Spring eyes the bright side

By Cherly P. Allen
IndyStar.com

There's no chance of going unnoticed in the season's playful and brilliant hues

The fashion forecast this spring looks brighter than ever. Eye-popping shirts, dresses, jackets and accessories already have begun to adorn the racks and shelves of department stores. You can tickle yourself with fuchsia, sparkle in ocean blue, mellow out in lemon yellow or look poised and chic in lime green.

"It's been many seasons since we've seen such a vibrant, fun color palette in fashion," says Sonya Cosentini, a T.J. Maxx style expert. "We're seeing fresh, bold colors and graphic prints on everything from casual to career looks."

Green, in particular, is a big trend for spring, says Suzanne Guymon, communications director for Dillard's. "It looks great with black early in the season, transitioning beautifully as the perfect complement to white as the weather gets warmer."

Men's dress shirts are sporting subdued lavender, aqua and orange. Golf shirts are bright in sunshine yellow and vivid red. Last summer's popular sellers, such as Bermuda-length shorts and baby doll blouses, will be updated in bright plaids, stripes, florals and geometric patterns. The classic swing jacket will also see an infusion of color this spring -- grass green, bright white, cobalt blue and red.

The swing jacket is the perfect transition piece, Guymon says. "In addition to looking great with a classic trouser, it works well over a sheath dress or partnered with a fashion denim jean." The season's colorful prints offer a simple yet chic way to update your wardrobe, Cosentini says. "Pair a dramatic print top or dress with simple neutral accessories. A sense of balance is key."

The great thing about this season's hues is how well you can incorporate them with traditional fall solids, says Juanita Beck, ladies department manager for Stein Mart. "It's a natural transition," Beck says. You can sport a pair of solid gray or black slacks with a pastel scoop-neck sweater or silk blouse with quarter-length sleeves."

"We're just starting to get the spring stuff in," Beck says. "We've got such a variety. There's a lot of silk out this season with busy bright patterns -- polka dots, jagged edges and florals."

Accessories are also sporting bolder and brighter colors -- from pastel solid clutches and straw handbags to lime green plaid shoes and deep red beaded necklaces. "I've seen a lot of red," Beck says. "It's kind of a mixture of bright color in the jewelry as well."

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