Maybe the best explanation for this spring's surge of color has less to do with the season, and more to do with sartorial revolt. Last spring could be summed up in two words: black and white. Designers favored pattern over hue, and the result was bold graphics that demanded attention. This spring the patterns are back, but designers such as Catherine Malandrino and Marc Jacobs have happily rebelled against the tyranny of black and white by softening their patterns with bright, seasonal colors - especially yellow. "I think there's so much yellow because we're in a place where we really need happy colors," says InStyle senior fashion editor Sydne Bolden. "I also think it's prevalent because yellow is such a flattering color for a lot of skin tones. Blondes look great in yellow, women of color look great in yellow. It's a beautiful, neutral summer tone, and it comes in so many different shades. It's likely that most people can find a shade that looks good on them."
By pairing it with pale gray or navy blue, designers have helped yellow grow past its previous reputation as a color best suited for children under 10. But yellow isn't the only shade making a comeback this season. The spring 2008 fashion shows were a riot of royal blue, citrus green, deep red, and even gold lamé. And while those colors glowed brightly, designers such as Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler stuck with neutrals like gray and beige. The upshot: If you're not interested in a gumball-colored closet, neutrals are also a safe bet for spring.
"It's a season where you can be either quiet and serene," says Bolden. "Or you can be very loud. It's like Pat Benatar versus Grace Kelly."
Whether neutral or bright, the one pattern that's taking over for spring is florals. Pick a petal - any blossom seems to be fair game. Florals can be found everywhere from Oscar de la Renta's collection to the Gap.
"There's a lot of flower power," says Mary Alice Stephenson, contributing fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar. "If it scares you, find a more neutral flower pattern. You don't have to go hot pink. And mix floral prints together. Sometimes people think they can only wear one piece with floral print, but mixing is very bohemian, and that's a look that you'll see a lot of this season."
Spring dresses are also getting lighter, with designers such as BCBG Max Azria and Brian Reyes producing diaphanous, sheer frocks in delicate prints. This new breed of sheers is a departure from the baby doll dresses of past seasons thanks to longer hemlines and a shape that no longer resembles a maternity minidress.
"It got to the point where a lot of people figured out that you could hide flaws under a baby doll dress," says Bolden. "And even if you weren't hiding anything, people assumed that you were. That's when you know it's time for a new dress."
THE SLEEK SIX
What you'll need to pull off the perfect look this spring:The trench coat: The classic trench is always in fashion, but this season, it's essential for urban safaris.
Wide-legged pants: Nothing says old-school glamour like a pair of Katharine Hepburn-inspired wide-legged trousers.
The oversized clutch: Thumbing its nose at back-straining purses, a big clutch (preferably in metallic, snakeskin, or croc) lightens your load.
Costume jewelry and large bangles: Bigger-than-life costume jewelry offers a touch of the 1980s - without fully submitting to neon or other Reagan-era fashion misdeeds.
Wide-brimmed hats: The 1970s make a return courtesy of floppy hats in collections of designers such as Michael Kors and John Galliano.
The belted dress: Shapeless dresses are given direction with a belt at the waist. Hey, a nip here or there never hurt anyone.
