Neiman Marcus's Spring Trends: Do it Yourself

In Neiman Marcus's latest catalog, there was only one thing that I was looking for: the spring edition of their "it" list. Every year, for fall/winter and spring/summer, they release their trend predictions for that upcoming season. This year, the list ranges from orange as a new neutral, to face-framing jewelry. Today, I'm going to explain multiple ways to rock each of these trends for the spring/summer of 2013.




Orange: the New Neutral

In the past, this citrus-y bright has been reserved for small details. This spring, style experts say to pair it with any color you can imagine: neon pink, navy blue, other shades of orange, and tan. Since orange is bright, it looks nice in more sporty outfits--think pencil skirts and eyelet shirts.

Cool Blues

Blue is timeless, ladylike, and can range anywhere from electric blue to soft, muted gray. This year, take every shade of blue you can think of, and pair them together. Designers like Lela Rose turn classic shift dresses into modernized oceans with color blocked designs. In early spring, chambray blue is the perfect transition from winter to warmer weather.

Amazing Lace

Lace is all grown up this spring, popping up on runways in neon lace shift dresses, Valentino espadrilles, and even biker jackets. The trick for wearing a lot of lace: classic shaped dresses keep it fresh, and try to keep it to one color all over. Also, plunging necklines and lace usually aren't a good match, so play it safe by keeping necklines simple.

Relaxed Chic

Looking cool doesn't always mean dressing up. This year, tweed jackets meet jeans, work pants meet flowy, boho shirts. Ballet flats are optional.

Print Mania

I've always loved designers like Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen--their prints always intrigued and excited me. This year, prints go head-to-toe. All-over prints are such a fun thing: it's almost like wearing a piece of art on your body. If you want to be really safe, bold stripes and floral never fail--it's a good place to start.

Bold Eyes and Nude Lips

Starting on runways back in December, this trend has really skyrocketed. This past fall was all about the red, bold lips, but this season is all about the dramatic, over-the-top eyes and plain lips. An easy way to achieve the "nude" lips look: prep your lips with BB Cream the same color as your skin, apply nude lipstick, then swipe clear gloss on top of that. The BB Cream prevents any color from your lips to show through, making them blend in with your skin, but the gloss defines your lips just enough without going over the top.

Warm-Weather Leather

With leather growing in popularity for this past winter, I had no doubt in my mind that it wasn't going away any time soon. Designers like Alice + Olivia and Philip Lam incorporate this hip material into unexpected pieces, like shirtdresses and tank tops.

Face Framing Jewels

Statement earrings have been in for a while, and now stylists are saying to pair those over-the-top earrings with over-the-top necklaces! Always make sure the metals are the same, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and textures.

Gladiators

Strappy shoes have always been cool, but this year, they're hot. Sorry, bad pun. Anyway, sandals and heels are seeing straps, whether they're animal skin, adorned with sparkles, or sky-high.

High-Voltage Handbags

Springtime always covers everything with color, and this season, handbags get a jolt of electric fun. Spice up your purses with neons, pastels, mod designs, and funky straps.

Neiman's 2013 Trend List