Powder Blues! Buttery Yellows! Dusty Pinks! Introducing Spring’s New Color Palette

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Photo: Phil Oh

If this year’s spring collections are any indication, it’s that color—and wearing more of it—is on the rise. Just take the newly-appointed Sabato De Sarno at Gucci, for example. The creative director’s debut collection for the heritage brand acted as an official ode to burgundy—and in more ways than one, from polished midi skirts to hero handbags and stacked platform loafers. Then, there were the powder blue hues at Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney and the buttery yellows at Bottega Veneta and Loewe.

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Vogue’s Spring Color Wish List:

Sporting a punchy pastel or two during the spring is a sartorial no-brainer, but this season, the color combinations feel more minimalist—and dare we say, chicer?—than ever. So how do the color-averse approach the assignment? By sticking to subtle yet statement-making pastels and solids—think dusty pinks, mellow yellows, chocolate browns, and cherry reds—and wearing them together as a clean-lined, monochromatic look, or playing up by pairing with everyday neutrals.

These combos offer an effortless way for all kinds of personal styles to tap into the wonderful world of color on their own terms. Not to mention, these approachable shades—all street style-approved, of course—will beautifully complement a closet full of neutrals.

If you’re still daunted by the task of adding in more color, stick to familiar brands for pieces you won’t grow tired of in the near future. Labels like The Row, Tove, Loewe, Staud, and Bottega Veneta all have an array of those classic silhouettes that fit the bill—think crisp shirtdresses, pleated trousers, suit vests, and midi skirts. Minimalist or maximalist, let these easy-on-the-eyes hues be your guide to incorporating color this season.

Powdery Blues

Dip your toe into icy blue waters this spring by way of Staud’s matching suit vest and trousers, Jason Wu’s clean-lined maxi dress, or Dôen’s dainty cashmere cardigan. Other soft yet subtle style staples include Tove’s draped going-out top and Max Mara’s slinky slip skirt. Styling-wise, we recommend wearing your new powder blue pick with a monochromatic mate or singularly as a strong separate.

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Tove

Vita gathered wool top

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Jason Wu Collection

paneled silk-chiffon maxi dress

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Staud

Brett twill vest

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Staud

Luisa pleated woven wide-leg pants

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Dôen

Danaë cashmere cardigan

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Max Mara

Alessio satin midi skirt

Buttery Yellows

Also known as the original minimalist hue. You can’t deny the allure of pale yellow separates from the masterminds of minimalism, Lemaire or The Row. Or, opt for sweeter styles, like Banana Republic’s long-sleeve polo shirt or Anna October’s slip dress. Meanwhile, colorful tailoring comes courtesy of Loewe and Isabel Marant.

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Loewe

satin shirt

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The Row

Tor pleated wide-leg pants

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Lemaire

twisted cotton-jersey midi dress

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Banana Republic

Fern linen-blend sweater polo

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Isabel Marant

Nevimea double-breasted wool-twill blazer

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Anna October

Waterlily bustier satin midi dress

Statement Reds

Fear not, statement red is sticking around for another season! The hero hue not only dominated our winter wardrobes, but now, our spring ones too. Go bold in cherry red dresses from Staud and Proenza Schouler or add subtle pops by way of sleek tops from Christopher Esber and St. Agni. Cos’s button-up and Max Mara’s pleated pants are new workwear essentials.

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Staud

Ellison sleeveless midi-dress

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Christopher Esber

veiled off-shoulder silk tulle top

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Max Mara

Giochi straight pants

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Cos

side-stripe shirt

Proenza Schouler

Lara bouclé cut-out back maxi dress

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St. Agni

ribbed stretch-wool tank

Dusty Pinks

Embrace your softer side this spring in a dusty pink delight. Cos’s suit vest and maxi skirt set is hard to pass up, and can easily be dressed up with a kitten heel or down with a chic sneaker. Then, there is Dorothee Schumacher’s draped top, which is an instant add-to-cart. Keep it casual in The Row’s baby tee and a pair of Haikure jeans or step it up in Jil Sander’s ribbed maxi dress.

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Cos

longline waistcoat

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Cos

tailored maxiskirt

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The Row

Blaine cotton-jersey T-shirt

Haikure

Bethany high-rise wide-leg jeans

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Jil Sander

ribbed knit flare maxi dress

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Dorothee Schumacher

draped tulle top

Bold Burgundys

Of all of the spring colors to shop, none shines brighter than a bold burgundy. Just look to Gucci and the street style scene for proof. When you’re not sporting your burgundy handbag, opt for day dresses from Tove and Christopher Esber or tailoring essentials from Loulou Studio and The Row. Miu Miu’s polished polo is another certified It item to invest in.

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Tove

Mali twist-front satin-jersey maxi dress

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Miu Miu

wool knit polo shirt

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Gucci

GG embossed mid-length skirt

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Christopher Esber

Triquetra silk-satin maxi dress

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Loulou Studio

Iba cotton and linen-blend twill vest

Lovely Lavenders

Lilac shades are dominating our spring shopping carts. Specifically, separates from Khaite, Sasuphi, and Cos, plus flirty frocks from Other Stories and Carolina Herrera. Staud’s flared midi skirt is the ultimate ladylike luxury.

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Sasuphi

superfine cashmere-silk rib long-sleeve sweater

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Cos

pleated linen-blend wide-leg trousers

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Other Stories

contrast-panel maxi dress

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Staud

Bellagio gathered taffeta maxiskirt

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Khaite

The Julita Top

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Carolina Herrera

twisted gathered jersey gown

Mint Greens

Consider this washed-out jade the easiest way to wear green. The key to picking the shade is softness while not heading too into the direction of pastel. Choose Loulou Studio’s crisp button-up shirt, Maria McManus’s oversize polo sweater, or Ferrgamo’s floaty blouse to pair with Dries Van Noten’s pleated pants. Or, slip into Bottega Veneta’s leather midi dress or Other Stories satin style.

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Dries Van Noten

mid-rise wool straight pants

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Bottega Veneta

shiny leather dress with fringes detail

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Loulou Studio

Espanto cotton shirt

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Other Stories

cap-sleeve satin midi dress

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Maria McManus

jersey collar cashmere sweater

Immaculate Ivories

Wearing white in the springtime is a sartorial no-brainer, and these milky shades are chicer than ever. Whipped-up creams, like Interior’s two-toned shirt and Dries Van Noten’s boxy blazer, are everyday essentials, while dresses from Proenza Schouler White Label and Cos are spring-to-summer staples. Staud’s suit-like top is a commute-to-cocktail classic.

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Interior

Nuno layered shirt

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Proenza Schouler White Label

Arlet paneled denim midi dress

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Dries Van Noten

twill blazer

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Banana Republic

Ariella poplin midiskirt

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Cos

collarless maxi shirt dress

Rich Chocolate Brown

Like burgundy, rich chocolatey browns are another strong solid to sport this spring. Our favorite examples include Loewe’s leather blazer and Gucci’s runway-approved mini dress. Simpler pieces, like Posse’s viral suit vest and Dôen’s alpaca-blend cardigan, are elegant enough for everyday.

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Gucci

silk mini dress

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Dôen

Eileen cable-knit alpaca-blend cardigan

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Jacques Wei

leather midiskirt

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Loewe

tailored leather two-button jacket

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Esse Studios

halter knit maxi dress