Dress the Rainbow: Blue

[Sorry, this post was inadvertently posted early. Please ignore and I will repost in the correct rainbow color order. My apologies to Roy G. Biv!]

Continuing to work my way through the rainbow for spring dressing, and we've come to beautiful blue! Although we often associate pastel colors with spring, vivid shades of cobalt and even teal or peacock blue work great in your spring wardrobe. 

Lightweight sweaters are great for spring, like this I.N.C. International Concepts surplice wrap sweater ($48 at Macy's) in dreamy aqua. With a deep v-neck, tapered sleeves, and an above-the-waist wrap tie, this top creates flattering, slimming lines. The hem falls just above mid-hip, which looks best with slim pants or a straight or flared skirt rather than fuller pants or skirts with volume at the hip. 

Solid basics are great to add to your wardrobe, but prints and patterns are important too! Add some fun stripes with this Liz Claiborne sleeveless blouse ($22 at JC Penney) in navy stripe. Great under a solid color jacket or cardigan. Pair with solid color pants that pick up the soft aqua or melon green stripe.

Dress up this sold colored ponte seamed tank midi dress ($30 at The Loft) in bright seaport with a tweed blazer, floral cardigan, or colorful wrap scarf. Or accessorize with a statement necklace and great shoes. 

I love the neck detail of this Black Label by Evan Picone keyhole neck sleeveless blouse ($29 at JC Penney) in California Sky. Pair it with a classic jean jacket or a textured cardigan, and with a short, slim skirt or skort for business or a longer, fuller skirt for fun. 

This sleek Andrew Marc sleeveless sheath dress ($79 at Kohl's) in ultramarine features a round neckline, high waist seam, and tapered above-the-knee hemline. Its simple, classic styling works for business or socializing at any level of formality. Go dressy with an elegant gemstone necklace and drop earrings, elegant heels, and a wrap, or throw on a neck scarf, cardigan, and floral ballet flats for a more casual look. 

Pep up your casual look with these eyelet tulip hem pull-on ankle jeggings ($40 at Chico's) in grand air. Pair them with an untucked jersey or fitted sweater. The light blue looks great with prints, brighter blues, or other bright spring colors (both solids and prints) like fuchsia, coral, and bright yellow. 

A spring cardigan like this ribbed tie front cardigan ($60 at Talbots) in blue wave can pair with your darker winter tops and pants to bring them into spring. Wear with your black dress pants and a light-colored print shell, or lighten your whole look with khakis, then a blush pink tank and pink loafers.  

Patterned cardigans like this Drifter baby cable V-neck cardigan sweater ($60 at Lands' End) in fresh ivory/periwinkle stripe look great either buttoned up or worn open over a solid color top, in either a matching or a slightly contrasting color. 

Spring begs for soft, shiny finishes like in this VICI Collection Bianca flutter sleeve maxi dress ($78 at Nordstrom) in blue floral. It features lace yoke detailing, bubble cap sleeves, and a high inverted vee empire waist. Keep accessories delicate and minimal, like a small pendant necklace, delicate strappy sandals, and a simple leather clutch.  

Light-colored shoes are a great way to bring your darker-colored clothes into spring. These Journee Collection Riva Pump ($40 at DSW) in cobalt instead of black boots or pumps will look great with the black or navy dress pants and dark gray skirts you've been wearing all winter. Pair with tops that are in lighter shades or prints with both dark neutrals and softer colors.