Trust me, you can pull it off without looking like a teenager.  Try pairing them with a black pump or some stylish ballet flats.  Wear them with a white tee or go monochromatic with a top in a matching color.  Going out on the town?  How about bringing a cardigan or jacket to wear with your new colored jeans?

What color will be your favorite?  Mine is red!  Give it a try.

Color blocking is very popular this season.  These days I see color blocking in the stores on clothing, handbags and shoes.  I was too excited on Easter when I saw women at church wearing color blocked outfits.  It thrills me to see people having fun with trends.

Almost every runway from Paris to New York has showcased color blocking in a multitude of ways. This trend is easy to achieve and fun to style, all you need is a little creativity.

Haven’t caught on and wondering what I’m talking about?  Well, lets break down what color blocking in fashion is. Color blocking is when you combine different colors of the same tone to create an outfit. This trend works best with basic silhouettes and cuts. When you color block, make sure your using colors that are in the same “Family”.   For example; if you’re wearing a dark red blouse, then the other clothing item should also be of the dark toned variety. If you were to put the same blouse with a pastel item then the look would be off.

When it comes to wearing this trend the options are endless. As I mentioned, there are even shoes and accessories designed with the color block style. There are also color block clutches for casual wear. They look amazing with a solid white or black dress. 

So, now you want to try color blocking, right?  One thing to remember, limit the look to 4 colors, don’t get carried away.  Another suggestion for accessorizing a color block look is to stick with gold and silver jewelry.  Color blocking is a fun happening trend for the spring and summer. Make sure you always go with colors that compliment you skin tone.  Yes, it’s just that simple.

Go ahead, have some fun and let me know what color block items you have tried.

Dressing to impress has just gotten a lot easier for working women. There are tons of options this spring for some great office looks. The colors and the silhouettes for spring 2012 provide great choices in work wear. The usual black on black or grey on black is no longer the most stylish option in the corporate world. It used to be right up there with the little black dress, but that’s no longer the case. This seasons spring trends can easily be turned into some interesting work looks. The key to styling is creativity.

The most popular fashion trend this season is combing pastels. It’s called Pale Fire, and no matter how you style this trend, it’s ultra feminine and clean. The beauty of wearing pastels in the work place is the fact that the colors are not too bold. For example, a pale pastel pink cotton suit is perfect for the mild spring weather, and is easy to accessorize. Pastels go with warm and cool undertones, so pair them with delicate silver or gold jewelry.

Working women should never shy away from wearing patterns. Another wonderful spring trend is called the Oceans ’12. This trend is the combination of patterns resembling the lost city of Atlantis, or an aquatic city in Paris. The stunning patterns for this trend reveal lots of options in styling with neutral tones too. Patterns should be worn in sections rather than all over. A nice pattern blouse with a white suit can be both stylish and dainty. Although I do suggest patterns for the work environment, you still must use your own judgment on the amount you wear to avoid overkill. Wearing a blazer and pants with patterns is not suggested, unless the patterns are small.

Dressing for work used to be boring and lack luster. Now there are even more options in styling, as well as beautiful silhouettes. The trends should be interpreted to fit your individual taste level and appropriate for your workplace.

Work wear can be stylish while still maintaining a respectable image. It’s all about creativity in styling, so let your imagination lead the way.

Personal color analysis is a valuable tool in determining which colors most enhance your natural coloring.  Wearing colors that most suit you will have you looking younger, more alert and healthy looking.

A few things to think of when considering color.

Dark cool colors are navy, black and charcoal.  They are seen as authoritarian and credible.  There are times when black suits are not recommended because they can seem stiff and unfriendly.   You can change that look by adding a touch of color to the black suit.  Something bright will turn that unfriendly look into one that is friendly and approachable.

Contrast is a vital factor in impression management.  When the onlookers brain picks up color difference or contrast, it wakes up and this results in the person being remembered, listened to and taken notice of.  When low contrast is worn it often results in the wearer becoming somewhat invisible.

There are 3 levels of contrast.

High Contrast involves bright, dark combinations.  Power dressing often results in others feeling inferior.

Medium Contrast involves light, dark combinations.  Medium contrast colors are the most people friendly and professionally effective.

Low Contrast involve little or no color difference between garments.  This combination of colors is seen as elegant and even at times fashionable, but in business it can render the wearer ineffective.

Color can seem a bit complicated but it really isn’t. Finding the right colors can be fun.  The next time you are in the store, hold up a variety of colors and see which ones make you feel vibrant and bright.

About the Author: Valerie Hatcher of Your Total Image shows busy women how to choose clothes that fit their lifestyle and flatter their bodies. Visit Valerie at www.yourtotalimage.net and sign up to receive her monthly newsletter, The Stylish You.