The Considered Ensemble

The best way to step into spring with a splash is by doing it in a splash of color. Pastels and whites of previous spring ensembles have given way to bold jewel tones and bright shades that jump out at you.

There is nothing trending right now that blends into the background. With the economy tanking and disasters happening everywhere, we need bright and cheerful more than ever. Notice-me colors and shocking hues inspire confidence, and a little boost of confidence is always a good thing.

There are several different ways to wear this season’s jewel tones; you can adjust your impact according to your personality…

• If you are a little shy, and the thought of wearing fuchsia from head to toe makes you cringe, you can add just a touch of a bright, bold hue. Painting your nails and putting on a bold necklace or chunky bracelet can give you a little color boost without scaring you into a storage closet.
• A little jewelry or nail polish is good, but if you would like to make more of a statement while staying within the confines of conservative (especially if your workplace is strict), you could keep your business attire and add a turquoise or tangerine shoulder bag.
• Daring career girls can add some flashy heels to a conservative suit.
• For evening and dates, there is nothing more eye-catching than a confident woman in a bold-colored dress. Pair it with understated jewelry and silver or gold (match the jewelry) heels, so you don’t overdo the brightness.

Remember, with stand-out colors, there is such a thing as too much of the good. If your dress is bright, go with less jewelry and a small clutch. If your purse, shoes, and accessories are bold then you should pair them with a black or white dress.

Most of all, spring is about happy colors…so have fun with them!