Put Some Spring in Your Wardrobe!

By Melanie K Nelson

Spring is finally here and what better time to bring some major color into your wardrobe!  Mixing bold colors can create a great look but it can also easily go wrong.  The key is to pair two or maybe three colors with classic neutrals to create a fun look that is not reminiscent of a circus clown!

This first outfit shows how you can fit 3 pastel colors in one outfit is a tasteful, classic way.  Start off with dark wash jeans.  Dark wash is important here because it anchors the look and keeps you from appearing washed out.  Next add a staple that I am obsessed with right now, a white denim jacket.  The reason that I am so in love with this piece is that it is super versatile!  Next add a colored v-neck.  These come in literally every color under the rainbow so feel free to pick your favorite.  I chose this great mint color because it screams springtime.  Now you can play up the outfit with fun accessories.  Nothing says spring like sunny yellow and this necklace adds interest to an otherwise very classic outfit.  Finish off with some trendy turquoise loafers that are both practical and stylish!

 

Outfit 1

The next outfit is dressier and slightly less bold than the previous outfit.  It starts with this great coral wrap dress from Banana Republic.  Wrap dresses are great for slimming your waist and giving your body a more hourglass shape.  A blazer balances the dress by adding structure.  The fun khaki stripes and bright yellow lining definitely add some attitude to this outfit, but you could also sub the denim jacket from outfit one to dress it down a bit.  Next, bring in some teal with a delicate necklace and bold handbag.  Finish the outfit with some nude strappy sandals, just be sure to shop around to find a pair that complement your skin tone to maximize their slimming effects!

Outfit 2

Every year Pantone comes out with the Color of the Year and I am in love with this year’s color, emerald!  Emerald translates so well across ages, body types, and lifestyles.  Another big trend is colored denim, which can be very hard to wear.  My personal rule for making colored denim wearable is that the color needs to be darker than medium wash jeans.  These emerald jeans are perfect for highlighting both trends!  My favorite color combo with emerald is magenta so I paired the jeans with this soft magenta top.  Finally, to brighten this otherwise dark outfit I added some bright orange earrings and sandals. 

Outfit 3

The key to mixing colors is balance.  Mix dark with light, pair bold with classic.  When you create contrast, you get really interesting, wearable outfits!

 

Outfit One 

Anne Klein Talin Women's Slip on Shoes in turquoise
Anna & Ava Flora Bib Necklace in Yellow
GAP Essential short-sleeve V-neck T in Neon Mint Green
Gap Women’s Dark Perfect Boot Jeans Dark Wash
Gap White Denim Jacket

 

Outfit Two

GAP Striped Khaki Academy Blazer
BR Gemma Wrap Dress
David Jones Tote Bag with Removeable Shoulder & Crossbody Strap - Turquoise
Michael Kors Pave Slice Pendant Necklace, Turquoise/Silver Color
Naturalizer Dhani Slingback Sandals 

 

Outfit Three

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy Colored Denim Straight Leg Jeans
H&M Embroidered Yoke Top in Burgundy
Alexis Bittar 'Dewdrop' Earrings in Neon Orange
MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Plate' Thong Sandal in Tangerine

 

 

wmanning

Associate Publisher