Something about spring just brings on the cliches: Right up there with florals, sundresses, and Vivaldi, is the season's predominant color palette — pastels. Nothing against flowers blooming and birds chirping, but a fresh beginning doesn't mean your closet has to look like it was ransacked by the Easter Bunny. And, thanks the ready-to-wear collections we first spotted at last fall's Fashion Weeks, chances are, it won't.
Consider spring's best color trends palette refreshers. These are the kind of shades that don't immediately call to mind garden parties and rosé, and yet, they're just as fresh and exciting. From warm hues, like gold and candy-apple red, to cool, muted purples and a utilitarian khaki, the outfit ideas ahead are made in the shade. Fear not, those classic pastels can still be found in spades. We just happen to think these seven colors are really worth working up a spring fever.
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Army Green
It’s a far cry from the fresh-grass version, but spring’s coolest green color trend is one that’s an old favorite. As seen on the runways of Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, and Chanel, army green is not just one stagnant shade — it can range from a lighter, closer-to-khaki color to something richer, like the one shown here. But, what’s most appealing about this hue is its utilitarian quality. It will look great for weekend wears and chic errand running, but pair it with a graphic print, a sleek stack of jewelry, or metallic heel and it can totally transform.
Chanel top, leotard, pants, shoes, and bracelet.
It’s a far cry from the fresh-grass version, but spring’s coolest green color trend is one that’s an old favorite. As seen on the runways of Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, and Chanel, army green is not just one stagnant shade — it can range from a lighter, closer-to-khaki color to something richer, like the one shown here. But, what’s most appealing about this hue is its utilitarian quality. It will look great for weekend wears and chic errand running, but pair it with a graphic print, a sleek stack of jewelry, or metallic heel and it can totally transform.
Chanel top, leotard, pants, shoes, and bracelet.
Lemon Yellow
Brights are still a fixture for spring (as they can be for any season), but this year’s version isn't just DayGlo. Lemon yellow appeared on the runway (Balmain, Chloé, and Céline, to be exact) in more than just pops or hints. The powerful hue covered entire outfits, leaving us inspired to try it out for ourselves.
Brights are still a fixture for spring (as they can be for any season), but this year’s version isn't just DayGlo. Lemon yellow appeared on the runway (Balmain, Chloé, and Céline, to be exact) in more than just pops or hints. The powerful hue covered entire outfits, leaving us inspired to try it out for ourselves.
Candy-Apple Red
Red — in any one of its many shades — has been a strong color trend for the past several seasons. But, the latest iteration has a bit more bite. And, though candy apples seem much more like a fall thing, the color is officially here for spring as evidenced by the collections shown by Adam Selman, Creatures Of The Wind, and Acne. And, of course, this flirty, flowing ensemble. Creatures of the Wind top and shoes.
Red — in any one of its many shades — has been a strong color trend for the past several seasons. But, the latest iteration has a bit more bite. And, though candy apples seem much more like a fall thing, the color is officially here for spring as evidenced by the collections shown by Adam Selman, Creatures Of The Wind, and Acne. And, of course, this flirty, flowing ensemble. Creatures of the Wind top and shoes.
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Muted Lilac
This is the closest thing you’ll find to a pastel in this slideshow. But, as far as we’re concerned, muted lilac and saccharine purples are not one and the same. As Balenciaga, Derek Lam, and Giulietta showed, spring’s version of violet is dustier, dimmer, and still incredibly romantic. Giulietta dress.
This is the closest thing you’ll find to a pastel in this slideshow. But, as far as we’re concerned, muted lilac and saccharine purples are not one and the same. As Balenciaga, Derek Lam, and Giulietta showed, spring’s version of violet is dustier, dimmer, and still incredibly romantic. Giulietta dress.
Metallic Gold
Borrowing from other seasons once again, spring takes gold — a winter favorite, made famous by tinsel — as its own. Instead of bright, saturated colors, this metallic gold is rich, reflective, and instantly makes an ensemble more dressed up. DKNY, Tome, and Fausto Puglisi were onto something when they planned gold pieces for spring — just imagine how the extra hours of sunlight will make this shade shine. Fausto Puglisi top, skirt, and shoes.
Borrowing from other seasons once again, spring takes gold — a winter favorite, made famous by tinsel — as its own. Instead of bright, saturated colors, this metallic gold is rich, reflective, and instantly makes an ensemble more dressed up. DKNY, Tome, and Fausto Puglisi were onto something when they planned gold pieces for spring — just imagine how the extra hours of sunlight will make this shade shine. Fausto Puglisi top, skirt, and shoes.
Deep Teal
Blues — be it baby or robin’s egg — are ubiquitous for spring, but we prefer the unexpected choice of teal that we found at shows like Burberry, Erdem, and Acne. This seasonal tone is darker, edgier, and so very pretty. Here, we styled it in leather, but a softer, more classically feminine silhouette in this same shade would be just as badass. Acne Studios top.
Blues — be it baby or robin’s egg — are ubiquitous for spring, but we prefer the unexpected choice of teal that we found at shows like Burberry, Erdem, and Acne. This seasonal tone is darker, edgier, and so very pretty. Here, we styled it in leather, but a softer, more classically feminine silhouette in this same shade would be just as badass. Acne Studios top.
Orange Sherbet
A little less freshly squeezed than a classic orange color, sherbet is another citrus trend for spring, and we saw it everywhere from Coach and Miu Miu to Vivienne Westwood. With some similarities to peach or poppy, this shade is more toned down. If you're still craving something bold, achieve it with your silhouette; a boxy, two-piece suit, for example.
A little less freshly squeezed than a classic orange color, sherbet is another citrus trend for spring, and we saw it everywhere from Coach and Miu Miu to Vivienne Westwood. With some similarities to peach or poppy, this shade is more toned down. If you're still craving something bold, achieve it with your silhouette; a boxy, two-piece suit, for example.