After three months of black, white, and brown, I am so excited to get some color back in my life. Although pastels are nothing new, they are a cornerstone of spring fashion, and you're sure to have some hanging in the back of your closet. This year hues such as peach, mint, and light pink will be big. I’m most looking forward to trying them out on colored pants. Despite the color, they are easily wearable. You can wear them out now as a cheerful pop of color between those dreaded snow boots and coats and in the spring and summer paired with light neutrals, prints, or even more color! If colorful pants aren’t your thing, you can add little additions of pastel through clutches, scarves, or flats.
3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012
This trend has been around for a little while too, but that doesn’t mean its not still fresh. Bright solids in coordinating or complementary colors can be mixed and matched to make an awesome colorblocked outfit– tangerine (pantone’s color of the year) and cobalt blue are both big, and would look great together. Plus, they can be worn separately to double their usefulness. Try bright pants (like those pastel skinnies) and a loose pullover sweater for a casual winter look, or a bold t-shirt tucked into a tighter skirt for a fun variation on the typical going out look in spring. Also look for interesting shapes and details. A few different solid colored bangles could also give you the look on a smaller scale, or try out color-blocked heels, another cool way to incorporate this trend on the weekends.
Lifefahionfy.com
Sophie Theallet Spring 2012, Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012
Initially, I was a little wary of this trend. Although it's cute, peplum didn’t seem to be the most versatile. However, it actually can work for different occasions. It’s definitely a little dressier, but it’s an interesting take on more formal wear. A peplum dress can work for a nice dinner or with a blazer for work. A skirt can be paired with a button down or a more fitted blouse or tank. A shirt can work with dark trouser jeans or a simple skirt. If you’re wearing a peplum piece, try to keep everything else toned down, to let all the focus be on its interesting shape.
glamour.com
3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012
Quirky, cute, crazy – anything works. Patterns were big on the runways, and the prints ranged from bold and bright florals to retro cars. Have fun with this look, but make sure it’s occasion appropriate. Laughing owls, for instance, don’t exactly scream “professional” at work or internships. Subtle prints like polka dots, birds, and florals can work for most places, though, and can be dressed up or down more easily. If you’re afraid of too much pattern, experiment with prints now under layers. Let the collar of a printed shirt hang out from underneath a sweater or the bottom of a skirt from underneath a longer shirt. In the spring, these pieces can be worn with lighter layers, or alone for a bigger impact.
Sandinthecity
Prada Spring 2012
So, start adding these to your wardrobe to remind yourself that spring is on the way. You can start wearing them now, and still be on trend in the coming months.