Spring Color Finds: Bold, Happy…and Wearable

ROYGBIV RAINBOW.
Why is it a Find? If you think you are seeing a lot of red styles pop up this season, just wait until next season – red is very big for Fall. So, you know you will get plenty of wear out of this crimson red Theory blazer.
Wear it with: A whole red suit can be a bit much for many ladies, but this jacket is seriously chic with slim white pants (or any pale neutral) and a white top this season. And it adds just the right amount of polish over a basic white or grey t-shirt with jeans. Come fall, black pants and any style black top will create a mod color palette that is so very sophisticated.
Fit Tip: Made of a seasonless Italian wool, it has a touch of stretch for comfort and proper fit. Theory has a contemporary fit, and the cut of this jacket is just wonderful for ladies of most every shape. The single-button closure hits below the bust line, nipping in the waist and ensuring it won’t pull if you have a larger bust. It has a slight a-line shape in the hip area to accommodate the longer length that is seriously flattering. Go with your normal size, available in 00-12. If you are often between sizes, you may want to try sizing up.
Alternatives: A rich red can be just as work-ready in J. Crew’s more subtle red/white striped linen shirt. For a night out or any day of fun, Joie’s silk tank top has an easy shape and stylish peplum hem that we love.

Why is it a Find? Classic grass green pops against the white ground of this Anthropologie top in a timeless pattern. This is such a fun way to add color – reading fresh and vibrant, but not overpowering. With such a perfectly flattering silhouette, it’s a winning combination.
Wear it with: This pretty top is quite versatile. It can be worn casually with shorts or jeans of any shade. And it can be paired with white cropped pants or tan linen wideleg trousers, for a nicer outing, too. A tailored cardigan or loose, open one easily layers over it.
Fit Tip: In XXS-XL, and Petites, this is a typically modern, Anthropologie cut. The body is loose and has nice movement with armholes and neckline that accommodate a basic bra. Click through the ‘shop it’ button to see the back elastic inset detail – it allows the top to feel loose and airy, while giving it just a touch of required structure so it won’t dip too low or shift around too much…perfection.
Alternatives: This comes in an orange pattern through the ‘shop it’ button, too. Sticking with green, there is a shade– and style – for everyone this season. Anthropologie has an easy cotton short sleeve top with a loose body and cinched hem. Ann Taylor uses several bold tones - along with some neutrals – for a wonderful a-line, ¾-sleeve dress that will take you from desk to dinner with ease. DVF’s vibrant green silk wrap blouse can be worn with the wrap in the front or back, giving you two seriously stylish looks in one luxurious top. And Lauren Ralph Lauren even charmed us with this jardin green ruched full-length jersey dress - amazing for a springtime wedding.

Why is it a Find? The orange/white stripe of this MICHAEL Michael Kors maxi dress is a thick, bold ruby stripe. And, ladies, that is the kind of horizontal stripe that is actually very slimming. The stripe distracts the eye and isn’t too busy, in a pattern that runs all the way to ground to create a long, lean line.
Wear it with: With cute sneakers or your favorite sandals, this maxi dress is an easy way to look pulled together with no effort at all. Add a wedge or block-heeled sandal and short statement necklace to add a little pizzazz. And a denim jacket is the perfect finishing touch on a cooler day.
Fit Tip: Available in XS-XL, and Petites, this dress has an easy shape. The fabric is soft, with lovely drape, so its not meant to cling to your figure in your normal size. And we love the neckline and armholes – your regular bra is easily concealed.
Alternatives: This same stripe is also made in a short sleeve t-shirt dress that hits just at the knee - just as cute with sneakers or sandals. And both styles come in a classic navy/white stripe, too. You can also add a pop of orange to your work look with these MICHAEL Michael Kors suede pumps. Not only is the color gorgeous with any neutral, the rubber sole and 2 ¼” heel is seriously comfortable.

Why is it a Find? A linen shirt is so right once the warm weather hits. With a slight wrinkle to it, it’s just the right blend of casual and tailored that works with everything. This one from J. Crew is made of a wonderful cross-dyed Irish linen that blends primary blue with white to create a perfectly neutral shade.
Wear it with: This button down is a no-brainer with casual bottoms, like jeans or shorts, and is just as good-looking with a your favorite work pants or skirt. Because the blue color is cut with white (zoom in through the ‘shop it’ button to see what we mean), it wears almost like denim so you can pair it with colors and patterns, as easily as you can with neutrals. It adds a business casual feel when layered under a blazer that is just right in most any office environment.
Fit Tip: Cut in J. Crew’s typically modern fit, it is available in 000-16, Petite and Tall. Go with your normal size.
Alternatives: Through the ‘shop it’ button, you can also find this shirt in a fashionably vibrant yellow. Vince’s high-quality pima cotton swing tee not only comes in a gorgeous cobalt blue and several other vibrantly wonderful colors, it is cut in a slight a-line shape, adding an ease around the waist and hips – perfect for a lady’s figure. If you’re looking for a dress in this rich blue, Sundry’s striped cotton sleeveless one has a double-layered ruched skirt that is insanely flattering, expertly hiding any imperfections.

COTTON CANDY.
Why is it a Find? Oh boy, does J. Crew deliver with this lavender pink dress. Check out some of the reviews through the ‘shop it’ button to see what we mean. Made of a matelassé fabric that has a touch of stretch, the texture – combined with the fact that it’s fully lined – ensures a smooth appearance that will make you confident to stand in front of any roomful of people.
Wear it with: For the office, pair this dress with simple nude heels or ballet flats. For a little fun, go with a metallic like silver or rose gold.
Fit Tip: In J. Crew’s typically modern fit, it is available in 000-16, Petite and Tall. Go with your normal size.
Alternatives: This dress is also available in a gorgeously bold blue and timeless black through the ‘shop it’ button. J.Crew also made a lavender tweed dress that has a layered look, perfectly balancing a curvier bottom. Vince uses a rich shade of lavender in a timeless silk blouse that is chic with or without a blazer. If you just want to add a little pop of this pretty color, do it in this fun clutch or small crossbody handbag.

Why is it a Find? We are always on the lookout for tees and tanks that have more interesting shapes. And this one from Anthropologie delivers in spades. Not only is the soft sky blue color perfect for most every skin tone, the shape is an ideally flattering alternative to basic tees that can cling in the wrong places.
Wear it with: Many peplum styles are shorter in length, and this longer silhouette is what makes it such a great Find. It not only effortlessly conceals the hip and behind area, but the longer shape and super soft cotton fabric ensure it doesn’t flounce out too much – as can be the case for shorter peplums in more structured fabrics. That makes it easy to wear with anything from skinny jeans to loose cotton pants, shorts to casual skirts.
Fit Tip: The swingy shape is not only modern in fit, but perfectly concealing and just as comfortable as any favorite tee or tank top. In XXS-XL, go with your normal size.
Alternatives: In an additional pastel and a couple neutrals through the ‘shop it’ button, you may want to stock up on this one. Everlane also uses this same minty color in a relaxed silk shirt that can be dressed up for work and is beautiful for a night out, too. Soft blue is also the perfect color for J.Crew’s cropped pants and Ann Taylor’s open lightweight cashmere sweater – both fabrics pick-up the color wonderfully and make them just right for the season.

Why is it a Find? The floral design on these amazing shorts from Level 99 speaks for itself. And if this cheerful pattern and color combination doesn’t win you over, the comfortable fit and soft drapey fabric certainly will.
Wear it with: As you can see from this image, these shorts look great paired with a top that plays up one of the floral colors – like this berry colored sweatshirt. A chambray button down is another great option, though you certainly can’t go wrong with a neutrally colored tee or tank. Sneakers or sandals complete your look.
Fit Tip: We’ve long been fans of Level 99’s jeans and these shorts deliver with another great fit. While a contemporary brand, these shorts are cut a bit on the easier side. So if you are often between sizes, you can size down.
Alternatives: J. Crew’s solid chino shorts are made in a similar length and fit, using a stretch cotton that picks up color beautifully – and J. Crew covered most every color you could ask for.

Why is it a Find? BOSS Hugo Boss’ tailored cardigan is a feminine replacement to a blazer that is just right for the warmer months. (Note: We are showing you a picture from Saks Fifth Avenue, which better highlights the texture and true color, but we’re sending you to Nordstrom through the ‘shop it’ button. Go with the retailer you like best.)
Wear it with: The clean lines and subtle peplum make this a suitable option for layering over a sheath dress, like the coordinating one shown, or with a simple shell and trousers. As you’ll see through the ‘shop it’ button, it still maintains its polished look when worn open. The soft shade of orange is especially pretty with pale grey, beige, and navy, too.
Fit Tip: In XS-XL, BOSS Hugo Boss has a modern fit. In your normal size, it is cut to skim your body and highlight your waist.
Alternatives: Vince is loving mid-tone orange for Spring, too, and these twill cropped pants and ribbed sleeveless cotton sweater are a couple of our favorites.

EVERY PINK.
Why is it a Find? Lace is all the rage this season. And in a timeless silhouette like this one, with just a hint of pink, this Tahari sheath dress becomes an instant classic.
Wear it with: Fully lined, you can wear nude undergarments without anything showing through. Your footwear and accessories will really dictate how dressy you make it. With strappy metallic heels and some long earrings, and a clutch, you are set for a wedding or dressier evening event. Alternatively, pair this dress with simple flat sandals, a chunky bracelet, and small crossbody bag and you are ready for an upscale brunch or baby shower.
Fit Tip: Tahari has a modern fit – not too trim, skimming your silhouette without too much cling. In sizes 2-16, if you are between sizes, you may want to size down. It is also available in Petites, which ensures you won’t have to mess with altering the lovely lace hem.
Alternatives: Rebecca Taylor’s grapefruit pink sleeveless dress has a wonderful cut, highlighting the waist in a mid-weight fabric that has just the right amount of stretch. Just like the featured dress, it has a lot of end uses, and can even be worn in a more creative work environment.

Why is it a Find? Shoulder-baring style continues to look fresh and this Frank and Sibel sweater interprets the trend in a really wearable, lightweight sweater.
Wear it with: The relaxed cut of this sweater is just right with any of your skinny jeans or straight-cut cotton pants, including cropped ones. It is casual enough for any weekend day, but absolutely has enough style for a casual outing or even a casual Friday at the office with a pair of tailored pants and flats.
Fit Tip: Not only is the color just so pretty, the single shoulder cut-out makes it easy to wear a regular bra with it. The asymmetrical drape that gives the body a loose and relaxed fit is the perfect balance to the shoulder detail so it doesn’t look too oversized…just seriously chic and effortless. In XS-L, go with your normal size.
Alternatives: Joie’s deep pink silk blouse has lovely pleated details at the cuff and hem for a relaxed and lovely fit that can be worn with any pants, dressy or casual. And, yes, pink even looks smart in J. Crew’s single-button linen blazer- with white mixed in to the fabric, the textured look mutes the pink to perfection.

Why is it a Find? J. Crew has a way with color. This skirt has a bit of a playful twist with its pink tweed fabric, while keeping a professional air in a pencil silhouette. The result is just the update that will make going to work a lot more fun.
Wear it with: When you click through the ‘shop it’ button, you can zoom in on the tweed fabric to see that the vibrant pink is blended with several colors so it’s cheery without being loud. We love it with a chambray or white linen button down and nude pumps. It also works with a simple cotton sweater or basic tee and cardigan in a soft neutral, crisp navy, or even pale yellow.
Fit Tip: Cut in J. Crew’s typically modern fit, go with your normal size, available in 000-16. Luckily, this skirt also comes in Petites and Talls so no one will have to do length alterations that may impact the stylish raw finish.
Alternatives: Banana Republic’s a-line button front skirt is a dusty shade of pink and mid-calf length for an alternative that can be worn casually with sandals, too.

Why is it a Find? Truth be told, we couldn’t deny the resemblance of these Sam Edelman loafers to the Gucci ones that we’ve been eying. And for a fun trend like this, we won’t tell if you want to save a few dollars.
Wear it with: Well, we want to wear these loafers with everything this season. They are great to freshen up your basic black, white and grey office neutrals and add an amazingly chic finish to any pair of jeans – even a broken-in relaxed style. They also work with a simple pencil skirt. So like we said, work them in everywhere you can.
Fit Tip: They fit true to size.
Alternatives: They also come in a dusty pale blue through the ‘shop it’ button. Zappos also carries both colors, as well as a black leather version, but note that the pink image there is darker than the color really is. The image we’re showing you here, from Shopbop, is more accurate. H by Hudson did a similar style in an equally lovely soft pink leather. When you need something for a little more fun, Sam Edelman’s block heel hot pink suede sandals will have you ready for dancing.

UNBIASED NEUTRALS.
Why is it a Find? Nic + Zoe continues to delight with this wonderful white blazer. While denim is often thought to be casual, here it is crisp and polished looking – yet it has stretch for ultimate comfort. The exposed seams give it a special finish, while remaining tailored and ready for most any setting.
Wear it with: Just like your favorite black blazer, this white one will go with most anything in your warm weather wardrobe - pastels, bold colors, other neutrals, and makes a lovely monochromatic all-white look. The denim material is smooth and not overly casual, so it works with most any fabrics from cottons and linens to denim and chambray. Blouses in any fabric, including silk, look great layered underneath.
Fit Tip: Nic + Zoe has been a favorite of ours for years, thanks to its modern fit that works on most every lady. In sizes XS –XL, and Petites too, go with your normal size for a fit that is just right. The single button closure hits below the bust line, so it will lay smoothly when closed even if you have a larger bust.
Alternatives: If your size is already sold out at Nordstrom through the ‘shop it’ button, Zappos may still have some left. For a contemporary fit, Theory’s ivory tweed blazer is absolute perfection, for the office or to add a sophisticated finish to jeans and a tee.

Why is it a Find? A sweatshirt with all the feminine style details of an upscale blouse? All we can say is, “Yes, please.” It’s not often you find a heathered grey terry material cut to such a ladylike finish – thanks, Anthropologie. This one’s a winner.
Wear it with: Slim pants, your favorite jeans, even shorts look great with this top. And the neckline looks just as good with a statement necklace or colorful scarf as it does on its own, showing off your collarbone.
Fit Tip: In XS-XL, this top is cut in a modern fit, as is typical of Anthropologie’s assortment. The v-neckline and scoop back don’t dip too low, and the nipped in waist is perfectly unexpected in a casual top like this.
Alternatives: For a darker grey, Michael Stars has a short sleeve option, with a knotted detail at the waist that makes a basic tee anything but basic. Pam & Gela’s heather grey t-shirt dress is bloused and ruched in all the right places for a great weekend piece, too.

Why is it a Find? A lightweight LBD (Little Black Dress) with waist detail is a warm weather essential, just as much as it is an essential for wintertime. The soft jersey fabric of this from Three Dots make it truly versatile, ready for a casual day or lovely dinner in no time.
Wear it with: Flat sandals, strappy heels, or stylish wedges all work with this dress. And the neckline looks great with any type of necklace. You can also change out the simple fabric waist tie with a leather belt – slim or wide – to really show off your waist.
Fit Tip: One of our favorite details about this well-made dress is that the wrap styling is faux, so you’ll never need to worry about this dress accidentally slipping open. And it also makes it easy to shorten if you are petite, since it’s not open at the bottom. Three Dots has a modern fit, so go with your normal size, available in XS-L.
Alternatives: It’s also available in navy on Three Dots own website – also with free shipping. A couple other easy LBD’s have won our vote: Velvet’s short-sleeve t-shirt option is just right for casual Fridays and dinners and, Theory’s tie front sleeveless cotton dress is a longer length that still flatters a lady of every height.

Why is it a Find? Stripes are a great way to give a springtime neutral just the right touch of sartorial interest. Ann Taylor’s navy and white color combination creates a crisp appearance in a vertical stripe that will give anyone slimming confidence.
Wear it with: A solid neutral or pop of color pair beautifully with these pants. And any top style works – a tailored sweater, a tunic, a blouse, or button down and blazer. The length is meant to hit just around the ankle, perfect for the season to pair with loafers, ballet flats, pumps, or cute sneakers.
Fit Tip: Ann Taylor’s fit is generally modern and not too trim. These pants are cut in their Devin fit. While still definitely modern, they have a slightly lower rise that hits a bit below the waist (it’s not a low rise, though) and is cut with a somewhat slimmer leg. The result is updated and sleek without being skinny. Go with your normal size. In 00-18, Petites and Talls, there is a size for everyone.
Alternatives: Striped neutrals easily incorporate into any wardrobe. Besides these pants, RAILS linen blue/white striped shirt, Splendid’s casual lightweight tan/white striped easy-fitting sweater, Everlane’s work-ready relaxed black/ivory silk collarless shirt, or Vince’s olive/black striped sleeveless Italian cotton sweater are all absolute winners.