Ready to swap your heavy sweaters for light cardigans? By adding a few of the hottest trends from the spring/summer 2012 fashion collections—pastel shades, color-blocking and peplum details (think little flares or ruffles at the waist)—you’re sure to feel an instant warm-weather glow.
Take a peek at the high-end designer styles we’re coveting—along with more affordable and wearable takes on the trends—that flatter your hourglass body shape.
QUIZ: What’s Your Body Shape?
The trend: Pastels
The runway: Oscar de la Renta
A pretty pastel looks anything but girlish when it’s done in a subtly sexy style. One part Joan Holloway from “Mad Men,” one part modern-day Marilyn, this dress is all spring romance. Swoon.
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Your way: There’s no need to hide those fabulous curves at the office—just sweeten them up a bit with a dose of pastels. This coral and beige suit, with its tailored jacket and sexy secretary pencil skirt, looks gorgeous belted to draw attention to that teeny-tiny waist of yours.
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Your way: A pink belted cardigan layered over a pastel floral-print pencil skirt will get you through all sorts of spring situations: work, parties, Easter, Mother’s Day (we could go on). Don’t you just love an outfit you can wear together—or apart—again and again?
Charter Club cardigan, $59, and skirt, $64, Macy’s
The trend: Color-blocking
The runway: Max Mara
Not that you needed any help in the curves department, but a fitted color-block style such as this sassy number will add a little oomph to your outfit. Make that a “Pow!”
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Your way: Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with this blue and yellow color-blocked stunner of a pleated dress with just the right touch of retro. And, yes, we encourage dancing and twirling in this number. Standing over steam grates—optional.
BCBG Max Azria dress, $228, Nordstrom
Your way: When you prefer to dress a bit more demurely, try a style like this sleeveless, color-blocked number that’s easy-going, but still totally put-together. And if you prefer to show off your shape, just add a belt. Instant update!
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Marni for H&M silk dress, $80, H&M
Your way: On the hunt for a perfect spring work dress? We’ve found it! The soft, pleated jewel neckline and color-blocking in geometric shapes look polished, professional and pretty all at the same time. Winning!
Ann Taylor color-block sheath dress, $158, Ann Taylor
Your way: Caution! Dangerous curves ahead! That sexy hourglass figure gets the va-va-voom treatment with this cream and navy dress that is sure to draw all eyes to you.
COLUMN: What You Say With Your Eyes
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Marfa” dress, $598, Neiman Marcus
Your way: We can’t help but cheer over this vintage cheerleader-inspired peplum top. The slightly puffed-up cap sleeves and skinny red belt have us yelling “Rah! Rah! Rah!”
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ModCloth peplum “Squad” top, $38, ModCloth
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