by Abby Way

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: May 07, 2009

Don't get left behind when it comes to fashion colors in spring 2009! This season brings both bright, vibrant colors, and more cautious tones to balance the palette presented by the top experts in up-and-coming fashion design colors.

"New York's fashion designers encourage hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty," said the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman.

The "in" colors for Spring 2009 certainly reflect this attitude with a very mix-and-matchable blend of fun and sophistication, perfect for every situation from the office to family picnics.

BRIGHT COLORS
The more cheerful colors this season include:

1. Fuchsia Red

A very wearable cross between deep pink and red, this color speaks of sensuality and power, a fresh outlook on spring.

2. Salmon Rose

A mix of very faint orange and rose, this color flatters complexions of all types and livens up the wardrobe.

3. Super Lemon

A playful, perky yellow that's bound to draw eyes and smile, this hue is reminiscent of sunny days or fresh lemonade.

4. Dark Citron

This color is close to olive, but has a spring-toned green element that livens it up and means it will combine easily with other hot colors, while managing to stay sophisticated.

5. Palace Blue

A mix of tropical water blue and navy, this vibrant color seems to sparkle and breathes new life into the classic schoolgirl uniform blue.

6. Vibrant Green
This tone blurs the line between being sedate and being lively; a perfect springtime green that reminds us all of the fresh air and sprouting life.

NEUTRAL COLORS
The calming colors this season include:

1. Lucite Green

A mix of gray and green, with perhaps some blue too, this color is subtle and beautiful because it's understated.

2. Lavender

The return of the purples that were in vogue last fall, lavender takes a more subtle approach this time and blends well with the other fashionable colors, walking the line between mystical and girly.

3. Rose Dust

Gray is mixed with pink this time, creating a gorgeous, soft pink that acts as both a neutral and a subtle warm color too, adding more liveliness into fashion this season.

4. Slate Gray

A perfect compliment to any of the lively colors or a standalone, faintly blue and solid gray make this a color to have for your closet's essentials.

Learn more about this author, Abby Way.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.