Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012

Five Trends to Tap for 2012

The winter blahs don’t have to translate into your wardrobe. Begin the transition into spring by infusing some of the season’s top trends into your wardrobe now. Bright colorful pieces paired with neutral classics and bold prints paired with simple accessories will take you from winter to spring with ease and panache.

Color Block

One of the biggest trends for spring is color blocking. Whether it’s variations of bright hues or neutrals, blouses, dresses and accessories designed with large blocks of color are great ways to start the fashion year off right.

For a first date or cocktail hour, don the Jack Marta Black/Blue Dress ($56, random). Its body-hugging tank cut and above the knee design allows the bright blue and black color blocking of the dress to pop. Dress it up with a large cocktail ring and heels, or take it down a notch with a blazer and ballet flats for daytime wear.

Another great option is the Color Block Tee in New Anthracite ($39.50, Banana Republic). Throw it on with jeans or black pants for a polished look- the neutral chunks of gray and 3/4-length sleeves of the shirt showcase the pink block of color.

Bold Prints

Large graphic prints are back for another season; however, to keep the look fresh, shop for pieces with prints in bright colors and flattering cuts.

For a classic look, opt for the Pintuck Dot Blouse in Black/White ($79.50, Banana Republic). The blouse’s black and white dot print and front ruching detail gives it ladylike appeal. Pair it with skinny jeans and flats for daytime, or a black pencil skirt and heels for evening.

If you’re looking for a sexy dress that can go from day to night, the Envi Tank Dress in Navy ($148, Copper Penny) is a great option. The flattering cut and colorful collection of navy, white, pink, and green hues in the print give the dress a highly versatile feel. Cover it up during the day with a belted cardigan or during the evening, throw on a pair of killer heels and layer pieces of statement jewelry.

Swirls of maroon, red, yellow, orange and blue comprise the print on the Maeve Flavia Print Dress in Red Motif ($138, Anthropologie). With 3/4-length sleeves and above the knee cut, this stylish shift dress can be worn to the office or out for drinks with friends.

Trench

While anoraks are in demand for our neighbors to the north, here in the warmer clime, a simple trench coat is all that is needed to ward off chilly temps and keep wardrobes in supreme style.

To add a punch of color to your daily jacket, opt for the Pink Trench ($175, Banana Republic). Its vibrant shade of pink will accent any day or evening outfit, while its just below-the-hip- cut will flatter any body type.

Or for a more low-key look, the Contrast Cropped Trench Coat ($158, White House, Black Market) or Glowing Horizons Trench in Beige ($188, Anthropologie) are both great options for pulling an outfit together. Elect for the short cut and contrasting stitching of the Contrast Cropped Trench Coat for evening appeal, or for a classic selection, the Glowing Horizons Trench is perfect for running daytime errands in style.

Orange

If you infuse one new color into your wardrobe this season, opt for orange. Its bright citrus shades and warm hues appeal to most skin tones and can be paired with a variety of other colors.

Pull on orange head-to-toe with the Kingdom B Chandler Irving Dress in Orange ($39.50, random). The simple T-shirt cut dress pops thanks to the vibrant color and pleated skirt. Throw on heels for work, or pair it with boots and a belted blazer for the weekend.

Skinny jeans are still popular; however, opt for a pair in a bright color to offset their usual look. The AG Stevie Ankle in Wine ($158, Anthropologie) is a great way to start. Pair it with an oxford shirt for daytime, or a black tank, strappy sandals, and bracelets for evening.

Accessible Accessories

Simple accessories in classic shapes and colors are the trendy way to accessorize an outfit this season.

Grab a stylish bag, such as the Leather Market Tote in Yellow ($120, Banana Republic). The yellow and blue color blocking is another great way to implement the popular trend into your spring wardrobe and the bright shades add flair to any outfit.

Or, if you love shoes, the Ashley Bow Ballet Flat in Royal Blue ($98, Banana Republic) is a great investment. These flats look fabulous with jeans or a pencil skirt, and the bright tint of blue is a colorful addition to a simple, low-key ensemble.

These items can be found locally at the following retailers located at The Market Common:

Anthropologie, 3340 Reed Street, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 232-0719, or visit www.anthropologie.com.

Banana Republic, 4005 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 839-0185, or visit www.bananarepublic.com

Copper Penney, 3085 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 839-1385, or visit www.shopcopperpenny.com.

random, 3315 Reed Street, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 448-9065, or visit www.randomclothier.com.

White House, Black Market, 3097 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 238-1382, or visit www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.