DEAR MATTIE:
What are the fashion colours for spring? Bored in Blueridge
DEAR BLUERIDGE:
The fashion colours for spring are interesting this season. There is a strong sense of colour that is neither bright nor bold. But, there are also a few extreme choices for the fashionista whose wardrobe breaks the rules of neutrality.
The key colours this season are flattering for everyone.
The colours are strong in that they have a pigment to them. Red, green, blue purple, fuchsia and yellow, are colours that will enhance your wardrobe. I am also seeing a lot of these colours in bottoms. For the fashionista, look for electric variations of these colours.
Pastels are most popular this season. They are not necessarily a weightless colour, they are a faded shade of the colour. Pastels are worn in combinations with other lighter tones. The look is not light overall.
These softer colours allow the silhouette to be more forgiving in that they create a smoother line. This is very much a vintage look.
The best pastels are lavender, rose and khaki. Lavender is a lighter tone for purple. Rose is also softer than red. And sugar almond is the new khaki.
These colours are not considered girly, they are sophisticated in that they are worn with layering. Pastels incorporate a solid colour to trim the wings on any fairylike outfit.
For ladies who are not into pastels (including myself), there are some chic looks that are great options this season.
They are black, grey and white. Graphic patterns in these three colours are very popular. Graphics include dots, stripes and wavy horizontal and vertical lines. The pattern can be large or small. In fact, at a distance some of the black and white patterns look like a pastel grey, very close to silver. This is the trendiest look this season.
Neons are out there in the form of athletic wear. Neon green, blue, yellow, and pink are in fashion. When it comes to sports, go for it. If you are working hard to keep your body strong, why not choose something bright to get you out of bed and into the gym? Colour can motivate positive action.
Exotic prints are an optimistic use of colour. There is an endless parade of colourful prints. The prints are bold, youthful and urban.
They are a look that shows you have taken the time to choose something fashionable to wear.
Prints can be large, spaced out florals as well as vertical stripes in a variety of bands of colour.
Hopefully with my suggestions I can empower you to understand that choosing colour and prints can be fun.
Why not love your clothes? If you feel good about what you are wearing, then you will look good wearing it.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached by email at mattiealamode@ gmail.com or visit her blog mattiealamode.com.
