By Katie Jenkins

 

Hello fashion-forward women of the Triangle! We've got the scoop on key spring and summer styles straight from the runways
of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

 

This year's warm-weather motifs primarily focus on fun colors and bold patterns. These are wearable trends that you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.

 

We've put together major runway notes that you can rock to kick off the season in the Triangle.

 

 

Flower Power

Floral prints were blooming all over the runways. They're fabulous for women in the Triangle. So, express yourself with petal-power.

 

To liven up your work wardrobe, look for a bud-worthy silk blouse. Wear it with a classic skirt or pair of trousers. The vibrant colors will give your 9-to-5 aesthetic an instant facelift.

 

For an entertaining Saturday at the Durham Performing Arts Center, choose a feminine fabric, such as silk or chiffon. Top the shirt with a sleek, beige blazer.

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty pastels

These soft hues are no longer reserved for Easter Sunday. Delicious blouses and dresses in lavender, yellow and sky blue were all the rage at fashion week.

 

Where to start? Select the shade that works best with your skin tone.

 

In your RTP office, try a linen blazer in your favorite pastel for a comfortable and relaxed, yet professional, look. For city-girl glamour, toss the blazer over a neutral-colored or patterned dress.

 

Dressing for a casual weekend? Match your favorite blazer with skinny, distressed denims and a pair of pastel ballet flats. It'll impart the sense of tailored, but delicate, that's au courant this season.

 

 

 

 

 

Black-and-white graphics

Displayed in sassy patterns and designs, the black-and-white motif was all over the catwalks.

 

The reality-tested combination is one of this season's most approachable trends, so you'll have no problem working it on the streets of the Triangle.

 

Go bold with the contrasting shades by opting for a color-blocked blouse. Pick up one with black sleeves and a white bodice or vice versa. These tops can be dressed up or down, and they really stand out with accent jewelry.

 

Or, for your next formal occasion, wear a black-and-white, lace dress. The lingerie-inspired frock makes a demurely sexy statement.

 

 

 

 

Sheer genius

See-through fabrics were all over the runways for both formal and casual occasions. Cocktail dresses featuring sheer skirting and blouses with transparent necklines were some of the most common pieces.

 

Incorporate the trend into your everyday wardrobe by wearing a blouse with an opaque bust and sheer sleeves. The top will be appropriate enough for the office but also give you a break from your usual attire.

 

For evenings out in downtown Raleigh, opt for a patterned dress with sheer ruffles. The look is both feminine and stylish.

 

 

 

 

Monochromatic separates

Matching tops and bottoms are big for spring and summer. You can try out your own version, going bold with bright colors or simple with all white, which was an especially popular designers’ choice.

 

For classic workwear, try pairing a skirt and blouse from the same color family but different shades. For example, pair a kelly green pencil skirt with a light green, patterned silk blouse.

 

Step a little farther out of your comfort zone by wearing a black jumpsuit on your next date night. Enhance it with simple gold jewelry and black sandals or pumps. The ensemble will be just as flattering as it is chic.

 

 

 

 

Psychedelic

Colorful, groovy prints were all the rage at the spring Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York this year. This is the perfect trend to work into all of your days off.

 

Before your next trip to the beach, splurge on a colorfully patterned maxi-dress. Pair the dress with neutral wedges and a simple, gold pendant necklace for the perfect summery look.

 

For your actual beach time, get a bold-printed cover-up. The beach is definitely one place you can get away with wearing wild patterns, so why not?

 

 

 

 

Peachy keen

The coral color that has dominated the boutiques for the past few summers is here to stay. This beachy hue is sure to add warmth to your wardrobe in spring and bring out your tan in summer.

 

Add color to your usual office attire with a pair of peach cropped pants, tan pumps and a ruffled white blouse. This bright outfit is sure to keep you in a good mood all day.

 

For casual weekend outings, try a pale peach, patterned blouse. Wear the top with distressed, boyfriend-style jeans and simple neutral sandals. The combination of flirty and rugged is fabulous for warm afternoon lunches in downtown Raleigh.

 

 

 

 

 

Fully skirted

The ladylike skirt with a tea-length hem was big news on the catwalks. Designers showed this darling for all occasions, from casual to formal.

 

For strolls through Cameron Village, the flowy piece is sweet when paired with a fitted sweater. Its length provides coverage, yet still allows you to show a little leg.

 

Or, make this retro honey work-friendly by tucking in a silk blouse and cinching your waist with a belt. The refined ensemble provides a slim, dynamic silhouette.