Let’s be real here. This winter has been brutal. I’m tired of the four-foot high snow banks lining Commonwealth Avenue. I’m tired of the ten degree wind chill. But most of all, I’m tired of my army-green, thigh length puffer jacket that I’ve been wearing every single day since December.
However, with the month of February comes a sense of optimism. The weather forecast projects that daytime temperatures for the rest of the month will be in the 30s and 40s. You know what that means: it’s time to pack away those chunky snow boots and faux fur earmuffs and to give your wardrobe a wakeup call in preparation for the spring.
This season, donning bright colors is the perfect way to inject life back into a wardrobe full of drab neutrals. I’m not talking small pops of color in the form of a bracelet or a pair of jewel toned flats. I’m talking full-on neon brightness, a la 1983. I love this orange and pink striped top from Top Shop
(http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2250268&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208638&parent_categoryId=208580&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=20). Wear it with a pair of colorful sunglasses to shield you from the sunshine, like these blue Ray Ban frames (http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/rb2140/1044-32). If you want to take this trend to the next level, try pairing the neon top and playful glasses with these narrow leg trousers from Zara in either blue or green (http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11719/en/zara-S2011/61139/275538/NARROW%2BLEG%2BSTUDIO%2BTROUSERS).
Another way to reinvigorate your closet this spring is by wearing retro cuts. Some of my favorite items include 1960s inspired swing coats and 1970s style high-waisted bell bottoms. This Kate Spade coat hits two trends at once: it’s bright with a vintage twist (http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=522580&CategoryID=21942).
If this look is too streamlined for you, think like a hippy and test out a look like this one by Alice + Olivia (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod129110001&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=T3A3N&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=T3A3N).
The bell-bottom pants will be figure flattering on a trim waist, and the floral pattern of the top is retro without looking like your grandmother’s couch.
Perhaps the most exciting trend to look forward to this spring is that of the flat platform sandal. Say goodbye to ankle-breaking stilettos, and hello to a new footwear fad. Derek Lamb
(http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446398702&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492709499&bmUID=iUjRTAW&ev19=1:40) and Cacharel (http://www.barneys.com/High-Platform-Wedge/501091943,default,pd.html) are two of the many designers who embraced this trend, proving that style and comfort can coexist in one pair of shoes.
Whether you go retro, bright or both, there are plenty of ways to refresh your wardrobe this season. For more spring 2011 trends, check out www.collegefashionista.com.