Spring has officially sprung! It may not feel like it quite yet, but according to the calendar it’s here. That means buds blooming, birds chirping, grasses greening and daylight lengthening. That also means it’s time for a 2013 spring trend update on the fashion front.

Welcome to the Block Party! Spring’s bold designs and high-contrast hues redefine the color-blocking trend. Take your look from basic to brilliant with a vibrantly patterned top or bright-tonal dress.

Color Blocking – What exactly is color blocking? ”It’s strategically pairing contrasting bold colors which complement each other, and together, they create a unique look,” says Paula Shapiro, stylist with The StyleDuo. Color blocking works with clothes already in your closet. Create looks using separate, contrasting pieces, such as a navy pencil skirt and citron blouse. Mixing dynamic colors with nudes and neutrals creates an attention-grabbing balance. Of course if you are looking to add some new pieces to your wardrobe, creative color block outfits abound in the marketplace today. Color block dresses below are from Karen Kane’s collection at Belk.

     

 

And, the trend also works at work. Try a cardigan over a color blocked dress or a bright-colored blazer with gray pants for an office-appropriate look. You can also color block with accessories by pairing a contrasting handbag or color blocked pumps.

                        

Color Pop of Prints –Embrace this look with rule-breaking brights. Dress up your favorite tees with colorful jewels in hues of coral, rose and fuchsia. Artsy, geometric patterns and polka dots rule. Get ready for a firework display of styles!

(bevello.com)

 

Black & White – Yes, classic black and white is back! Stripes and piping are fashion’s latest take on black and white. Get striped and piped with the looks below.

              

 

Emerald Green – Meet this year’s standout hue. Pantone’s “color of the year” was everywhere on the runways. Get a pop of this bold jewel tone and pair it with black, white or even blue. Or wear this sophisticated color underneath accessories in a different hue of green.

(Stelladot.com)                              (bosschicfiles.com)

 

Florals – Accessories can instantly bring the floral trend to your wardrobe. I’ve recently spotted some amazing necklace, bracelet, earring combos at Southpoint’s Coldwater Creek and Chapel Hill’s Steinmart. Or try a floral print shirt. Layer now, lighten up later, then watch your wardrobe bloom!

        

(etsy.com)                   (unruly-things.com)   

   

Tribal Chic – Paris fell in love with the desert sunset look of the Southwest. Pair a tribal necklace with a plain t-shirt or an exotic pattern for a dramatically chic look. Check out tribal looks in skirts, tops and dresses at bevello on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street.

 

Stripes – Every season there is a certain print that grabs the attention of many fashion fanatics, critics, and enthusiasts. Whether it’s a new take on floral, plaid or leopard, designers always feature graphic prints within collections. During New York Fashion Week, the print that was spotted the most was stripes. For spring/summer 2013 stripes are back…big and bold. Consider stripes your statement piece. Stripes command attention, especially in bold colors or broad widths. The bold stripe trend is very easy to wear. Fashionistas can even go as far as wearing two different colors at one time. For example, pair a green striped shirt with a red striped bottom or go the nautical route by pairing red and navy. Too much? Going subtle on the other pieces you wear with stripes might be more your style. If the boldness of stripes can’t be displayed in clothing, it can always shine in accessories! A striped canvas tote, striped flats or a gauzy scarf in a striped pattern can be the perfect way to pick up the trend without going all-in.

          

 

“The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” — Coco Chanel