Next to enter the scene are the gorgeous light to medium depth colors from Pantone. Neons dissipate, thank goodness. Though you will still find bright orange piping in many garments and accessories. I am immediately drawn to the Fendi combo of nectarine and lemon zest!
Of the many themes this season, mod, edgy and feminine draw the most attention. Popular concepts include print-on-print-on-print, the bare midriff and casual suiting. In regard to fabric, sheer continues to be re-energized with excitement. Lace goes everyday casual. Chambray gets a new lease on life. Laser cuts and cutouts make an impact. And digital prints, in the form of water, and stripes continue to get better and bolder.
Spring's shapes range from structured with relaxed elements to fluid, angled cuts. The Bermuda short goes viral and denim cutoff shorts strike it rich. Details are never understated. In fact, the more intricate, the better. Accessories keep on keeping on, with beautiful structured handbags. The tote being the biggest show stopper. Shoes continue from ladylike to wedge to spring boots with a roman flair. Jewelry begins and ends in gold, with white enamel giving gold a run for its money.
If you're looking to push yourself this spring, start by emulating these everyday looks below, inspiration courtesy of Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, Valentino and DSquared. Yes, they involve a little risk. But if tailored to your personal style, you just may be able to pull off your own interpretation.
Beauty goes in many directions this season — bold eyeliner, lush lashes, bushy brows, bright matte lips and glowful skin. And hair rides the spectrum with braids, messy buns, low ponies, triangle parts, slick rick and fab blow outs.
So get going! Time to get your spring on whether the weather wants you to or not.
Designers featured above: 1-Alexander Wang, Chanel, Versace, Dries Van Noten, Dolce and Gabbana. 2-Robert Cavalli, Marni, Chanel, Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler. 3-Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, Valentino, DSquared. 4-Lanvin, Gaultier, Bottega Veneta, Missoni.
Definitely worth the wait, fall packs a punch! From the jewel tone color palette to flattering, clean cuts to highly embellished fashion décor. There is no doubt this season will leave you wanting for more.
Speaking of more. More is definitely more when it comes accessorizing. Though, it takes a clever hand to get just the right balance. Hats, neckwear, boldly dyed furs. Fabulous ways to complete a look. This season, playing with fashion gets downright fun!
While I've never been one to shy away from wearing dresses over pants, the concept has gained acceptance this fall. And pants get personal. Pick your poison — tailored trousers; cropped, colorful little numbers; straight and skinny cuts in leather and tweed; and seducing prints. The pant gets brave and gets noticed.
Back by popular demand (from spring) is the collar. You will see collared shirts and dresses everywhere. Chances are, you still have many a collar in your closet already. Time to whip 'em back out!
Luxe fabrics and textures enter the scene. Tweed becomes the show stopper. Leather and velvet continue on, but in ways that seem ever so fresh. And digital prints take over.
Of all the must have items of the season, the jacket is the deal. The "it" item. And how great is that? It's versatile. It provides warmth. It adds instant character. And in many cases, it makes the outfit. Cardigans aren't going anywhere. However, jackets will give them a run for their money.
The colors of the season are delicious! The palette includes purple, plum, fuchsia, red, jade, navy, royal blue and turquoise. These lovely jewel tones complement most skin tones.
You will still find orange and yellow from spring's color palette, in addition to a few pastels. New to the scene — hints of copper.
Hair goes from brushed out waves to twisted tendrils. And bring in the decorations! Hair pieces get all the attention this season. While lips continue to add spice — from deep red to mulberry — cheeks goes flush. And oh, those eyes! Multi-toned color, smoky cat eyes and stunning architectural designs. Plenty of opportunity to express thy face.
As for accessories, shoes take the cake in the personality category. The mid-calf boot continues to make traction. Really, you can't go wrong with just about any length boot in my book. Don't forget about those instant insulators — plush scarves! Yummy soft fabrics combined with playful designs adds serious and smart style. Handbags go simple with extravagant materials and on the structured side. Jewelry, one word —ornatious (ornate and bodacious)! And lots of it, baby.
Designers featured above in first two photo collages: Marc Jacobs, House of Holland, Balmain, Rag & Bone, Rag & Bone, Dennis Basso, Celine, Prabal Gurung and Diesel Black Gold.
Big, bold, beautiful spring! You are a warm welcome crossing over from winter. Beginning with the spectacular color palette. As indicted back in September, orange (Tangerine Tango to be exact) is the number one color for spring, not to mention the color of the year. Second in line of popularity is citron. And how wonderful that they look amazing paired together. However, don’t stop there with the mixing. Nanette Lepore even adds hot pink to tangerine and citron. The color combos are endless.
On the softer side, pastels make a come back. Worn head-to-toe or in combination with a more vivid color, these muted colors can be delightfully demure. Add that to the many themes of the season — sporty, tribal, flower power — for true self expression!
The shapes of the season range from structured with relaxed elements to fluid, bi-level cuts and from peplum detailing on top or bottom to drop waist. And don’t forget those sweet shorts! As for spring fabrics, the luxeness we saw this past fall continues with amazing lace, crochet, ribbon cut and applique detailing. Sheer fabrics make an even bigger statement this spring with a few ‘don’t try this at home’ numbers. While some sheers are worn tastefully with a nude bra (top) or leggings (skirt), be careful not to over-expose yourself. The sheerest of sheer garments beg to be layered upon. Speaking of exposure, you will see a little midsection show offs this season. I say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it (within the appropriate setting, or course)!
Fantastical prints carry over from fall into spring with a twist. Expect to see abstracts, bird motifs, florals (soft and loud), and, of course, stripes. If you didn’t catch the pattern bug this past fall, then it’s time to get on board! Patterns can be worn by all, within scale. If you are unsure of the scale most suitable for you, let’s chat.
Hem lengths go every which way from floor length (divine) to below-the-knee (not so flattering) and from bi-level (super fun) to short short. There is plenty of room to express yourself this season. However, always keep visual balance in mind.
Accessories are fun, no matter the season. And this spring, tribal influences take over in just about every capacity! In addition, you will find lucite and silver to be the main focus in accessories with supporting, but contradicting, attributes of lady chic and the mega-sized. Handbags are a bit more structured with added hardware from oversized short-handled clutches to buckle mania satchels and totes. Jewelry brings back trends from seasons past — stacked bangles, statement necklaces, enormous earrings and rings. And sunglasses go severely round.
Let’s not forget about easy breezy spring hair! This season, long or short takes on a fresh approach from the choppy bob to glistening locks and from faint waves to the any-which-way pony tail.
There is always something exciting about a new season, and fall is no exception. From 'it' colors red and cornflower blue to a good representation of the color wheel (orange and citron being great accentuators), vibrancy mixes well with the big neutrals of the season, gray and camel. With showings of mod shapes, tart tartans, lady-like suits, menswear-inspired detailing, fantastical prints and color blocking, fall brings serious style.
While prints are always embraced no matter the season, it's fall that allows those of us with mostly solids in our closets to leave the excuses behind. There is no better time to try on a print or two. With the glorious colors of the season, no doubt you will find a fast favorite and fall madly in love. Polka dots, thanks to Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney, make a huge impact. Not a big fan? That's what tights are for! Speaking of, legs can express themselves easily this fall with amazing textures, patterns and colors to choose from in tights and socks (of all lengths).
Fabrics continue down the path of luxury, with leather and fur leading the pack. Items to pay close attention to —leather dresses and tops, in addition to fur embellished garments. Heavier weighted fabrics find their way into retailers for fall. However, your wardrobe should be partial to the climate in which you live.
With the longer hem lengths of the season, it's best to play it safe and stick close to the knee or go all the way to the floor. I adore floor length skirts and dresses. The styles and cuts this season are classic — less trend ... more of a timeless treasure. Dresses and skirts that fall 2 inches below the knee are only flattering on those who are slight of frame and have a height advantage. If you're tempted to try out this trend, do so with caution and be sure to create visual balance.
While on the subject of cuts, cropped toppers — as in sweaters, vests and jackets — are making an appearance, yet again. Think of it as adding a layer of attitude. However, look for pieces with clean lines that follow your natural silhouette. Layers are always welcome, season after season. From the new sweater coat to longer cardigans to high performance long-sleeve tees, keeping warm never looked so good. Simple basics that feel good against your skin always win out over complicated matter.
Outerwear becomes the investment piece of the season. Signature coats, trenches, ponchos, capes and furs will be attention grabbers this fall. It's all in the details. Texture, pattern, weight, color, piping and more make for a season of collectibles. While design and construction are especially noteworthy, stay away from outerwear that seems too of-the-moment. In addition, the boxy cuts that are back are not a surefire winner. In fact, if you have any curves at all, this style will do you no favors.
Accessories are noticeably bold this year. Jewelry runs the gamut from simple but grand to gold and glitzy. Shoes become more sensible in height with many an option, such as lady-like heels, fur embellished, wedge booties, riding boots, low-rise biker boots + sleek mid-calf boots, menswear-inspired heels + loafers and two-toned + color blocked footwear. Handbags go high brow, yet stay minimal with a bit more structure to them.
As for fall hair — bangs, bangs and more bangs! Anything low-key and easy, such as straight cut bangs with long slight waves. When in doubt, whip out a side swept braid. Nails go metallic, eyes go dramatic and lips go matte.
Spring is all about the simple pleasures. Starting with the color palette. On the exotic side, the colors of the season offer an instant lift in spirit! Spring’s rainbow of delicious brights — honeysuckle, russet, coral rose, regatta, peapod, blue curacao, beeswax, lavender, silver peony and silver cloud — give way to mixing colors like never before. The color palette goes hand-in-hand with the underlying trend of minimalism. With color explosions like these, accessories take a back seat.
This season, we will play with a few themes — ethereal, 70s-inspired, preppy and relaxed resort. You will see an introduction of bi-level cuts in skirts and dresses, in addition to the trapezoid cut in tops and dresses. All to reinforce fluid movement. As such, layers will take on a fresh approach with fabric splicing.
Shorts from fall/winter will continue to play a role (lighter in fabric, of course) from denim to bright hues. Wide leg trousers are back. In addition, you will see longer hem lengths in skirts and dresses. While I love floor length hem lines, I am not a fan of the mid-calf hem length. This is one of those trends that makes me cringe (as it breaks so many rules in educating what serves our body shapes). For most of us, this hem length hits at the most unflattering part of our leg. So, please proceed with caution.
Fabrics get lighter and lighter into mega sheerness. There is nothing more feminine than sheer fabric. However, there are definite dos and don’ts, and you don’t want to cross the line. You will also see harness detailing, much like the bandage/bondage theme from seasons ago.
Just as legwear made an impact in the fall, neckwear will assume the position this spring ... as in exaggerated necklines. Again, supporting the ‘less is more’ concept in accessorizing. With such detail as an enormous bow around your neck, there is no need for your accessories to compete.
Accessories go Hi-Lo ... as in high impact, low maintenance. Jewelry makes a single statement, versus speaking in layers. So go for that ornate necklace, wonder woman cuff, enormous ring, or the oversized colorful (soft silicone) watch, or all of the above (in good taste, of course). The of-the-moment sunglasses — oversized cat eye — happen to be a rather flattering style on most. Handbags will still have structure, but present themselves in simple fashion, as in the duffel. Make-up goes seriously shocking. The ever-timeless trench gets some detailing work. Heel heights skyrocket as we give way to the platforms and flatforms. And by the way, you cannot go wrong with the Lanvin wedge ... just pick your poison!
At times, hair can be our best accessory, so it's fitting that the Hi-Lo rule applies here, as well. From loose waves to woven locks to messy, low ponytails, hair will truly be low maintenance.
Time to take inventory. What’s in your closet ready to make its appearance? With the resurgence of minimalism, putting fabulous outfits together just got a little easier (especially if you want me to put them together for you).
The colors of the season are delicious! The palette includes purple, plum, fuchsia, red, jade, navy, royal blue and turquoise. These lovely jewel tones complement most skin tones. 
