After several months of short days, low temps, and gray skies, spring has a way of inspiring many of us to actively seek out a change of pace when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. Personally, this time of year always leaves me feeling generally less than excited about the neutrals I normally love, and instead, finds me reaching for colors that give energy in a bold and purposeful way.
While there’s nothing wrong with neutrals—who doesn’t love a good capsule wardrobe-approved classic piece?—the springtime combo of warmer weather, longer days, and increased UV exposure has a tendency to shake us from our wintertime hibernation mode and inspire us to push our personal style boundaries. This is particularly true when it comes to color—an attribute that largely shapes our outfitting choices throughout the season. Winter is all about textures, summer leans in on silhouettes, and spring? Spring finds its wings in color.
As spring 2024 collections and pieces hit runways and shelves, several color trends are breaking away from the pack. While some are on par with what you’d expect, some are definitely a shakeup from spring seasons past and the pastel association that all of us hold at least to some degree in our subconscious. You’re about to see these seven colors everywhere this spring.
Cadmium Red
It’s no secret that bright, bold red has been the color of our adoration for quite some time now. From shoes, accessories, and clothing, to lipstick both Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift would approve of, the color has been cropping up all over our daily outfits. This spring, bright maraschino red (also being described as cherry red or cardinal red) is holding strong. Hit the trend hard with a vibrant red top or pair of shorts or trousers. If the color is bolder than your usual styling preference, opt for a red hair bow or pair of shoes that will lend excitement to your outfit. Red sneakers, in particular, have become the coveted item of fashion girls everywhere.
Powder Blue
Since cracking open our new 2024 planners on January 1, powder blue has been a color front runner. Fresh and feminine, the hue has always been a particular favorite of mine—potentially influenced by my childhood love of “Cinderella” and that first exposure to a “perfect dress” moment. From light knits to romantic dresses to eye-catching footwear, don’t shy away from incorporating this color into every element of your outfit this spring.
Lilac
While lavender was the “it” color a couple of years ago, its lighter, tinted brethren lilac is now stepping forward. True to the pastel quality most of us associate with spring, the shade feels right on par with dressing for sun-filled days. Pair a lilac skirt or pair of trousers with a neutral top hanging in your closet for a simple, chic take on the trend.
Gray
If you’re a neutral-or-nothing girl, don’t panic; you don’t have to rock bright red or lilac to feel on-trend this season. While perhaps not instinctual, rocking gray during the spring months is a fairly simple dressing task to accomplish and is an incredibly chic way to approach spring outfitting. Those days the weather can’t make up its mind? Grab a lightweight gray cardigan or lady jacket to throw on over your favorite top. Headed into the office? A light gray blazer is professional and can be easily paired with brighter or more extravagant accessories.
Metallics
It probably won’t come as a surprise that metallics aren’t going anywhere any time soon—indeed, our love affair with shiny hues lives on. While silver is the current metallic of choice, gold is also fair game and can add a sense of warmth to your springtime ensembles. Metallic accessories and shoes instantly transform any outfit from boring to eye-catching, and both are an approachable means to trying your hand at the trend if you’re not quite ready to leave the house in a metallic midi skirt or pair of trousers.
Burgundy
Personally? This one took me off guard—and maybe you feel the same. This moody, classic shade has a history of feeling most appropriate in the fall and winter. But that’s not to say I’m not here for it. There’s something so irrefutably timeless and elegant about deep red hues. If you’re lost on how to incorporate the color into your daily looks, burgundy shoes are an especially sought-after wardrobe addition this spring. Grab a pair of burgundy boots, ballet flats, or sneakers and sandwich your outfit with a coordinating top.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow came on the scene as a must-have color this past fall and is—perhaps not surprisingly—making a notable reemergence following the recent winter months. As an incredibly soft, unobtrusive hue, you can embrace the trend by essentially treating it as another neutral in your arsenal. Butter yellow trousers pair well with a number of tops and shoes, and an everyday dress in this creamy hue might just be the sunny pick-me-up your wardrobe is asking for post-winter.
