Spring/Summer 2013 Trend Report: The Colours of Spring

When we lived in London, spring was heralded by flower blossoms that would set-off my sneezing fits, bursts of sunshine, shorter hemlines and the winding forward of the clocks to mark the end of daylight saving time. After nearly two years in Singapore, these indicators no longer apply. Other than it feeling a tad hotter than usual as I pound the roads on my runs; my hayfever has not kicked-in (surprising, seeing there is so much greenery here!), the sun is still unforgivingly intense and hemlines remain at a perennial ‘summer’s’ length. Truth be told, if it were not for the gentle promptings from the powers-that-be at Sassy Mama Singapore for a piece highlighting the changing of seasons, I would have missed the fact altogether!

According to Pantone, the world-renowned authority on colour, Spring 2013 is about balancing “between light and bright, classic and new”. Tender Shoots (a vibrant yellow-green), Grayed Jade (subtle green with a gray undertone), and my personal favourite, Emerald (incidentally also the colour of the YEAR!), all serve as the perfect backdrop for all the other hues of the season. Add Nectarine and Lemon Zest for effervescence; Dusk Blue and Linen for this season’s neutrals; Monaco Blue and African Violet for stability and depth; and Poppy Red for, well, POP! Before you can say, “Colour me a rainbow”, you have Spring 2013 colour trends all wrapped up! Not sure how to rock these colours? Let me guide you.

Option one: go ALL out. Yes, really. Just as wearing black is slimming, the same logic also applies when you wear colour to get your “longer leaner” look.

GET IT! : Try Vamastyle for bright, silk dresses that are perfect for our tropical climate, Zara for eye-catching shades, and Rachel Pally for easy, draped maxi dresses in a whole host of hues.

Sassy Mama tip: Don’t think FOREVER 21 is just for the young’uns. Check it out. You might be surprised by what you manage to pick up there!

Option two: Colour-block. Not for the faint hearted, it is also one you can have the most fun with. Build your look by starting with one item. Try choosing something from this season’s palette as mentioned above. Consult a universal colour wheel, and add pieces in the colour that are next to or directly across from the colour of the first item you started with. Tip: the darker the shade, the leaner you will appear in THAT area. Perfect your look by also colour-blocking your accessories but keep the connection clear by drawing on a colour of your existing ensemble. Remember: place colour where it flatters.

GET IT! : If you are like me and hate looking like everyone else, you’ll LOVE Hype and Ministry of Retail for picking up unique pieces in fun colours!

Option three: Especially for those among us who are more suspicious of too much colour least it transforms us into a psychedelic ball of confusion (guilty!), flash just a splash. Jazz up a neutral or black suit or dress with a tiny inkling of colour. It could be through your accessories (bag, scarf, shoes, jewelry) or makeup (mascara, lipstick, nail polish) — the choice is yours.

GET IT! : Sephora or SaSa for make-up, Manicurious for nails, H&M or Topshop for accessories

PS: Check out Far East Plaza for unique accessories that will bring out your inner style goddess!

That said, trends come and go and you need to be comfortable within your own skin. After all, if you stick with what you love long enough, sooner or later, your look will be ‘on trend’ again! Right? And yet, its always fun to adjust your chic ‘regulator’ now and again and give your wardrobe a fresh breath of life — you will never know how much fun you can have until you try. Enjoy!