Do Pastels Make You Feel Pasty? – Enjoy Spring’s Nontraditional Palette
April 22, 2015
By Brian Maynor
When you think of spring, you can’t help but think of pastel shades, garden parties, and chamber music. The correlation is ubiquitous, but not everyone embraces soft shades no matter how much stress they reduce.
So what are your alternatives? If you are not a fan of pastels or they make your complexion look sallow or dull here are a few options for your spring wardrobe that may be nontraditional but are nonetheless energizing and crisp:
1. Military Green. With Grass and Lucite green taking center stage this season the darker shades tend to be pushed aside, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In a range of shades from tinted khaki to wet moss you are bound to find one that’s perfect for your palette. As a bonus, these colors are some of the most transitional, easily going from day to night, yet they are consistently chic.
2. Lemon Yellow. Typically regulated to a pop in the color palette, saturated bright yellows are having their moment this season. From solid dresses to entire outfits, this yellow is anything but mellow. Though be warned, this color makes a loud statement and if you want to pull it off you have to commit to unshakeable confidence.
3. Candy-Apple Red. Another typically fall color, candy-apple red gets a spring makeover this season. The shade is rich and bright with a more substantial presence when surrounded by muted or lighter colors. Considered a ‘true red’ for its balanced orange and blue undertones, this shade complements a range of complexions.
4. Metallic Gold. This may be a holiday classic, but it is reborn for spring as the perfect complement to a richer palette. The warm and reflecting nature also adds drama and elegance to any outfit. If gold shorts aren’t your cup of tea you can always grab one of the season’s hottest trends, a gold bag.
5. Dark Teal. A darker, moodier shade of blue, deep teal is a nice alternative to powder blue. As part of the turquoise family, the color is entrenched in the spring palette though it is often underutilized. Whether you choose leather or linen dark teal works well as a stand-alone color or a complementary one.
You can never go wrong with light, airy shades for spring, but they are not the only options out there. Darker, lush hues, shades and tones can hold their own and offer a nice contrast to a softer palette.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of thesestoryboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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