Spring 2009 Fashion Trends — Colors and Prints

From Orange and Pink to Geometric Prints and Ditsy Florals

Feb 12, 2009

Put a spring in your step with next season's bold spring colors. Bright and uplifting, dazzle the crowd with buttercup yellows, hot pinks and zesty oranges.

This spring season is full of optimistic colors, the perfect antidote to winter blues and economic woes. From Lanvin’s bold new color palette to Calvin Klein’s brilliant blue origami sheath and Marc Jacobs eye-popping pink and orange playsuit, there's a color to brighten your day.

According to the Daily Mail’s fashion feature of December 5th, 2008, “Time to put a spring in your step,” “the biggest trend of the spring is bright colours which will be extremely welcome after a grim winter.”

Colors for Spring 2009

There is a decidedly fruity flavor to the runways this spring, from citrusy lemon to papaya and mango Juicy orange is the color to be seen it. It comes in so many zesty hues, from pale and peachy to dark sunburnt shades. Once you learn how to correctly wear orange, the warmth of this color is really flattering to most faces.

Vibrant shades like tangerine and fuschia pink, buttercup yellow and red, and colbalt blue and purple are married together for some color blocking, to provide a '60s vibe. Pile different colors together for an eye-popping effect which looks fantastic if you get it right. Don't try and tone down the dramatic mix of color, be bold but wear strong colors in clean, fuss-free shapes.

Pretty in pink, but strong vibrant shades of fuschia and raspberry. Perfect with a tan, you’ll find that pink is one of the most flattering colors of the season. Matthew Williams stirking pink satin suit represents the best of this season's pinkish hues.

To provide some contrast to spring brights are the inky tones, which add sophistication to an outfit. Inky blues, blacks and grays all give a touch of class. Palace blue, a cross between a sky blue and strong navy is one of Panetone’s top ten colors for spring. It works with almost any other, pink, yellow, lavender or green.

Providing a respite from the season’s bold brights are the soft and subtle new nudes. In shades of honeydew and flesh tones, these make a modern minimal impression.

Prints for Spring 2009

Energizing blurred brush strokes take over from the large painterly patterns of last year. “Think Monet meets Jackson Pollack,” says online retailer Asos.com, when describing this brush stroke print, hot from the runways of Erdem, Moschino and Henry Holland.

No new season is complete without showing off your wild side. Animal prints in leopard and zebra are seen in everything from trenchcoats to maxi dresses. Zac Posen, Christopher Kane and Temperley led the field in sexy stripes and prints. Jimmy Choos striking blue and white zebra striped tote is one to watch.

Ditsy is fashion speak for those small floral prints and you’ll find them everywhere. Tiny florals cover spring’s jackets, skirts, dresses and swimwear. You’ll see them on accessories too like scarves and shoes. However, if you are the wrong side of 25 then be careful how you wear them, the wrong print can make you look mumsy.

In black, white and blue, these bold geometric designs in two-tone hues are stylish and chic and will last for seasons. From Zac Posen to Stella McCartney to Diane Von Furstenberg, in dramatic dresses, all-in-ones, tops, trousers, platforms and totes. Bottega Vega’s blue and white geometric print Intrecciato bucket bag (Net-a-Porter) is perfect for the beach, bar and city.

International spring runways were ablaze with electric hues and kaleidoscopic prints. Jonathan Saunders, Michael Kors, Derek Lam and 3.1 Phillip Lim all feature designer dresses to-die-for in these colorful prints.

Every spring we see a modern makeover in sailor stripes and everything nautical. Non more so than for Spring 2009, where nautical stripes make a strong showing. Big and bold in patriotic red, white and blue, with an occasional anchor print thrown in for good measure.

Wonderful Parrot-like prints from Peter Pilotto wowed the crowd at London’s Fashion Week. Influenced by the runways of Michael Kors and Henry Holland, huge playful polka dots adorn everything from swimsuits to sundresses.

Tribal chic this season is given a modern minimal edge with sleek tailoring in blues and blacks or earth tones of muted greens and mustard. Designers like Anna Sui take their inspiration from global nomads and traditional African prints.

Whatever color you choose this season, it guarantees some high impact style. Wear the best of spring's eye-popping brights if you dare, this season's dramatic color combinations are not for the faint-hearted!

The copyright of the article Spring 2009 Fashion Trends — Colors and Prints in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Spring 2009 Fashion Trends — Colors and Prints in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.