The temperature outside has barely climbed out of the 30s lately so it’s pretty hard to believe, but the spring season actually begins one month from today- on March 20!  And if you’ve walked by any retail stores lately you’ve probably noticed that spring attire is ready for purchase, whether you’re ready or not.

Well as a warm up to prep you for what’s in store (for example, get ready to wrap your mind around Barbie pink), I thought I’d share Pantone’s official color palette with all the fun, cheerful colors for spring 2012.  Take a breath of fresh air with the bright happy hues below; then if you’ve got the time, click the image to go to the detailed color report as well as inspirations of various designers.  (Guys- click and then scroll down for menswear.)

In case you ask, who is Pantone?  Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries.  The PANTONE name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer.  

Grab some lemonade and feast your eyes!