Category Archives: color trends

Spring 2023 Color Trends

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“Blending escapism with reality, wholesomeness, and joy, we embrace the exploration of extreme contrast in mood and color” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “There is utility and basic-ness to this season’s color story, while at the same time, there is an uplifting vital sense of play that comes through.” (https://www.pantone.com/articles/press-releases/pantone-color-institute-releases-fashion-color-trend-report-spring-summer-2023-new-york).

This is the first blog post in my February Spring Trends series. Today, we will talk color trends. Next Wednesday, 2/8, I’ll be covering Spring 2023 Style Trends. The following week, 2/15, I will be in Las Vegas for the Magic Apparel Show and will be taking photos of the colors and styles as they are represented in clothing. I will end the month, 2/22, with Spring 2023 fabric trends. Each blog post will be accompanied with a live video broadcast in our VIP Facebook Group at 6 p.m. MST and then posted on our YouTube Channel.

Doing a color trend report at the beginning of each season is one of my favorite things to do. I find the way color reflects our social, emotional and political climate completely fascinating. We are now in full realization of the ways the pandemic has changed our lives. Not a day goes by where I don’t hear a news report talking about the effects of the pandemic on our children, the educational system, the health system, and our work lives.

The truth is, some major things have shifted. In Eiseman’s quote from above, she mentions “blending escapism and realty.” Is it any wonder we are swinging between escaping and being grounded. When you look around, do you see “extreme contrasts in mood?” Don’t we all seek a less angry and painful world? Don’t we want to find “play” and tranquility again? This season’s color palate reflects all of those desires and offers a solution, at least in the emotions a great outfit creates within us and how its colors makes us feel on the inside.

Looking at the color palate above, can you guess what colors connote escapism and what colors connote reality? Which colors speak “wholesome” to you? Which ones speak “joy?” Here is a quick breakdown of each color and the emotion it creates.

Fiery Red: Color of vitality and energy, connoting power

Beetroot Purple: Fuchsia that harkens images of summer flowers, connoting escape

Tangelo: Rich orange that is a cross between a tangerine and orange, connoting health

Peach Pink: Warm, peachy pink that is soft and gentle, connoting nurture

Empire Yellow: The color of summer and all things sunshine, connoting joy

Crystal Rose: Gutsy pink that is still feminine and soft, connoting romance.

Classic Green: The color of grass and summer, connoting health and vitality

Love Bird: Rich, lime green that is not neon, connoting the exotic

Blue Perennial: Dark denim blue that is lighter than navy, connoting grounding

Summer Song: Light blue like that of a summer sky, connoting tranquility

Skylight: Medium deep aqua, connoting cleansing

Vanilla Cream: Creamy ivory, connoting rich and decadent

Grey Lilac: Greyed Lilac, connoting a sunset after a storm

Leek Green: Medium and warm olive, connoting vegetation

Macchiato: Warm, rusty brown, connoting the perfect cup of coffee

Looking at this color palate as a whole, you can see the vibrant colors that infuse us with joy: red, bright oranges and yellow. Contrasting that, we have the grounding greens and blues. The romantic pink acts as an anchor between the two. Then, on the bottom, we have the softer and earthier shades that make us feel tranquil.

You will be seeing some color play this season with designers pairing unlikely colors together. Examples of this might include pairing the bright red and pinks together or the orange and yellow. The goal is that we feel the freedom to “play” and express our individuality. At the same time, look for soft color palates that combine the peachy pinks, leek greens and macchiato browns.

If you would like to see examples of these colors, watch my Live Wednesday Night Wardrobing video tonight at 7 p.m. MST. Be sure to say hello if you watch live, or comment with #replay if you watch it later. Let me know what questions you have too. I will be happy to answer them! You can watch here.

Fall and Winter Color Trends For 2022

Posted in color trends, fall fashion trends, fashion trends, how to, tips and tricks, trends, Uncategorized by
Pantone: https://www.pantone.com/articles/fashion-color-trend-report/new-york-fashion-week-autumn-winter-2022-2023

Whenever I am ready to write my color report for the season, I always turn to Pantone. As a buyer, despite my concerted effort to not buy according to my own preferences but according to my customer’s wants and needs, my own color bias and regional biases are hard to overcome. As a mountain west girl, we tend to gravitate towards earthy colors and shy away from bold colors. Maybe it is because we like to blend into our landscape rather than stand out against it.

Whenever I am ready to write my color report for the season, I always turn to Pantone. As a buyer, despite my concerted effort to not buy according to my own preferences but according to my customer’s wants and needs, my own color bias and regional biases are hard to overcome. As a mountain west girl, we tend to gravitate towards earthy colors and shy away from bold colors. Maybe it is because we like to blend into our landscape rather than stand out against it.

According to Pantone, this season’s colors “support our need for nurturing and tactility, as well as a calm and restorative space, fulfilling our yearning for comfort. Concurrently, the colors also illustrate our need to break free of restraint and embrace the joy of being alive through super bright hues expressing energy boosting vitality and the celebration of life.” In other words, on the heels of pandemic and our lives being turned upside down, we are simultaneously seeking nurture and freedom. We need to be re-assured that calm is on the horizon while at the same time want to let all that pent up angst out.

While my experience of the pandemic in Wyoming is very different from that of readers from other places in the country and world, I can completely relate to this juxtaposition of desires. So many things have changed since the worst of the Covid pandemic hit the United States and world; we are still dealing with the ramifications in shortages, shipping delays, increased prices, and the like. We are adjusting to a new normal, and this somewhat chaotic experience makes us want colors that sooth our nerves. I see that

reflected the most in the core classic colors for the season. From soft and soothing cream, blush and grey and always stable black to earthy green, these key colors exude calm and predictability. They are easy to pair and soothing to the psyche. Grey works with burgundy, pink, blues, black, white, yellow, lavender, and many greens. Ivory is a great staple to pair with browns, rusts, earthy greens, black, and ocean blues. Blush and green are nurturing colors that feel soft and soothing.

But, not to be outdone, this season’s palate offers some bold colors that are meant to grab attention. Orange, mustard, pink and teal all add a punch of color to any look. Here in Wyoming, we might choose to use these colors in our accessories or mixed with other hues in prints.

My store has a plethora of the earthy rusts, reds and greens so popular this season. Again, these colors offer a boldness that still fits in with our evergreen trees and fall aspen leaves. I also love the mountain lake blues that are predominant and are so pretty paired with grey. It is easy to add a pop of mustard into this color palate as well while still not going overboard with color.

If you’d like to see some examples of these colors and how we interpret them here in Wyoming, you can watch my Wednesday Wardrobing video at 7 p.m. MST or catch the replay anytime in our VIP Facebook Group. You can watch that video here: https://www.facebook.com/events/579048177328422

Spring 2022 Color Palate

Posted in clothing, color trends, dressing your best, fashion trends, how to, personal style, tips and tricks, trends, women's clothing tips by

I always find it fascinating how the color palate for the season is a reflection of what is happening around us and how we are feeling about it emotionally. Keep in mind, that these spring colors were chosen by designers over a year ago when fabric teams and design teams began to imagine this season’s colors and styles.

Join me for a minute and think back to January of 2021. Do you remember what you were feeling? We had just finished 2020, and I remember hoping we were leaving Covid behind us, having just come out of a very difficult fall and winter with Covid infections and deaths. I felt shell shocked and yet hopeful, the way you leave a bad year behind and look forward to better times as the new year comes.

So it is out of this diverse state of needing comfort, familiarity and stability while at the same time needing to find hope and joy again that this season’s color palate and styles were born. This is how Leatrice Eisemen, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, defines the season, “Colors for Spring 2022 bring together our competing desires for comforting familiarity and joyful adventure through a range of soothing and timeless colors, along with joyous hues that celebrate playfulness. As we enter this new landscape, one where fashion rules no longer apply, hues for Spring 2022 allow us to mix and marry as we please, encouraging the exploration of new chromatic realities, opening the door for personalized style and spontaneous color statements.” (https://www.pantone.com/articles/fashion-color-trend-report/new-york-fashion-week-spring-summer-2022)

Spring/Summer 2022 Color Palate, Pantone

As you look at this palate of colors, what feels familiar? Are there colors that you have seen before in previous seasons? What feels comforting or reminds you of a peaceful place? What feels playful? What brings you joy?

We all might answer these questions differently, but as for me, I’ve seen soft blues like Spun Sugar and pinks like Gossamer Pink for several seasons now, even in winter. Bright sunshine yellows life Daffodill as well as deeper mustards have also been consistent over the past several seasons. Denim blue is always foundational, so the Skydiver color feels familiar to me and grounding. Harbor Blue and Glacier Lake remind me of the ocean and a summer sky, so they make me feel comforted. Coca Mocha reminds me of my favorite latte and brings up images of holding a steaming cup of goodness. Dahlia, Innuendo and Poinciana are bright and playful colors, suggesting adventure and joy.

My pairing suggestions are to keep the softer, more pastel colors together as well as the bright colors together. The navy blue is your neutral, and every color in the palate besides the Cocoa Mocha will match well with it. Pair Cocoa Mocha with Gossamer Pink.

Spring/Summer Core Classic Colors for 2022, Pantone

This next grouping of colors are what we consider neutrals and foundational colors for the season. You can see that they are all easy to wear shades in soft flesh tones and greys. And then there is Basil. Does it seem out of place to you? Consider what green connotes – Pantone mentiones health and wellness, but green also symbolizes growth, newness, life, vitality, and change. Is it any wonder, coming out of 2020, that this color was included as a core color for the season? Pair Basil with any of these other neutrals for a delightful pop of color. The Poppy Seed will be a great grounding color for the brighter colors in the previous palate and the Northern Droplet will look beautiful for the softer, more pastel colors.

As you begin to shop for new items to add to your spring and summer wardrobe, you will likely be seeing these colors and versions of these colors in your favorite clothing lines. Pay attention to the emotional feeling they evoke for you. As a repesentation of our greatest hopes and desires, they are also a means to find healing. Look for colors that bring you comfort as well as those that inspire you to seek new adventure and find joy.

Watch my live video teaching series called Wednesday Wardrobing each Wednesday at 6 p.m. MST. I will be beginning my Seasonal Trends series tomorrow night and showing you examples of these colors and also how to pair them. Find out more about this series here and join to get messaged reminders of the videos. These classes are only broadcast in our VIP Facebook Group. You can join and watch live here: Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.

5 Surprising Colors To Pair With Mustard

Posted in clothing, color trends, dressing your best, fall fashion trends, fashion trends, how to, personal style, tips and tricks, trends, women's clothing tips by

Mustard is such a trendy color for the season, but it can be a bit intimidating to wear because many women don’t know what to pair with it. Let me assure you, mustard is a surprisingly easy color to pair up with a multitude of colors. The images above demonstrate how great it looks with black and olive, but this blog is about some pairing options that might surprise you.

Before we dive into color pairings, let’s talk a little about mustard as a color. First of all, there are a lot of variations of this color out there. Just imagine the condiments isle at the grocery store. The classic French’s mustard is what most of us think of when we picture this color. It is a traditional mustard. But…if you like dijon mustards, you know those come in a variety of yellows and extend into even some browns. Likewise, you will see many variations of mustard in clothing. Choose a mustard based upon your underlying skin tone. If you are warm toned, you can lean more toward the caramels. If you are cool toned, lean more toward the yellows. In my opinion, the easiest mustard to work with is the traditional color. For me, the pants featured in the pictures to the far right and left are a great example.

So let’s talk surprising color pairings:

  1. Rust: This super trendy color for this season looks amazing with mustard and is particularly good if you have warm toned skin. The combination feels earthy and very fall, harkening to the colors of falling leaves in October.
  2. Olive: Another great option for warm toned gals is olive. Like rust, it also feels earthy with mustard, but it adds a sense of the early fall, just as the grass is starting to change color in preparation for winter.
  3. Navy: Tending more toward the cool tones, navy is another great option with mustard and is a way for a woman with blue undertones in her skin to wear this traditionally warm color. Navy and mustard remind me of an autumn sun contrasted against an evening sky.
  4. Artic Blue: This brighter blue, some call it Ocean Blue, is also great for cool skin tones and works amazing with mustard. It is one of those colors that surprise people when I hold it up against mustard to show them how easily it pairs. It feels a bit like the ocean with a setting sun upon it.
  5. Emerald Green: A classic cool color, this lovely shade of green is perfect with mustard and offers yet another way for a cool skin tone to wear it. Emerald always reminds me of the mountains here in Wyoming and the pine trees. If you imagine a pine tree cast against a warm sun, you can imagine how these two colors work great together.

When you put two very different colors together, even when they pair up well, it always a good idea to find a third item, like a scarf, that helps tie everything together. In fact, I often use scarves to discover unique color pairings that I have not considered. This will make your whole look cohesive. You can do the same thing with a necklace or handbag too.

If you want some more ideas for ways to style mustard, check out my featured collection this week which focuses on this topic. You can find it here: Kyleen’s Picks Of The Week. Happy pairing! You can also watch my training video on this topic in our VIP Facebook Group called Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas. It airs Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. MST.

XOXO Kyleen

Spring 2021 Trends That A Wyoming Girl Would Wear

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I mean no disrespect by my title. Some of the season’s trends like feathered skirts, exposed bralettes and exaggerated stand up collars will be worn by someone, just not here in Wyoming. And to you I say, “go for it and rock it.” If we Wyoming girls stretch out towards the edgier trends, we look like a transplant, and Wyoming folks are suspicious of transplants…we’re scared you might try to change our way of life, which we love. So, this blog is really about the latest Spring 2021 trends that I will likely see on the streets of Casper, Wyoming and the ones that I have bought for my store. That is in no way to characterize Wyoming women as un-trendy; on the contrary, our version of trendy is just mountain west trendy as opposed to New York or California trendy. And there is a difference. So, here you go…my top ten Spring 2021 trends that we will wear:

  1. Button Down Oversized Blouses (top and bottom right). I think “slouchy” might be an appropriate term to describe the trends of 2021. The oversized blouse trend includes both longer button ups as well as blouses that literally look a couple of sizes too big. These comfy blouses are perfect worn with oversized jeans like girlfriend jeans or leggings. To keep from looking shapeless, do a front tuck, tie or twist with your blouse into your jeans so that the front of your jeans shows.
  2. Belted Waists (top middle): Last season was all about the tie front details on blouses. This season will highlight the waist with belted details and peplums that show your shape. If your belts have been gathering dust in your closet, this is the season to pull them out, dust them off, and start belting your blouses, dresses, coats and whatever else you can find that looks great with a belt.
  3. Tie Dye (bottom middle): This classic “do it yourself” fashion saw us through much of 2020. I listened to a podcast this morning, and the host talked about wearing tie dyed jogger suits all last year while she was quarantined at home. There is no slow down to this look for 2021 so keep wearing your tie dye pieces that you bought last year.
  4. Wide Legged pants (bottom left): Another style trend that is continuing from 2020 is the wide legged pant. Yet another “slouchy” style, this pant trend screams comfort and ease. As with the oversized blouse and jean trend, you have to balance the wide legs with a tucked, belted or tailored top that comes in at the waist. This will keep you from looking boxy.
  5. Sheer styles (top middle): Sheer fabrics will be a key fabric trend this season, lending to a light and airy option for tops. You’ll see everything from chiffon to mesh and peek-a-boo tanks.
  6. Floral Prints (top left): The print trends for the season are definitely feminine with floral prints taking center stage. Look for all over floral tops and dresses as well as floral prints on jackets and accessories.
  7. Khaki: This color and style will be significant this season. Look for khaki pants, especially trouser styles as an important way to wear this look. Pair khaki up with chambray or dark denim for a classic style.
  8. Oversized Jeans: Yet another “slouchy” trend this season is the oversized jean trend. We’ve seen variations of “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” jeans for several seasons now, and this style looks like it will continue to be strong. Look for distressed styles with holes and patches.
  9. Cream or Ivory mono-chromatic outfits: Head to toe white, ivory or cream is a lovely look for special events, as it exudes class. Look for all white dresses as well as ivory top and slack sets.
  10. Cut Outs: We saw cut outs begin with the “cold shoulder” trend of several seasons ago. It has morphed into cut outs occurring any where on a garment, including the neck. midriff, side, and shoulder. This added detail has one purpose: to show skin and draw the eye to a particular part of the body. Be sure your cut out items are focusing the eye on a part of your body you love.

The season’s trends are in direct relation to Covid19 and the political unrest of 2020. As we are still coping with many of the restrictions and complications from the pandemic, our lives feel smaller, somehow. The slouchy styles embrace a more casual, stay at home lifestyle and allow us to hide any extra weight we might have gained last year. They are the equivalent of comfort food…pieces you will love to put on that make you feel relaxed. The softer, feminine floral prints and sheer chiffon fabrics remind us of gardens and carefree days, something we are all missing. The focus on white, ivory and cream signals purity and innocence, things we worry might be gone forever. And in the midst of all of this we have tie dye, an iconic reminder of the turbulent 70s but also a style that signals freedom from constraints.

I’d love to hear the trends you are excited about. If you’d like to watch a live video on this topic, tune into my weekly Wednesday Night Wardrobing videos where I discuss the latest trends as well as fashion know how. Tonight’s video can be seen in our VIP Facebook group. It will air at 6 p.m. MST. You can watch here: https://www.facebook.com/events/174482441137123

Spring 2021 Top Fashion Colors

Posted in color trends, how to, personal style, trends by
Picture from Pantone.com

That Pantone chose Ultimate Gray (or Pandemic Gray) and Illuminating Yellow as the 2021 colors of the year says so much about the psyche of our nation and world as we still face an alarming death toll from the Covid19 Pandemic while cautiously and anxiously hoping for brighter days. It has always been interesting to me how colors in both fashion and design often mimic the political and social climate from which they come. This spring’s color palate is both earthy and exuberant, indicating a need to feel both grounded and hopeful.

Perhaps it is because I am a Wyoming girl with strong roots in this state (my dad’s family homesteaded here) or because I am a mountain girl dreaming of backpacking next summer that this season’s key colors remind me of a field of lovely spring wild flowers. I’ve seen open fields in late June adorned with flowers in these same bright pinks, oranges, yellows, blues and purples. And yet, there is also the toasted coral and rust as well as the warm tan and olive that remind me of the forest floor layered with pine needles and organic matter that cushions my feet as I walk across it. For me, there is no place more serene than the mountains, and after 2020, I am looking for serene wherever I can find it. I am excited about both extremes in the color palate for spring 2021, as I too am finding myself seeking both grounding and hope.

As you plan your spring wardrobe, I hope you will add colors from both categories this year. All of the top colors in the picture above can be used for tops or as accents. “Raspberry Sorbet,” “Illuminating Yellow,” “Green Ash,” “Mint,” “Cerulean,” “French Blue,” and “Amethyst” will all pair beautifully with “Ultimate Gray” or “Inkwell.” For a warmer palate, choose “Burnt Coral” and “Rust” and also “Marigold,” and pair them with the lovely “Desert Mist” tan or even the warm olive “Willow.” The easy to wear “Buttercream” also makes a lovely choice as a neutral bottom and would be especially pretty with “Burnt Coral” and “Desert Mist.”

To see examples of these colors, watch my live Wednesday Wardrobing video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. To watch, join our VIP Facebook Group called Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.

Fall And Winter Color Trends for 2020

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If 2020 were a color palate, what would you choose? Thank goodness we don’t have to wear the sad colors that probably first jumped to mind! With lovely pops of color like Mint, Mustard, Cayenne, Powder Blue, and Hot Coral, your fall and winter wardrobe can actually help brighten your mood!

Let’s start with key neutrals. Navy and grey have taken over black as the trendiest neutrals, and the geniuses who decide what colors will trend did us all a favor by including colors that pair well with navy. Many of us feel a little unsure of what to wear with navy and so avoid it, but if you think about your favorite pair of dark denim jeans as an example of navy, perhaps that will help you feel more confident! Mustard, yellow, hot coral, mint, grey, and powder blue all look amazing matched up with navy. For grey, try the bright yellow, powder blue, and the hot coral as great choices. A more neutral palate choice might be a navy top and grey bottom or vice versa.

Mustard (Zinnia) and Cayenne are warmer colors and will pair well together or with browns. Think of a warm sunset to help you imagine these colors. And, while you are imagining a sunset, add in a beach and a pina colada. That might improve your mood too!

For those of you who prefer cooler tones, you will love the Mint, Bright Yellow, and Powder Blue. The last of these is a personal favorite because it makes me feel peaceful….there is just something about soft blue that is soothing. On the days when you need a pick me up, choose the brighter colors and on the days you just need to feel peaceful, choose the blue.

All in all, embrace color this season. It can do a lot for your perspective on things. Let your clothes lead your psyche into a better place because we WILL make it through this! Better times are ahead.

For more on this and for examples from our store of these colors and how the pair them up, watch our Saturday Savy video which will be published this Saturday on our Facebook Page.

What Trends To Buy Now And Wear Next Fall

Posted in clothing, clothing, quality, value, color trends, dressing your best, fashion, how to, personal style, tips and tricks, trends by

When you are making your spring purchases, it may be helpful to know what will be trendy for this coming fall so you can buy with an eye to what will transition into the next season.  After all, that is just smart shopping.  Fortunately, many of the strongest trends for spring will also be important for fall.  If you think carefully about your color choices, you will be able to make spring purchases that will carry over.

Top Fall Trends To Buy Now:

  1. Printed tops: From beachy to polka dots and stripes, printed tops are a great way to add a pop of color to your neutral bottoms.  Since there are several carry over colors from spring to fall like mustard, navy, pink, and wine, if you choose your top styles carefully, you should be able to wear them this fall too.  This adorable leaf printed tank could easily be paired under a grey blazer and worn with black slacks for fall, as an example.  IMG_5685
  2. Printed bottoms: look for animal, camo, and herringbone to be key prints for fall bottoms.  As you are shopping spring and summer, you will see many of these same prints, but in lighter colors.  Keep in mind how you might be able to transition your purchases now into fall later.  Grey animal prints, for example, are season-less and can be paired today with a grey tank and next fall with a grey sweater.
  3. Colored denim: I saw everything from mustard, olive green, wine, and even pink for fall, so this is a trend you will definitely be able to carry into next season.  Obviously, some of the more summery colors like mint won’t work, but if you buy a mustard or pink jean now, you will most definitely be able to wear it next season.
  4. Colored blazers: Just as a rainbow of colored denim was a key trend, I saw this same idea in blazers.  Again, thinking forward, if you buy a color like denim blue, mustard, or pink, you will be able to wear it now while it is colder and then use it again when the leaves start to fall.
  5. Embellished jeans: The market was flooded with all kinds of embellished bottoms for spring and summer.  See my spring trends blog post for more info.  This trend will continue to be very strong into fall.  Look for raw edges, painted designs, and embroidery to grace the bottoms of jeans.  Again, since everything is about the ankle length right now, the ankle jeans you buy now will most definitely be wearable in the fall as well.  The great thing about ankle length bottoms is they are season-less!
  6. Teddy Bear Coats: This trend takes nubby fabric, like you might find on a teddy bear, and applies it to an over sized, zip up coat body.  The most popular color that I saw was teddy bear brown, see below.  We saw this trend be strong for this past fall season too, so if you bought one, you will definitely be able to wear it next fall or if you find one this spring that you like, you can feel confident that this trend will continue.  IMG_5689
  7. Wool Dress Coats: I am doing the happy dance on this one! While I love my down coats for warmth, I have missed the classic wool dress coat!  They are back for next season.  Now is the time to shop for coats, so if you find a wool dress style you like, buy it and put it away for next season.
  8. Vests: Here in Wyoming we love our vests.  They are so versatile, and a very handy extra layer when it is 2 degrees.  They will be fashionable next season, and I saw everything from down puffy vests to suede vests to menswear inspired styles. Vests are 3 season items, working for spring, fall and winter.  Thus, they are always a great investment.
  9. Shoe boots: Because the ankle length bottom is so strong, shoe boots continue to be an important trend in shoes.  I saw quite a few printed shoe boots, especially in animal prints.  Again, these are a great transitional style that will work now as well as into the next season.
  10. Polka Dots: The dots just keep going and going.  There is no slow down in the pre-occupation of designers with polka dots.  Again, a black and white dot top will work well for spring and fall.  Another great choice, would be a navy and white or mustard and white option.  These are colors that will transition easily into colder weather.  Wear white with them in the summer and then choose navy or black in the winter.

Spring 2020 Fashion Trends For Women

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As I sit at my desk to write this trend review, the snow is softly falling outside, coating the barren tree limbs just outside my window with a white blanket.  As I look over the top of downtown buildings from my loft, steam is rising in multiple places in a Dickensian scene.  It seems a bit strange to be thinking spring, but the store is full of new spring arrivals and bright pops of color, and March is only a few weeks away.

Having just returned from market in Las Vegas, my mind is filled with the new colors and styles that will be dominating fashion for this upcoming season.  I always feel excited to see the seasons change, even when they change faster in the store than they do outside!

pantone 2The spring/summer color palate is a combination of bold, bright colors and earthy neutrals. From bold Flame Scarlet on the left to Biscay Green (mint) on the top right and Orange Peel (tangerine) in the middle, these colors will have you feeling cheerful and flirty.  And, since balance is the key to life, you’ll also be able to choose from Chive green, Saffron, Cinnamon and Lavender on those days when earthy colors suit your mood better.

 

After looking through some trend reviews, it’s pretty easy to see there are some trends that will likely never make it to Wyoming.  Things like Bermuda short suits, hot pants, corsets, blazers and bra tops, or feather shirts are just a bit too edgy for us out here in the west.  There are other trends, however, that I feel confident we will see here on our streets.  The following are my top 10 trends for spring:

  1. Ultra feminine dresses: This will definitely be a season of dresses.  Look for everything from ribbed sweater mini dresses to classic shirt waist styles and all over floral maxi styles.  Other dress trends you will be seeing are all over 60’s wallpaper prints, tiered dresses, and ultra feminine touches like ruffles, peplums and frills.
  2. Tie waist pants: Look for these especially in striped linen or linen looking fabrics.  Many of these pants have a ruffle detail at the top of the waist and then a belt that you tie in front.  Because of the focus on the waist, you will want to pair these pants with solid tuck in tops or cropped tops that don’t hide the waist.
  3. Gauchos: Again, by in large, the trendiest styles have horizontal stripes and can be found in a variety of fabrics.  The trick with a gaucho is to balance out the wide, cropped leg with a tight fitting top.  Tuck in tops or cropped tops are also good choices here.  For shoes, try a wedge sandal with a bit of a heel.  Adding length to your calf will help you pull off the wide leg.
  4. Neon: Even though neon colors were not included in the Pantone color forecast, they are everywhere in the market.  Think highlighter colors.  Use these as pops of color.  Maybe a lime top under a black blazer, as an example.  Neon colors also work great in scarves and accessories.
  5. Raw edge, embellished, clipped front bottoms: Everything is about the ankle pant right now, so designers are drawing attention to this trendy length by adding fun details at the hemline.  Look for everything from embroidery, stones, raw and un-hemmed edges to clipped front details (as if someone clipped out a square from the front of the pant at the hemline).  Remember, to make an ankle pant work, it should hit you an inch above your ankle bone.  If you are short, it helps if you wear a wedge sandal or something with a heel to elongate your calf.
  6. Jean jackets: From colored denim to vintage washes, the jean jacket has been re-imagined in all its glory.  Pair them with dresses, striped pants, gauchos….the sky is the limit.
  7. Floral printed and vintage wash denim: This season, denim is playing a strong role again, but the washes have lightened up with vintage washes taking center stage.  If you’ve been only buying dark denim, this is the season to work some lighter denim into your wardrobe.  Also look for floral printed denim, especially in jean jackets.
  8. The Front Tuck: With the emergence of the over-sized sweater last season, you will now be seeing light, over-sized sweaters paired with everything from skirts to pants.  What makes them trendy is the “front tuck” or simply tucking one part of the hem into your waist and letting the rest fall out.  This trick tames the over-sized nature of these tops.
  9. Polka Dots: We’ve seen this print be strong now for 2 seasons, but I especially love it as a spring/summer trend.  Polka Dots just seem happy to me.  Black and white is, by far, the most common way to do this trend, but I’ve seen it used with other color combinations as well.
  10. Color Blocking: Take two or three colors and put them together in geometrical squares, and you have a color blocked print.  This trend was also strong for fall and winter 2019 and continues to be strong for this spring.  It brings a bit of the “mod” to this season, and is a clean and bold style.

To see some examples of these colors and styles, watch my video on our Fashion Crossroads Facebook Page.  If you read my last blog post, I finished part 3 of my 3 part closet clean out video series.  In that post, I recommended making a “trends I want to buy” section to your buying list.  This would be a great time to start that list.  For some added inspiration, check out our Latest Trends Collection on our website. 

Spring 2018 Color Trends

Posted in color trends, personal style, tips and tricks, trends by

spring-2018-color-palletteIt’s nearing the end of January, and I spent yesterday skiing with my family.  It was really a beautiful day with a warm winter sun.

Despite my fun in the snow, however, February is an absolutely rotten, no-good, horrible month in Wyoming.  There is nothing redeeming about February: it’s cold, grey, snowy and, usually, windy.  Which is why I relish the new spring arrivals at this time of year because they are a reminder to stay strong…spring is on the way.

Take a closer look at the Pantone color palate at the top of this blog post so you can see just all you have to look forward to this spring.  It includes Meadowlark yellow (which I love because that is our state bird), Cherry Tomato, Little Boy Blue, Chili Oil, Pink Lavender, Blooming Dahlia, Acadia, and Ultra Violet.  From earthy and warm to soft and cool, spring’s palate is sure to have you clamoring over at least one color.

My color crush for the season is Blooming Dahlia.  We just received our new Tribal Sportswear, and within our January collection are several pieces in Blooming Dahlia. It is such a wonderful, peachy pink.   It pairs beautifully with soft olive and navy blue, as you can see in the pictures.  Of course, it is always great with white too.  Best yet, it is a decidedly feminine color that just makes a girl feel pretty.

I would love to hear about your color crush for the season in the comments to this blog post, and in the mean time….stay strong.  Spring is coming!