Bold Color Trend for Spring Summer 2009
From Fruity Hues to Jazzy Prints & Shiny Metallics
Apr 1, 2009
Whether it’s bubblegum pink from the spring runways of Diane Von Furstenberg and Matthew Williams or tasty tangerine and papaya from Oscar de la Renta and Christopher Kane, the colors of the new season are good enough to eat! There’s something distinctly fruity about this spring’s fashion, with citrusy fruits like lemon, lime and orange.
Bold Colors and Prints
In contrast to this season’s new neutrals, blush tones of honeydew and sand, there are gorgeous shades of jades, violets and pinks – sharper cleaner colors, with a psychedelic feel. Add to this bold jazzy prints like playful polka dots from Henry Holland, psychedelic patterns from Basso and Brooke and DKNY, eye-popping kaleidoscopic prints from Michael Kors and Philip Lim and jazzy geometric monochromes from Stella McCartney and DVF. This season the classic peasant blouse gets a modern makeover with flowing tops in brightly colored prints.
Top 10 Colors for Spring
The Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2009, which features the 10 most predominant colors taken from New York Fashion Week, lists one of the most popular colors as Palace Blue. This cross between a sky blue and a strong navy works well with almost any other color. The report also highlights the prominence of Super Lemon, one of the biggest colors of the year. Says Pantone, the most widely recognized color standard in the world, “its luminosity is determined to evoke a smile and attract the roving consumer’s eyes.”
If you hate to wear color, then be heartened by the fact that if you “cannot wear pink” or think “orange does nothing for me”, with so many luscious tones this season, you’ll find a hue within a particular color family that complements your skintone perfectly. There is also no reason to go for a head-to-toe-look. If you are feeling unadventurous. An oversized statement necklace, seasonal silk scarf, classic polo shirt or a colorful clutch purse bag will do.
Color Blocking Trend
Whilst spring-like bright colors are nothing new on the runways, there is, however, one key difference this season — color blocking. Vibrant color blocking with two-tone pinks, oranges and limes (to name but a few) give a very edgy feel. Forget everything your mother told you about wearing color (e.g. never mix red and orange), color blocking using clashing colors is oh-so-in-vogue. Match your shoes, bags and hosiery with colorful outfits too for a figure lengthening head-to-toe look.
Shiny Metallics and Sequins
Finally, if bold colors are not your thing then an alternative to brighten up your spring and summer wardrobe is this season’s metallics, no longer just for evening. Bronze, copper, pewter, inky blue and gold, this year metallics take on a more worn (and wearable) and burnished look. Metallic-colored footwear is particularly leg-lengthening. Sequins are also part of the greater trend in metallics, according to the Daily Mail’s Alexandra Shulhman in her March 20th 2009 fashion feature, “Put a little sparkle into your day.” Says Shulman, “Lurex, lamé, chain mail and metal threads are being used in everything from waistcoats and cardigans, to scarves and clutch bags.”
With spring fashions now hitting the high street you'll find stores awash with this season's bold oranges, blues and pinks. For those a little more adventurous then outfits with two-tone color-blocking make an even more dramatic statement.
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