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Spring fashion traditionally calls for pale hues and blossom-bright colors after a winter pallet saturated with heavy jewel tones, grays, browns, and blacks. Spring 2009 is no exception, and designers reached for bright colors that evoke a sense of optimism and neutrals that inspire stability in an uncertain economic time.

Last year's Spring wardrobe featured an array of blues and purples, and blue is back in 2009 as the designer favourite Palace Blue. The bright blue is a pop of cheery color that pairs easily with any of Spring 2009's colors. Palace Blue, along with the pinkish-orange Salmon Rose, are the two most wearable of 2009's bright colors and will flatter almost any skin tone.

Optimistic, sunny yellow has also returned to the fashion pallet as Super Lemon. It's a show-stopping hue that's designed to provoke smiles, but since yellow can be a difficult color to wear, Recessionistas should look for Super Lemon accessories such as oversized necklaces and bangles, scarf-belts, and large bags.

The brights continue with the elegant Fuchsia Red, a blue-toned cool red that's classy and sophisticated. It's a color that turns heads and makes a statement, and another that Recessionistas on a budget may want to buy as an accessory rather than as an outfit, especially as nail polish or lipstick.

Lucite Green is the first of Spring 2009's three green tones, and is the only bright green in the pallet. It's fresh and feminine with clean, clear shimmer that continues the optimistic theme. Pair it with denim or the essential white dress for a breezy, feminine look.

Spring 2009's optimistic pallet is tempered with neutrals that will appeal to Recessionistas bored of hum-drum beige. Green crops up as a neutral twice in 2009, first as Dark Citron. The shade is a serious, muted green that is never the less much brighter and more optimistic than the usual neutral khaki green or olive. Vibrant Green is fresh and lively, and hints at lush gardens and new leaves.

Slate Gray's calm and cool blue-green can be paired with any of Spring 2009's colors, and should therefore be the color of choice for Spring wardrobe staples, including trench coats, cropped pants, and one-shouldered pieces.

Rose Dust is the closest to a nude in the pallet, but its pretty rose undertones give it a warm, spring-like cast that will help bring a glow to the cheeks. It's the only true warm tone in Spring's neutral color scheme.

Optimism and stability are the two buzz-words associated with this season's fashion color pallet, and the eye-catching Palace Blue, Super Lemon and Fuchsia Red are brilliant pops of color that will inspire cheery confidence in consumers everywhere. Paired with versatile Slate Gray, pretty Rose Dust, elegant Dark Citron or lively Vibrant Green, Recessionistas have a wardrobe that celebrates the end of winter and looks forward to the year ahead.

Learn more about this author, Eva Pronovost.
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