Spring is in the air, and it’s time to freshen your look with this season’s “must haves”. While Spring is always known for bright, bold colors, this is true more this year than ever. The recession may have some people feeling blue, but instead try some of the hottest colors of the season: tangerine, poppy, aquamarine and yellow chartreuse. These colors are realized in many of this season’s trends.
Here are my top five “must haves” that are business attire appropriate:
SUMMER SCARVES in bold colors with stripes and patterns are the perfect update to last year’s summer suit or basic shift dress. These scarves are lightweight and breathable in linen, cotton, silk and bamboo.
PRINTED T-SHIRTS with floral, batik or graphic patterns are great to layer under a light weight cardigan or jacket. Silk and rayon varieties are ideal since they both can have a bit of sheen, which gives a dressier and more office appropriate look. Pair this with a classic trouser or pencil skirt and you have a new and fresh look for the office.
BOLD BELTS with stones and bright-colored leather can be wonderful when paired with a basic dress, cardigan or tunic. Tunics may be a bit casual a super-conservative workplace but can be totally acceptable for casual Fridays or while traveling for work. Natural stones, matte finishes in metal and animal skin textures are great accessories.
CHUNKY NECKLACES are still in style after two fashion seasons. Take colored jewels and mix them with a chunky gold strand of beads. You can also find some wonderful large beads at street fairs, flea markets and ethnic markets. I found some at a local African store that are unique and inexpensive. They spice up the basics and add a global traveler appeal to your look.
BLAZERS in cottons and linen are back. Pair a “boyfriend” blazer with your suit pants or skirt to automatically up your fashion factor. Ruche the sleeves up on your jacket and stack on some bracelets for a more relaxed summer look that’s still business appropriate.
Make bold choices this spring. With these tips, you can look fashion-forward and still be recession-chic.
Posted
Apr 22 2009, 02:02 PM
by
Hilton Hollis