservative with neutrals or choose a bright color that really pops. Wear with flat sandals for a casual look or strappy heels for a dressier look.
The hottest, or should we say coolest, trend in jewelry right now is ocean-inspired necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Designed in shades of blue and green tones, the feel is earthy yet glam. These hues work well with classic gold pieces. Create a look that is casual by wearing jeans, or go glam by pairing with a flirty dress.
Now in season is a new approach to florals. The always pretty girlie print is bigger and bolder than ever. Look for flowy dresses, fun tops, even pencil skirts and pants. Be sure to accent with subtle hues like black, to allow the vibrant bold colors and patterns to take center stage.
Chic and retro inspired, the peplum is back. The added fabric on the hips of dresses, tops and jackets adds dimension to an outfit while creating an hour glass figure. It's stylish while disguising those unwanted extra few pounds around your hips.
Let it shine by adding metallic heels to any look. You can automatically up the wow factor by replacing nude or black shoes with gold, silver or metallic styles. They go with just about any outfit.
There are still some style trends from 2011 that are back for more. Colorful, wide stripes are fast becoming a closet staple. Medium sized structured hand bags continue to be superchic. True-blue denim remains classic, but red, yellow, purple and aqua jeans are making their way to the head of the class. Lace remains special, especially in black and white, but try a shade of blue or magenta for a cool twist.
With every new season comes a breath of fresh air in the world of fashion. Trends may come and go, but it's nice to have a snapshot moment of your very own!
Jacquie Bennett, formerly of Milroy, writes from her new home in California. She can be reached at jabennett48@embarqmail.com. Read her blog at www.glitzglamourstyle.com.
