Spring Trends 2015

Posted on March 21, 2015 by RLStyle

Wave goodbye to your winter wardrobe, because spring is upon us at last! This year’s spring trends are fun, easy, and best of all: you don’t even have to get rid of last year’s essentials. Last spring’s hot colors, white and pink, have outlived the winter and are back in full blast! Florals, botanicals and painterly prints are also hot this spring, so embrace this quintessential trend. However, if you want to stand out, keep in mind the following trends and tips to look fresh and stylish:

1) Denim All the Way: Don’t be afraid to mix and match denim, because you’ll just look cool and classic. Whether it’s a denim skirt or jeans with a light weight chambray shirt, make sure you vary the shades of blue to contrast your outfit.

2) Painterly Prints: If you’re not a huge fan of florals or botanicals and crave a more unique spring pattern, look for abstract “painted” looks. Printed dresses are an easy solution, or if you have a great printed blouse, pair this with a solid or denim bottom.

3) Bohemian & 70’s Vibe: Give your outfit a dose of hippie with some fringe accessories, such as shoes or purses! Also, flowy-sleeved blouses, long dresses/skirts, and deep colors like burgundy, green or spice market hues will greatly enhance your free spirited look.

4) Head-to-Toe White: Forever classy and always chic, wearing all white is the perfect spring look whether you’re taking it easy or going out for dinner.

5) Army/Navy: Military-influenced styles endure with army green, neutral khakis and always classic, nautical navy. Think utilitarian jackets, trench coats, anoraks, uniform-inspired dresses, and even fashion cargo pants.

6) Marsala Wine: Looks like an autumn tone? Time to think outside the crayon box. Wear it in spring, summer, fall & winter, sleeveless or not, and mix it with soft, cool tones of blush or aqua for a fresh mix. Flattering on just about everyone, Marsala is the Pantone 2015 Color of the Year.

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Autumn’s Hottest Colors

Posted on September 12, 2012 by RLStyle

Fall’s color palette is always decidedly moodier than that of sunnier months, but that doesn’t mean the mood has to be “gloom”. Add some drama to your autumn wardrobe with one (or three) of the season’s reworked jewel tones and neutrals.

Jewel Tones. Rich colors continue to have a place in your fall wardrobe – just substitute summer’s cobalt for teal, orchid for aubergine, and crimson for burgundy. Like their brighter cousins, these hues take perfectly to tonal pairings. Take a cue from the changing leaves and try tangerine with rust, or brighten burgundy with bold magenta accessories.

Neutrals. Midnight blue and charcoal are great alternatives to black – more unexpected and just as versatile, a great way to ground autumn’s brighter hues. Try a navy leather motorcycle jacket over a bold printed blouse, or tame teal skinny jeans with deep blue pumps or oxfords. Keep less as more by using magenta or orange accessories as just a pop of color in a monochromatic gray outfit. If bold colors aren’t your forté, keep neutrals classic by pairing a navy wool trench with cognac boots and gray trousers.

Edgy Black. Black gets a makeover this fall and takes a more front-and-center role than just a neutral backdrop. Pull out all the stops and elevate your daytime look with a mix of inky leather and denim. Take an all-black ensemble to its natural habitat of glamorous evening events with black silk, a tux jacket, or a pencil skirt with a leather peplum detail.

Remember: If a particular color you love isn’t your most flattering, don’t despair – just wear it on your bottom half or shoes instead of near your face.

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Incorporating Your Fall Wardrobe for the Last Dash of Summer

Posted on August 30, 2012 by RLStyle

It’s hard to hang up your breezy sundresses and rotate your strappy sandals to the back of the closet as the weather cools come September. Or maybe you can’t wait to shop for new jackets and fall’s “it” boots. Whether you’re clinging to summer’s last traces or eager for autumn, you can mix your wardrobes for both seasons together starting now. Who says you can’t have it all?

These pointers also appear in August 30’s fashion edition of The Denver Post‘s “5 Tips” feature, and can be found in print and at the DenverPost.com/Lifestyles.

Incorporate Fall Trends Into Your Wardrobe Starting Now

1/ Darken your palette but keep your brights. Burgundy, navy, and black are this fall’s “it” colors, but you can start wearing them now. Infuse your wardrobe with these rich hues, even mixing them. Navy and black combined is unexpected, yet very chic and sophisticated! Or layer a printed blouse with a cardigan or blazer in navy or burgundy, and your dark tone will act as a neutral. Also, you don’t have to phase out all your hot colors once the weather cools. Carry forward your bright yellow, bold blue, cherry red and bright orange tones from summer. For example, a tangerine tee or blouse will work effortlessly with the changing leaves when topped with a blazer in autumnal tones such as rust, cognac and burgundy.

2/ Add leather to your look. Start small while it’s still hot out, then up the ante once the crisp air arrives. For example, start by adding a wide leather belt to a soft blouse or dress, and leather booties, too. Then get ready to switch out your blazer and cardigan for a hip leather jacket. Try on a fitted style, and if the leather is a light enough weight, the jacket can be worn all day indoors as part of your outfit. And for an extra trendy take on your jacket, choose a military-inspired style.

3/ Don your denim. This fall’s denim trends are easy to incorporate once the summer heat breaks. The past spring and summer’s colored denim gets a sophisticated update with richer jewel tones and fall colors. Leather-like coated jeans come in light, medium or heavy weights (from their wax-like treatments), and add an instantly edgy attitude. Metallic varieties are having a moment as a way to add shimmer. Pair your daring denim with pretty, summery tanks and soft lightweight cardigans for a seamless season transition, as well as an interesting mix of textures.

4/ Dress in layers and layer your dress. Your favorite summer floral or geometric dress works straight into fall with tights, a soft leather jacket, and booties. And the accents don’t have to be black – gray, brown, navy, or maroon are great neutrals to ground the patterns.

5/ Summer shoes get the boot! Try closed-toed pumps and booties with your summer clothes while it’s still warm. Capped toes, platforms and embellished statement shoes are some of the new season’s hottest accessories. Just be sure to include burgundy in your fall collection—this sumptuous shade in leather or suede will stand out in the sea of black.

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