shades of spring

This season's bright colors inspire hope and optimism

by Tara Rosenzweig

This spring's list of top 10 colors is bursting with cheerful brights. Designers are incorporating pops of vibrant color into their collections, and balancing them with dark translucent or neutral shades. This season's color choices are about more than pretty hues, however; they also provide a welcome boost to sagging spirits.

COLORS OF HOPE

The spring color palette reflects the world today, maintaining optimism while at the same time acknowledging the desire for stability.

"New York's fashion designers encourage hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

EYEWEAR INSPIRATIONS

Which of these bright, hopeful colors are we most likely to see in accessories such as eyewear? Rose Dust, Dark Citron, Lucite Green, Fuchsia Red, Palace Blue, and Super Lemon, says Eiseman.

In addition, Eiseman says these color pairings work well in accessories: Slate Gray with Fuchsia Red, Palace Blue with Rose Dust, Super Lemon with Dark Citron, and Salmon Rose with Lucite Green.

THE GREEN SCENE

Green soars in popularity this season, with three shades of the color making Pantone's top 10 list. Vibrant Green is "the quintessential spring hue" while Dark Citron provides a calm, sophisticated feel. Rounding out the greens is Lucite Green, which imparts a clean, subtle shimmer.

BLUE AND PURPLE RENEWED

Fall's deep blues and purples have lightened up for this season. Palace Blue, a navy-like shade, pairs well with many of spring's favorite colors. Meanwhile, Lavender adds a touch of summer with its gentle hue.

SUNSHINY YELLOWS

Bright and happy Super Lemon adds spunk and optimism to the spring palette. "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," Eiseman says.

In addition, Super Lemon's yellow cousin, Mimosa, is Pantone's Official Color of 2009. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation," notes Eiseman. Mimosa coordinates well with many other colors and will be popular in women's accessories.

PINK AND RED WITH A TWIST

Salmon Rose, a soft orangey-pink, is a great, complexion-flattering shade to take wearers right into summer.

This season's Fuchsia Red conveys the color's trademark sensuality, but adds a touch of sophistication with its cool, blue undertones. The shade will be popular not only in apparel, but also lipstick and nail polish.

PASTEL-TINGED NEUTRALS

In a change from the usual beiges and grays, this season's neutrals add a color twist with subtle undertones.

Rose Dust is a rosy beige that adds dimension to the tried-and-true neutral.

Similarly, Slate Gray serves up blue-green undertones while still pairing beautifully with the other top colors of the season. EB