We may be entering the coldest months of the year, but in the fashion world, it’s officially spring. Seeing the first spring deliveries trickle into our favorite retailers can be a bit overwhelming, so, I’m breaking down some of the top spring styles and trends.

The Color
Even before Pantone’s announcement that the color for 2012 will be “Tango Tangerine”, spring runways showcased an array of orange tones. While not the easiest color to wear, anyone can incorporate the bold hue with the addition of a smaller item like a clutch,  a bracelet or wedges. Here we see a short suit at the General Idea show and an orange sporty blazer paired with a mesh sweater and blue trousers at uber-cool Rag & Bone.

 

 

The Silhouette
This was a tie! Both the peplum and the dropwaist are huge silhouette trends this season. A peplum is a short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a jacket, dress or blouse. The look is retro, but appears equally modern. Paying homage to the twenties flapper girl, drop waists are giving a fresh feel to dresses – both casual and formal. Below are examples from BCBG Max Azria, Jill Stuart, Porter Grey and Betsey Johnson.

 

 

 

The Print
Prints are definitely decorating garments of all kinds in spring, but it’s the abstract print that is making the biggest splash. While compositions vary, they are typically bright and engaging, featuring a range of colors and shapes. Here is a cutout maxi dress from Katya Leonovich and a vibrant jumper from Nicole Miller, for example.

 

The Pant
Over the past few seasons we’ve seen everything from harem pants to flare-leg trousers to skinny jeans. Well, this season is all about the bermuda short. The knee-skimming shorts embrace a sporty sensibility, with a certain Nantucket nostalgia. While the look works for both guys and gals, ladies tread carefully as it’s not the most flattering pant we’ve ever seen. Perry Ellis showed a plaid iteration, while Nicole Miller paired a stripe one with a matching blazer.

                   

 

 

 

*All images courtesy of Getty Images