Summer invariably brings some brightness into the fashion picture and the spring/summer season 2008 has some really fun colors to chase the dull weather and economic doldrums away.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, one of America’s leading color consultants and ‘fashion arbiters,’ the spring/summer fashion collections shown internationally have some vibrant tones guaranteed to lift every mood.

Included is a lively blue, a refreshing alternative to navy, while the sunniest possible yellow sparkles

with vitality. A yellow green, the color of a lime, brings a splash of citrus, while a delicate melon tone adds a special deliciousness. A brilliant tango red instills a scintillating energy and a pinkish-purple color, like a typical bright spring flower, injects some magic into the mix.

“While it is fun and inspiring to look at the trend colors,” Leatrice states, “the ultimate challenge for most people is creating combinations for a ‘real-life’ wardrobe.”

She offers some interesting solutions: “We all know how the denim blues work with every other color. Another alternative hue is a shade of blue that looks like the sky on a gorgeous summer day that is a backdrop to every hue that appears in nature. Think of any color of flowers – from cheerful daisies to pink roses or exotic purple orchids against the beautiful blue of the sky – would we ever say Mother Nature made a mistake in combining her colors?!”

Sky Blue blends beautifully with cool tones and adds a balancing touch to warmer combinations, especially in the warmth of summer. You can’t help but create beautiful combinations using nature as the inspiration.

Variations of green, from the deep forest shades to pale khaki, also make a wonderful background to many other colors, just as they do in natural

surroundings.

The deepest black or midnight blues as well as earthy browns also contribute to the shades that Leatrice refers to in her new book, ‘More Alive With Color,‘ as the Crossover colors. These are the hues that become the background shades in the wardrobe and are fashion classics.
She also explains how so many neutrals that are found frequently in nature will blend and harmonize with so many other colors. “Think of the comforting shades of warm sand; imagine the quiet grays of stone and pebbles. But the Crossover colors are not all neutral or dark. Think of   Mother Nature as sheuses vibrant reds as accents in berries and flowers or ripe fruit; or the warming touch of sunshine yellow to make your day brighter.”

Spring/Summer 08 includes neutrals like toasty tans and silver grays. But again, as Leatrice advises: “In this season of renewal, punch up those dependable basics with the vibrant bright tones to bring a sense of vitality to you and your wardrobe.”

 

By Leatrice Eiseman / Fashionclick