Every new season brings with it the promise of a wardrobe overhaul, and spring in particular has the ability to whip us into a frenzy. First, we Marie Kondo ‘d (yep, she’s a verb now). Into storage went the oversized sweaters, Carhartt beanies, and turtlenecks that kept us warm all winter as we scurried into the office, sun barely risen, our bodies hunched against the cold. Now that it’s all been cleared out though, our closets are kinda empty, save jeans, our workout clothes, black leggings, and… um, more jeans.
As always, we’re confronted with some serious wardrobe holes. Where to begin in filling them? The first place we look for inspiration is the le catwalk, where outfits inhabit a fantasyland free of subways, inclement weather, and budget limitations of any kind. While there was quite a bit of actual violet, there were no shrinking violets — the Spring collections were practically aflame with joyful hues. Gone are the camels and pine greens of the colder months; persimmon, citron, and lavender have sprung up, tulip-like, in their stead.
It’s tempting to stock up on basic tees and tanks, but nothing will put a spring in your step faster than a bright new hue, especially one that you haven’t experimented with before. Some of the colors here are classic warm-weather shades, some are more unexpected — but we promise there’s something for everyone. Click on through to see our favorite colors for the new seasons, along with the best shopping picks we could find.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Persimmon
The jury is just a hair out on the proper name for this color — as a part-orange, part-red, part-pink shade, it’s a little hard to define. Coral? Vermillion? Tangelo? Regardless of nomenclature, it’s a can’t-miss shade that makes pretty much everyone look sun-kissed and happy, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing it all over the New Arrivals section this spring.
Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Victor VIRGILE/GammaRapho/Getty Images.
Navy
Cast off any misconception of navy as fusty or old-fashioned — this an unexpected choice of neutral that will anchor your outfits all spring and summer long. Don’t think of it as navy; think of it as "warm-weather black," and adjust all lewks accordingly.
Jacquemus Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Imaxtree.
Hot Pink
We still can’t get over the parade of pink dresses on the Oscars red carpet last month — and it seems like all of our favorite designers are on the same page. These searing, in-your-face shades of pink have not been seen in the wild since our moms were rocking big hair in their aerobics classes.
Rodarte Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Firstview.
Citron
It seems like every color of the rainbow has been following millennial pink’s example and de-saturating. The newest and shyest contender is pale yellow, a shade with an unmistakably spring connotation.
Rachel Comey Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Comey.
Teal
Bored by burgundy? Over ochre? Exhausted with emerald? If you’re in the market for a new jewel tone that will liven up your wardrobe without overwhelming it, we suggest teal. This oceanic hue will surprise you with its flexibility.
Givenchy Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Victor VIRGILE/GammaRapho/Getty Images.
Neon Green
We previously tipped you off to neon green, a color that we watched spread, slime-like, through the streets, the runways and the feed throughout most of last year. It’s not exactly a new trend, but it’s certainly not peaking either — there’s still plenty of fresh new options in all of the spring collections.
Marine Serre Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Victor VIRGILE/GammaRapho/Getty Images.
Lavender
Don’t let this Easter-y color fool you: it’s one of spring’s breakout colors. Surprise yourself by pairing it with military drabs and khakis.
Collina Strada Spring/Summer ’19
Photo: Courtesy of Imaxtree.
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane