Spring / Summer 2023 ... Dress Happy

Greens seem to be the prominent color family. Grass and leafy greens as well as refreshing mint greens.

Green is a useful layering color, because it’s nature’s neutral; every flower has a green stem and leaves. Pair it with any of the colors that follow.

Floral colors like poppy orange, golden marigold, daffodil yellow.

Citrus colors like lemon, lime, mandarin, pink grapefruit.

Many shades of watery blues, light to deep.

Upbeat reds; these show energy, and can give you energy when you need it. Fuchsia pink, part of the red family, is energetic as well as romantic and feminine.

Neutrals are beiges, soft whites, navy, light to dark denim, N+ light sage greens.

It’s a garden party of flower and leaf prints with varying sizes from small to large.

Blossoming plant prints like cactus, berry, or weed-like.

Blended, soft water colors in meandering, flowing designs.

Pinstripes, particularly the crisp version that alternates a color stripe with a white stripe.

Larger stripes in a varied scale of narrow to wide, or all the same size, but colorful.

Large and small graphics, including polka dots, a Spring Harmony favorite. Always choose them in white dots on a color background to wear them effectively as a to-the-center print. The reverse could be worn to the outside as a neutral; use just a medium amount, e.g. skirt or jacket

Tie-Dye prints.

Mixed prints. These can be a mess! Related colors will help tie them together. The smaller scale version for Springs look the best, and have a fun, casual feel to them.

A soft feel to all fabrics is key.

Cottons, fine gauge to cabled knits, rayon, jersey, gauze.

No-cling ribbed cottons.

Slub-textured cottons. Cotton and modal rayon blends are airy and light.

Eyelet is a Spring Harmony fabric. You’ll see it on dresses and blouses, not just as trims. It’s a delicate feminine look.

Refresh your wardrobe with what this new season brings.

Try out slight changes to the old classics, choosing those that highlight your personality and style.

Feminine details on many tops is the theme. The newest ideas are seen on sleeves, starting with the elbow length sleeves.

Flouncy cap sleeves, and also flouncy hemlines. These are on the baby-doll blouses, and cross-over tunic length tops, giving them elegant movement.

Basic shirts in stripes and prints. Tie-front tops.

Shoulder-featured necklines like the halter neck or drop-shoulder tops.

Embroidered florals on necklines and sleeves. Short ruffled necklines, sleeves, and hemlines. Piping trims, lace, and smocking.

Cardigan and tank sets in fine-gauge knits offer a polished, comfortable look. Any time you can find matching sets, they are a wardrobe stretching bonus. Also, keep an eye out for matching open-front Cardis and Tees.

Sporty tops with narrow striped details along neck and sleeves.

Sweatshirts, relaxed, but not slouchy, so you look and feel more polished.

Higher-waist pants and jeans have caught on. Pull-on styles eliminate the bulky zipper that protrudes through knit tops.

Self, tie-belted pants offer a finished look for tucking in your top.

Easy, relaxed fitting pants available in cropped or long lengths.

Culotte-style pants and jumpsuits. The pants are practical and comfy. The jumpsuits are comfy, but not practical when you’re in the restroom.

Decorative details on different pant styles at the lower back or side edge. Button tabs, short zips on pockets, eyelet and ribbon lace-ups. Butterfly and other motif appliqués

Attached top to shorts, called rompers. A teen or young adults style.

Cropped joggers are a cooler version of your longer Winter weather joggers.

Leisure pants sport side stripes in contrasting colors.

Short cardigans with elbow to 3/4 sleeve length. These are always good for sleeveless dresses when cooler evenings show up, if your arms aren’t your best feature, or as a substitute when a business- like blazer isn’t quite right for your dress, or for the occasion.

Long cardigans with floral borders at the neckline and/or hemline.

Puffs or tucks at the shoulders add interest on some cardigans and jackets.

Always the classic blazer. Some with exaggerated shoulders, though these will look dated in a short time. Choose from pastels and bright colors.

Short shirt-style jackets with patch pockets. A print or plaid can be paired over a color tee, when it repeats one of the colors in the shirt.

Short denim jackets in pastels, as well as denim blue shades. Hip length denim jackets.

Floral embroidered ruanas. A ruana is a cape-like, flowing topper with armholes to create a shorter sleeve. Many are in larger wandering, or abstract, prints.

Tie-front skirts. You can knot them, or tie them, in a full or half bow.

Flared skirts.

Three-tiered, slightly gathered skirts with a slip-on elastic waistband have a prairie skirt vibe.

A-line skirts, short to long in style. Done in soft knits they could be a comfortable, basic skirt.

Off-center skirt closures. Tie-front waist details,

Denim skirts in short and long styles.

So many sleeve choices: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 sleeves, or ruched.

Short, tea, or maxi lengths.

Fit & flare dresses; some with a narrow belt on the back that you can adjust to fit.

Tailored or soft, feminine dresses are seen to suit your lifestyle and personality. Maybe one find for work, another for a social occasion.

The loose A-line dress casually covers little lumps and bumps.

Tie-front, flared, figure-flattering dresses for a once and done outfit.

Tiered dress with a button front or pullover elastic neckline.

Halter-neck dresses. Casual Tee-shirt and tank-top dresses, both short and long styles.

Sleeveless, collared, split-neck dresses look like a shirt dress without buttons. Go ahead and add a leather or woven belt to create a waistline.

The polo-collared dress is a casual pull-on type shirt dress. It has a placket with a few buttons at the neckline.

Lightweight denim dresses. Accessorize with some color.

Rainbow colored, whimsical, intricate designs on necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. The butterfly is the newest popular theme.

Metal chains, earrings and bracelets.

Pendants using marble stones, Murano glass, and metals.

Multi-strand beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Cloisonné bangles, stretch bracelets. Go ahead and mix them together, thinking about coordinating the colors of your outfit.

A variety of prints, checks, and stripes adorn many shoe styles.

Classic loafers with bit and tassel details. These are perfect with tailored outfits. Choose neutral tans, navy, or colors.

Pebbled leather driving moccasins,

Comfortable espadrilles.

Flats, including ballet flats…they’re the style with a bow.

Sandals with wedge heels or platforms. Some made with embossed leathers, and hand-painted floral accents for an artistic touch.

The Mary Jane with a stacked heel and pointed toe.

Low-heeled sling-backs are a feminine shoe to wear with your pretty top or dress.

Strappy party shoes including the ankle-strap style. Slim ankles, and/or long legs are flattered by this style.

Straw bags are always a seasonal staple. Small, medium, and tote sizes.

Crocheted bags.

Neutral and colorful leather bags and totes.
Ruched details.

Stripes, florals, and other designs may accent any of the styles.

Coin purses or small evening bags in eye-catching colors and designs or sparkles.

Sun hats, fun hats.

Lightweight neck scarf accents. A flower pin worn at the neck or shoulder.

Large sunglasses with bright colors, as well as classic black or tortoise.

Aviators. Narrow rectangular shades from the 2000’s trend are making a comeback.

Decorative barrettes and headbands.