Springing Fashion Forward

Don't you just love the winter thaw? Just when you were getting all cozy and snuggling up in your jewel tones and animal prints, spring trends have sprung. If you've been out shopping since the post holiday clearance mad dash, you've surely noticed that new merchandise is showing up on display in your favorite stores.

If you've read my somewhat recent article, "What's Hot for Winter" then you're surely currently attired in something furry, perhaps a cable knit, maybe a navajo print, or a bit of menswear tailoring all accented by a hint (or maybe a lot) of rich jewel tones.

It hasn't been much of a winter, either way, but current outfitting aside, the great news is that there's no need to revamp your entire wardrobe in order to be au courant for the upcoming months. The key is to go lighter and brighter with certain pieces. While plums, crimsons, emerald greens, deep blues and burnt oranges are hot this winter, for spring we can expect to see blushing pinks, bright coral oranges, blues that pop and more of a minty green.

Fashion stylist Shannon Schroeder recommends adding pops of color to your more neutral standbys. "I'm loving bright pink or orange with camel or fuchsia with grey," said Shannon.

Christi Grant, owner of Brookside's newest boutique, CGrant echoes Schroeder's sentiments, "Spring is also all about color. Corals and tangerines are some of the most popular colors for spring. They look great with navy and there are plenty of hues to compliment different skin tones. Want something a little more subtle? Try a cool pastel shade. They're very feminine and can be worn head-to-toe."

Feeling particularly bold? Everyone is in agreement that THE trend this year is color blocking, combining different colors that support and compliment each other. While you don't have to be an artist to accomplish this technique, some basic knowledge of a color wheel is certainly helpful.

There are a few rules of thumb for pulling this particular look together. You can work with complementary colors (colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel) such as cobalt blue combined with yellow and orange, or analogous colors (colors that are next to one another on the color wheel) such as purple, bright blue and teal. There's always the option to throw a neutral in the mix with complementary colors such as white with deep blue and pink or add a neutral to an analogous pairing such as chocolate brown, pink and peach.

If all of this talk of color has you seeing spots instead of this seasons stripes, you can always buy a color blocked dress and call it good.

Not sure what to do with all of the somber black currently hanging in your closet? Shannon suggests adding something lace to your basic black like a white lace top with black pants or skirt or even bolder, a white lace dress with a black leather jacket.

Black is also going to coexist quite harmoniously with all of the bold prints stores are now stocking. "Floral, tribal and geometric prints are some of the most popular out there. Pair a printed blazer with a plain black top or a tribal dress with bright shoes and you'll be current this spring," said Grant.

Laura Scott with the Cherry Street boutique Rope advises us that lengths will be long and our current cable knits will transition to lighter weight sweaters.

"Some of my favorite trends for spring 2012 include the maxi skirt, high low skirt and open weave sweaters all translated into a 70's chic style. The maxi skirt is fantastic for wearing now during the colder weather with boots, tights, and a chunky sweater but will be perfect with sandals and a great little blouse for spring...Think Jerry Hall."

"The High Low skirt is another huge trend for spring 2012 that can easily work into your wardrobe for the cooler weather," Laura continued, "Designers across the board are featuring this cut known for the above the knee front hem and longer hem in the back of the garment. Once the weather warms up these will be perfect with a great platform heel or oxford but they are fantastic now with a riding boot, tights, and fitted wool blazer. Think Ali MacGraw from Love Story."

As for the open weave sweater, Laura advises on how to wear it both then and now. "In the spring they are perfect paired with a little cami and light silk skirt or cut off shorts but to incorporate this trend now you can layer them over long sleeve knits or layer over a trim button down blouse with skinny jeans."

Suggestions aside, remember to have fun with your wardrobe and make it your own. Just rest assured that should you need guidance, experts are on hand to help you take your style from the store shelves to the streets.

Send all comments and feedback regarding Fashion to natchley@urbantulsa.com.

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