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!

Spring 2011--Shop Your Closet

Yippee!!  Spring rebirth and rejuvenation are just around the corner, but the fashion theme this year seems to be--wear what you wore last year…and the year before that…. 

I leafed through pages and pages of fashion blogs and magazines, reading the breathless editorials listing everything a woman needs to be on trend this summer.  Problem is, although I liked the trends, I saw very little that was new or fresh. 

My perennial favorites were trotted out (maxi dresses, utilitarian chic, denim, white shirts, ethnic prints), and some traditions have been tweaked, such as the “new” high-rise jean (with waists reaching the belly button) from labels such as Derek Lam and Citizens of Humanity.  Seventies-style bell bottom pants that will recall Lauren Hutton’s long-legged stride, Bianca Jagger’s smoldering glow or Pam Grier’s high kicks are also hot, as is the preppy cardi, and animal prints.

For the trendier reader the newest look in skirts is the “tail hem.”  According to Fashioning.com tail hems, “…fill the void between mini and midi and midi and maxi.” Basically it’s a asymmetrical hem with the back being longer than the front. Think of a shirttail hem and you’ve got the picture.  Is it booty-flattering?  The jury is still out on this one.  But before you slap your plastic on the counter, check out tail hem designs from Etro, Dennis Basso, or Topshop Unique. The longer styles are probably easier to wear than the minis.

Accessories for the season include 70s-style sky high clogs, sophisticated kitten heels, and glam cat eye sunglasses.  Do you see what I mean about the season of nothing new?  So, steam the wrinkles out of your lovely 2009 and 2010 togs, and freshen up your look with a sexy new pair of wedgies or adorable and comfy ballet flats. 

Better yet, bypass the trends and create your own timeless look.  Make Keds classic canvas sneakers your go-to shoe for fleet footed comfort.  They come in great colors and look sleek with skinny jeans, leggings, or slim fitting capris. Wrap your pretty head with an African print fabric. Wear a sari to an evening event.  Brighten your Colgate smile with a femme fatale red lipstick--and make that color your signature. 

My best advice--wear vintage!