DEAR Mattie:
What colours are in fashion this spring?
Styling in Edgemont
DEAR EDGEMONT:
There are many new styles and colours that are trending this season. The colours fall into two extremes. There is a light grouping as well as a dark one. Wearing contrasting colours is the new trend.
There is a lot of black in fashion this spring. I am not a fan of too much black in spring and summer as I feel we should explore the new trends and pick fashions that are cheerful.
If you do opt for some of the black fashions, add white to create a contrast. Colour-blocking trends are popular this season. Yellow with black is also a new trend that contributes to the look of effortless colour blocking that has a sleek and understated look. Consider bold accessories so that you look in tune with fashion. Colour blocking alone might look too simple.
Many of the lighter colours are incorporated into delicate fabrics. The fabric allows the flow of the silhouette. There is lace, sheer, chiffon and satiny fabrics that have a sophisticated yet casual appeal. There are gold and silver metallic threads that shimmer these colours into the evening.
The lighter colours fall into two categories. The pastels are soft feminine colours. The pastels vary in the range of light blue, green, and pink. The bolder colours are only bold in comparison. They are not daring colours. They are a muted version. The muted colours are raspberry instead of red, carrot instead of orange and turquoise instead of electric blue.
The trend in colours this season is to wear tons of it. Therefore, all pastels and all muted colours are in fashion this season.
This large variety of colour options allows for the great patterns that are also in fashion this spring. These patterns use the pastels with the muted colours. Plaids are making a comeback in new colour combos. Florals aren't so big this season, unless they are mini daisies or outlines of flowers. Graphic prints including circles and dots are fun and trendy. Horizontal and vertical stripes have a modern edge. Most of the abstract prints have two or three colours, not more. It is a graphic look, not an overwhelming one.
All of these colours and prints work because of the layering trend that is still in fashion. Wearing older pieces with new pieces, or muted pieces with pastels works in the way you put them together. Fashionable layering can subdue some of the louder prints as well as make your outfit pop. Layering is a great way to create a balanced modern look.
The silhouette this season complements the colours, patterns and layering. It is a fit and flare look. Some pieces are fitted and the other half is flared. Top or bottom, mix and match, you choose. The look is of volume, not narrow. The centre is your waistline, which is nipped at the higher end of your waist, just below your ribs.
Fashions this season are going to be romantic and edgy. Your outfit, whether casual or formal, should have an element of contrast.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached via her blog: mattiealamode. com and you can follow her on pinterest.com/mattiealamode
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