What’s Your Favorite Color, Baby?

Raf Simon for Jil Sander

On a recent surf through the local HDTV channels I saw something that I hadn’t seen in ages--a color bar test pattern!  The color bar is a perfect illustration for one of the season’s hottest fashion trends. 

Those of you who are just coming out of winter’s gray hibernation were probably shocked awake by explosions of saturated color.  Pulsating rainbows of tropical colors and shrieking neons will keep you trippin’ all summer long.  Designers have gone Crayola crazy.  The best examples include Diane Von Furstenberg dresses and accessories, and Raf Simon for Jil Sander (see pic).

Double Bubble pink, royal wedding purple, chilly cobalt blue, emerald isle green, overripe tomato red, and school bus yellow are all waiting to jump into your closets.  Here’s what cool--color looks great on everybody, you just have to know how to wear it.  Stay away from head-to-toe monochromatic looks.  You don’t want to look like Big Bird, or even worse, Barney.  Brights look best when worn with solid neutrals.  Think about a slinky slate gray silk sheath dress under a fitted tangerine jacket.  Maybe a cloud white shirt with a teal skirt.

Fit and quality are also critical when you’re wearing color.  Color makes cut-rate fabrics look even cheaper, especially prints.  Poor quality color items can fade or run in one washing.  Ill-fitting color garments look even tackier.

If you’re not ready to dive headlong into the multi-hued pool yet, you can add small doses of color to your wardrobe.  Think about adding an orange patent leather tote, a pair of lemon yellow Wayfarers, or a pair of turquoise wedge sandals.  Make your world a brighter place!