Styles and colors for spring

For spring of 2012, designers are influenced by a diverse range of style and color. Did you know that grey, also known as driftwood and titanium, is the new black? Being a softer sophisticated hue, grey is a great alternative to black’s starkness.

The newest designated color for this season is orange, currently being called “Tangerine Tango” in the fashion industry. There are a lot of wonderful ways to incorporate “Tangerine Tango” into your wardrobe and look updated and fantastic! This color is best left to those with warm coloring. If you absolutely love this color and can’t live without it, wear it at waist level and below — a skirt, pants or shoes.

This season has vivacious and appealing new colors that encapsulate vivid brights, soft muted tones and carefree delicate pastels. According to the Fashion Pantone Color report, there are actually 175 new colors to celebrate. With so many to choose from and the ability to mix and match, there is a set that works perfectly for you. We are living in a time where everything goes and this season proves it.

If hearing the word “spring” makes you think of flowery gardens and tea parties, this season’s palette and designs are perfect for you. Make sure your closet is adequately stocked in various styles. Look for accessories like scarves, belts, shoes, and jewelry to incorporate colors like orange-tangerine tango, yellow-solar power, lavender-bellflower, and teal-cockatoo. Don’t be afraid to add in some nature prints like jungle, garden, landscape and even flower power. Try mad wild prints inspired by the retro art world or nature’s own abstract graphics. These all evoke a renewed sense of energy and update your wardrobe for spring 2012.

Now that we have color and fabric all figured out, let’s look at how the designers have brought a light breezy flow to this season’s designs. Pleats are back and prettier then ever with soft flowing shiny fabrics and luscious colors. Pleats are being shown in full dresses, skirts, blouses and even shorts. Look for them in the accessory department as scarves and other embellishments. Small pleats add volume but not bulk so even full figured women can wear them without compromise. A strappy platform sandal adds a smart touch.

Say hello to high waist pants and skirts. The 70s and 80s are back and the “muffin top” bulge that comes with a low rise pant are gone. High waist pants and skirts elongate the leg for a slimmer, taller, more proportioned look. The waist band can now be visible with shorter tops or shirts tucked in. If you are bringing in a pair of eye-popping print pants, remember to pair them with a neutral piece on top, or slip on a tailored jacket for a perfect balance. Look for shoes with platforms or stacked heels and step out in style.

Dresses are a quick way to pull your look together and can add a great hue of color to your closet. This year, dresses are back with a vengeance in just about every color of the rainbow. They come loose, belted, shirt-waisted, and A-lined, with or without sleeves. With many different styles available this season, you can find a dress that flatters your body shape and type. This season’s dresses should not be constrictive, but rather flow softly away from your body. Accessorize your dress options with natural shades in multi-textured scarves or belts, and neutral nudes for shoes, flats and sandals.

Continuing with the feminine theme, sheers, metallic and lace fabrics are bringing a whole new inspiring image to the closet. There’s something for everyone, from romantic lace skirts and sweet pastel shimmering dresses to iridescence and opalescence in metallic pants.

There you have it – an overview of the 2012 spring fashion season. Have fun being imaginative and playing with the new colors, elements, designs and fabrics!