After a colder than normal winter, I’m not surprised to hear that most people are just like me and looking forward to spring! I always find that the promise of sunny days makes me a retailer’s dream. Seriously, I can’t help myself - as evidenced by the summer section of my wardrobe, a mere three times larger than the winter side. So if you’ll be shopping along with me, it’s good to know which colors are hot for spring.
In order to find the trends, I always view the runway collections of the upcoming season to see what the style makers chose. Don’t act shocked. I know you clearly remember the scene in The Devil Wears Prada, when Meryl Streep makes sure Anne Hathaway knows exactly where Gap got the inspiration for her sweater.
Something I noticed in the Spring 2011 collections was that I consistently felt like I was looking out at a beautiful landscape or traditionally decorated home in New Mexico. Check out this painting that I think basically shows all the popular colors for the upcoming seasons: corals, blues, nudes, yellows and greens.
Usually we see pinks pop up for spring, but this year it’s pink with some orange in it, making it more coral-like. Corals are great because they look good on all skin tones. Olive to darker complexions really stand out against most variations of the color, and if fairer-skinned beauties pick the right shade for their skin tone, corals are also extremely flattering. Now it’s just a matter of how many pieces to buy. I told you...when the temperature rises I can’t help myself!
Amy Adams got ahead of the trend earlier this month at the British Academy Film Awards in this stunning coral dress by Elie Saab from the Spring 2011 collection.
Blues were out in full force, but each one different than the next. Feel like a little navy? Go for it. If a teal is more your speed, you’ll be just as stylish as the girl in pastel. Don’t be afraid to mix and match any of the season’s popular colors with each other. The same way they mesh great in the landscape, they’ll work on your body. At DKNY this blue look was broken up with a nude, ribbon-style belt.
In the past, we’ve seen a lot of nude in shoes and handbags, but this time it has inched its way into the actual clothes. The muted shades range from pale flesh colored all the way to a richer version with brick undertones. Now obviously no one’s skin is bordering on brick red - well, maybe Snooki and that’s not something to be proud of – but I’ll still let it hang with the nudes because it’s all very earthy and simple.
Philip Lim made this look springy fresh by adding a pair of white sandals. White is always fashionable through the summer, and is a great way to spring-ize the nude tones.
Nothing makes me happier than matching my sunny mood with my clothing. All different fresh yellows, ranging from bright to almost chartreuse green, also made their way down the runway. This dress from Nicole Farhi’s Spring 2011 collection makes me smile just looking at it. If a yellow dress is too much for you, try a pair of shorts, cardigan, simple tank or even purse.
