The new season arrives at 7:02am Wednesday, according to science. But retailers have been celebrating spring for weeks.
Philadelphia fashion expert Nicole Cashman says the year's trends for both men and women are exciting.
Casual looks will feature bursts of bright color...maybe even competing bursts. So women shouldn't be afraid to pair a brilliant orange blouse with bold blue and yellow accessories.
Trends for men are a bit less dramatic but still colorful. There's some element of retro, and showing support for a local team is in fashion. So a zip-up Phillies top might be a good choice.
The Pantone Institute...the world's color authority...has declared Monaco Blue the color of the year. This shade sets off an intense contrasting pattern, but beware too much of a good thing.
You can temper the impact of an intense top with neutral pants, and vice versa. Colors for men are new this year...as new as you dare.
The blues for men are closer to traditional, but might show up in a check-pattern shirt. Bow ties are almost essential. And, if you dare, pastel pink slacks.
If there's a must-have shoe for everyone, it's a loafer, preferably worn without socks.
Dressier attire for women continues the high-contrast look we saw last fall. Black and white will be well-received. But offset that with coordinated accessories.
Choose jewelry all in one metal tone. This can follow through on accent pieces like a "statement" handbag. And neither men nor women can forget a wristwatch.
A fine timepiece is an investment that will last for years. But you could also create yourself a wardrobe" of watches to match individual outfits at affordable prices. It;s up to you.
For men, the two-button suit predominates. You can't go wrong with a traditional dark blue. But in a break from longtime rules, it's o-k to wear brown shoes with that.
Women's shoes are classic. Patent leather works for dressy occasions, and heels will be a moderate 3 1/2 inches.
You won't go wrong with a pointy closed-toe design for evening, but open-toe and platform styles will work earlier in the day.
Here's a complete lost of everything displayed in our story, including where to buy:
Women's Spring Fashions:
Casual Look: Pops of Color and Accessories
Accessories are the easiest way to spruce up any boring outfit - and this spring is all about color! Base a casual outfit around this theme by pairing skinny jeans from Denim Habit with a bright color top and even brighter bag, such as this one we pick up from Vi Vi G Shoes. Neons in general are super on trend for spring and summer 2013, as is a good statement bag. Pair this look perfectly with a heavy statement necklace.
The Look:
Clothing: Denim Habit, Gap
Shoes and Accessories, Vi Vi G Shoes, C Wonder
• Gap, Boot Cut Jeans, $49.99
* Vi Vi G. Shoes, Gold and Tortoise Shell Necklace, $105.00
* Equipment, Solid Blouse, $208.00
* Tory Burch, Chelsea Ballet Soft Pink, $178.00
* C Wonder, Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, $68.00
* C Wonder, Bow Tassel Leather Driving Moccasins, $98.00
Day to Night: Monaco Blue and Floral Prints
Spring fashion runways have been full of eye-catching African and floral inspired prints. Plus, this season, the Pantone Institute predicted Monaco Blue is a top color for 2013. So naturally, we choose these printed blue pants from Aso Damisi that incorporate yet another spring trend-slouchy and chic. Pair bold pants like these with a simple white top for the perfect printed spring outfit! Add a few classic silver and blue bangles from Bernie Robbins to tie the look together.
The Look:Clothing, Aso Damisi, Macys
Shoes, Vi Vi G Shoes
Accessories, Bernie Robbins Jewelers, Vi Vi G Shoes
• Calvin Klein, White Blouse, $59
* Aso Damisi, Floral Print Pant, $230
* Silver Ippolita with blue and white mother of pearl bangles, earrings, and ring, $295-$1095
* Stuart Weizman, Sabbia Aniline Taupe Heels, $375
* Tory Burch, Large Navy Square Sunglasses, $175.00
Formal: Black & White Contrast
Spring typically calls to mind Easter-egg colors and floral prints, but this season, designers have put an emphasis on bold black-and-white color blocking. Pair this modern look with a sexy pointy heel, that according to Glamour Magazine are back and here to stay. Add a statement bag like this one to achieve another hot spring trend, beading.
The Look:
Clothing, Pileggi Boutique
Shoes, Macys
Accessories, Vi Vi G. Shoes, C Wonder
* Joseph Ribkoff Vanilla and Black Dress, $198
* Anne Klein Black Pumps, $68.00
* Deepa Gurnani Beaded Clutch, $410
* C Wonder, Silver Hoops, $38
Men's Spring Fashions:
Casual Look: Classy Sportswear
Guys are loving this first spring 2013 trend that we have on Charles-the sporty look. The goal is to achieve this relaxed, athletic look without looking like you're hopping on the subway to Citizens Bank Park. Try incorporating a classic, comfortable tee with an unexpected pop of style like this 611 tee with a fun, patterned pocket-achieving a pattern blocking trend that is huge right now. A classic Mitchell & Ness nostalgic throw-back hoodie creates a vintage look and relaxed boot cut jeans pair perfectly with the shoe of the season (according to our friends at GQ)-loafers! This is the shoe of the moment because you can wear them with a classic casual look like this one, as well as in the work place. BTW, did we mention that the sockless look is IN!
The Look:
Clothing, 611, Metro Men's Clothing, Mitchell & Ness
Shoes, Macy's
* 611 pattered pocket tee, $48
* Scotch & Soda boot cut jeans, $145
* Mitchell & Ness throwback hoodie, $90
* Alfani loafers, $60
Day to Night: Put Together Pastels
The color palette for men's fashion this season is a bit lighter and more playful. Washed out colors and pastel shades like these cotton stretch pink golf pants are all over the high street right now. Execute this Hugo Boss look by getting playful with your colors and patterns like pairing these pastel pants with a pink and blue plaid shirt, layered with a light cotton blazer (another hot item according to GQ) which is perfect for daytime to evening transition. And of
course we top off the look with a bow tie-yet another accessory that is not going anywhere!The Look:
Clothing, Hugo Boss
Shoes, Hugo Boss
Timepiece, Bernie Robbins Jewelers
* Grey jersey sport coat, $645
* Pink and blue plaid shirt, $175
* Cotton stretch pink golf pants, $175
* Blue with white polka dot bow tie, $60
* Paisley pink and blue hankie, $30
* Grey leather belt, $115
* Silver metallic sneakers, $225
* Rolex, explorer II watch, $8,100
Formal: Classy Color Contrast
The uber-classic Savile Row-style three-piece came charging back this year, with an even trimmer cut and proving that even the most traditional menswear can look just as modern as any of the hottest new trends. Two button suits remain in this season (remember, gentlemen, always the top button-only!) and have fun with contrasting patterns while remaining in the same color group, as seen with this blue and purple gingham dress shirt, patterned tie and polka dot pocket square (pocket squares remain a big accessory trend as well!). Also, spring 2013 encourages men to have fun with jewelry. Maybe you're ready for a new timepiece like this Baum & Mercier watch from Bernie Robbins Jewelers or explore cuff links.
The Look:
Clothing, Hugo Boss
Shoes, Hugo Boss
Timepiece, Bernie Robbins Jewelers
* Navy three-piece suit with silver threading, $1,245
* Royal blue gingham dress shirt, $175
* Blue and purple diamond pattern tie, $120
* Purple and white polka dot pocket square, $40
* Brown wing tip shoes, $395
* Rolex, explorer II watch, $8,100
* Baum & Mercier Geneve watch, $3,450
Fashions Available At:
Macy's
Aso Damisi Fashions available at exclusive retailers from here to Florida
Hugo Boss - King of Prussia, Cherry Hill Mall, Atlantic City or online
Bernie Robbins Jewelers -Somers Point and Marlton, N.J.; St. Davids and Newtown, Pa. Or online
611 Lifestyle - st licensed retails and online
Mitchell and Ness Sports Apparel - online and at licensed retailers
Metro Men's Clothing - 1615 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, and online
Pileggi Boutique - 715 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, and online
ViVi G. Shoes - Glen Mills and Wayne, Pa., and online
Denim Habit - Suburban Square-Ardmore, Pa. And Sagemore at Marlton, N.J., or online
