Spring dishes up a lighter, looser style and a side order of black and white — and BAM, a power pop of color. Think a Helmut Newton photo with a large dose of Vitamin C. This time around, the lighter shades moved off the stale pales to crisp, tangy citrus –– pink grapefruit, lemon zest, lime, and especially tangerine. Invader color: Cobalt blue.

 By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

Spring dishes up a lighter, looser style and a side order of black and white — and BAM, a power pop of color. Think a Helmut Newton photo with a large dose of Vitamin C. This time around, the lighter shades moved off the stale pales to crisp, tangy citrus –– pink grapefruit, lemon zest, lime, and especially tangerine. Invader color: Cobalt blue.

Alongside that…

 

 

 

 

 Stripes

Not just for inmates anymore. Escape from the same-old, same-old, even in a suit. Pick a piece, any piece, and wear the striped-version. The runways ran with stripes on everything from beachwear to ball gowns (thank you, Oscar de la Renta). Horizontal or vertical, thin, pin, bold, or, even better, black and white. Black-and-white stripes paired with a new citrus shade make for a breakout look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoe Fantasies

Shoes with straps – across your toes, over your instep, around your ankle. Add another pair with some iridescence, mixed textures, embroidery, mesh, or colorful lace. Thicker, more squared heels: 70s without the platform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bermuda Shorts

Cut for everyone from ladies who lunch to mad-dash moms. The chameleon pant: wear with a tailored blouse, blazer, pullover sweater, long vest, or tee. You might want three pairs: denim, printed, and a dress-up fabric – embroidered, lacy – with an imitation cocktail dress effect. Don’t forget to make them footwear-friendly, too. Stilettos, gladiator heels, espadrilles, ballerina flats or Converse sneakers — your call.

 

 

 

High-Decibel Volume

Enjoy the freedom of loose-flowing sleeves, pants, or skirts. Caution: too much of a good thing isn’t good. Pair a generous cut with a fitted piece for balance. The beauty of billowy really gets dreamy in the exaggerated, bouncy ruffles rippling across necklines, waists, and hems. Think flounce, not frilly.

 

 

KEY:

1 Autumn Cashmere striped top at Great Stuff
2 Black-&-white stripe top and tangerine skirt at Weezie D.

3 Can’t miss! Missoni open-toed shoe
4 Knee-length Versace fringed shoe

5 Shorts in a range of citrus shades at Indigo Chic
6 Remy Brook silk top with Ecru white pants at Great Stuff
7 Canary Rag & Bone bailey jacket at Angela’s
8 Kaufman Franco crepe dress in mango at Angela’s