COLUMN: Avoid gloomy colors this spring
The weather forecast may still be dark and gloomy, but in the fashion world spring has arrived.
The highly anticipated runway shows for spring and summer are over and new trends are already making their way into the mainstream market.
While the fall runways focused on rich retro hues, dramatic hemlines and classic prints, designers really shook things up for spring.
This season, the top runway shows showcased a wide range of looks, all of which played on the concept of opposites, such as pastel versus neon, feminine details versus sporty minimalism and delicate prints versus bold geometric prints.
Despite the variety of looks, the spring runways all seemed to share a sense of energy and optimism.
It is precisely that sense of energy that inspired fashion gurus everywhere to crown “tangerine tango” as the “it” color for spring 2012.
Pantone, the authority on the trends and science of color, has even named the vibrant orange hue as its color of the year for 2012.
Though orange hues aren’t always the easiest to wear, this shade has a rich, red base that makes it universally flattering on all skin tones.
Here are some tips on how to pull off the season’s must-have hue.
Think skin
When wearing particularly bright colors, it’s important to keep your skin tone in mind.
If you have fair skin, try wearing prints with tangerine accents or use tangerine accessories, rather than wearing the color head to toe. Avoid wearing bright colors close to your face as they tend to wash you out. The further away a bright color is from your face, the more flattering it will look.
If you have an olive or dark complexion, feel free to wear as much of this vibrant orange as you want. Sunny hues like tangerine tend to compliment darker skin tones beautifully, so wear as much of it or as little as you’d like.
All in the details
Trends are called trends because they usually don’t stick around for too long. If you’re not ready to make a commitment to the mighty tangerine, try adding splashes of color to your wardrobe through accessories.
Buy a tangerine bag, beaded necklace, belt, etc. You’ll still get your Vitamin C fix, and when the trend is gone you won’t have a closet full of orange.
Tone it down
Because tangerine is a rich and vibrant hue, always wear it with more toned-down colors and neutrals.
Pair tangerine with dark denim, charcoal gray, navy or white. If you’re wearing a print that has tangerine, you have a little more leeway to pair it with bright colors.
Use your best judgment. Although this spring is all about blocking bright colors, you don’t want to overdo it.
Update your makeup
Color trends don’t apply to clothing alone, you can also incorporate them to your makeup routine. This season’s orange was used everywhere from nails to eyes.
Pair a red-orange lipstick or lip-stain with neutral eyes and a little bronzer on your cheekbones.
Trade in your classic black or brown eye liner for a bold orange eye-crayon. Pair it with nude lips and don’t be afraid to add extra coats of mascara which will help the eye crayon pop.
Try a tangerine manicure. Wear it alone or pair it with nail art. Geometric prints are big this spring, and this goes for nails as well.
The key to pulling off bright makeup is to focus only on one area of the face. If you want to focus on the eyes, keep the lips simple, and vice versa.
Although there are some signs of spring, it’s still a little too early to bring out your favorite sundresses and shorts. However, it’s never too early to start experimenting and shopping for new trends and styles.
Adding a little tangerine to your style regimen is a great way to give stuffy fall wardrobes a breath of fresh air, and by the time spring rolls around you will have mastered your new spring/summer look.
– Jimena Herrero is a liberal arts major minoring in journalism. She attended ABM in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and majored in fashion design. Her column runs once a month. Comments or suggestions on how she can keep you trendy? E-mail her at jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu