Living in style: spring trends

Bold colors, patterns and statement heels are must haves for this season. Style for Hire's Lisa Tumbarello talks to WTOP about this spring's top looks. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Style for Hire's Lisa Tumbarello searches for this season's hottest trends at Second Time Around. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
This outfit has it all... print, texture and color! Have fun with your clothes and experiment. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
The hottest colors for spring include Emerald Green and Monaco Blue. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Cap toes on heels and flats are a big trend for the season. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
You can incorporate two of spring's biggest trends into a work-appropriate outfit. A bold print plus a hint of leather are ready to take you from the office to happy hour. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Bold floral prints will wake up your senses this spring. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
A wrap dress is a universally flattering silhouette. Kick-up this basic shape by wearing a print and accessorizing with bold colors. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
A pair of statement heels (or flats) will add pizzazz to any basic outfit. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Nectarine and African violet are hot colors for the season. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
A quick lesson in mixing prints: pick out the least dominant color in the bold print (skirt) and use that color as the base for your second print (sweater). Don't be afraid to mix your floral prints with stripes or polka dots! (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Stripes have been around for several seasons. Why not try them in a different color this year or in a dress instead of a T-Shirt? (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Statement heels are a great way to add a pop of whimsy to your spring style. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Shake up your pant wardrobe this spring and step outside the box with a printed pair. (WTOP/Alex Beall)
Change up your jewelry routine by stacking bangles or mix and match a few different styles from your jewelry box. The more the merrier! (WTOP/Alex Beall)
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Alex Beall and Paula Wolfson, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The frost is gone, the temperature is rising and the flowers are in full bloom. This means it’s time for the new spring styles. And this year’s fashions are brighter, bolder and bigger.

Style for Hire‘s Lisa Tumbarello says this season’s styles will wake you up from the winter blues and soar you in to spring.

“Everybody is wanting to break out of the blues and the grays and the blacks. And spring is definitely the perfect time to do that,” she says. “Brighten your mood, brighten your whole wardrobe, your whole day.”

Lisa took WTOP shopping at Second Time Around consignment shop in Georgetown for Living in Style’s Spring 2013 trends edition.

Check out the photo gallery for how to spice up your wardrobe this season.

Color, color, color and… color!

Did we mention color? Go with saturated jewel tones instead of your powder puff pastels this spring. The hottest colors are emerald green, cobalt or Monaco blue, nectarine, African violet and bright poppy red. Your wardrobe doesn’t have to reflect color head-to-toe.

If it doesn’t work with your skin tone, just take it away from your face. Try a pencil skirt, statement heel or clutch bag to tone it down. You can also try a lighter or darker hue.

Go bold with prints.

Bold florals, mirror prints and graphic or geometric patterns all work. However, unless you’re donning a dress, limit it to one piece, such as a pant or blouse. If you’re skeptical about a big pattern, look for a gradiated one.

Try those evergreen stripes with a twist.

Trade in your navy and white stripes for colored ones in corals or greens. Go for big, bold and wide stripes or gradiated stripes. These accent your waist for an hour glass effect.

Suit up for work.

Get a saturated suit, break-up the pieces and mix and match them with printed or patterned tops. You can wear the jacket with jeans for a casual Friday or the skirt or pants with a blouse for a weekend brunch.

Step out with a statement.

Choose bold shoes to match the bold styles. Look for statement heels you can wear with a neutral outfit, and make the shoe the star. We’re talking glitter, prints, stacked heels and toe caps. But it doesn’t have to be a heel or stiletto. A bold flat can have the same effect.

Get edgy and funky with leather.

Mix your outfits up with small leather details, such as a leather band around the waist, cuffs, sleeves or elbow patches.

Don’t forget to accessorize.

While statement necklaces are still big, stacked bangles are hot this spring. Mix and match different styles and bracelets or just grab a couple that all have gold details.

Editor’s Note: Living in Style is a regular WTOP Living feature with Style for Hire’s Lisa Tumbarello, who shares style tips, clothing bargains and fashion do’s and don’ts.

Follow @WTOPLiving on Twitter.

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