Ready to swap your wool pants for bright, cropped jeans? We are! 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 inverted triangle body shape.
1The trend: Pastels
The runway: Lanvin
A gorgeous, one-shouldered mint dress looks absolutely lovely on a woman with a strong upper body and a tapered waist and legs.
2Your way:
Your narrow hips get a dose of marvelous mint color with this crinkled maxi skirt (perfect to pack along for your spring break getaway!). Add a sheer cotton crochet top for a look that says Boho chic.
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Sanctuary “Garden” top, $98 and “Leotie” maxi skirt, $130 Nordstrom
3Your way:
Take advantage of your slender legs with a pair of cropped slim-cut jeans in a pretty pastel shade. Top it off with a classic, feminine sweater set in a bright shade and roar right into the spring season.
Ann Taylor curvy cropped jeans, $88, crewneck cardigan, $68, and jewel neck shell, $68 Ann Taylor
4Your way:
That narrow lower half of yours will look sleek and chic in this long dusty rose skirt.
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Cascade Canyon maxi skirt, $78, Free People
5The trend: Color-blocking
The runway: BCBG
Use color-blocking to your advantage by accentuating your inverted triangle shape with strategic swaths of bright shades.
6Your way:
This scoop-neck, color-blocked T-shirt creates a slimming illusion, especially when you team it with lean black slacks. Need a new go-to work outfit? This is it.
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Liz Claiborne scoop-neck top, $22, Worthington slim leg pants, $25, JCP
7Your way:
Those athletic arms deserve some extra attention—and get a little softening—with this charming Peter Pan-collared dress that flows from cream to navy to orange. Eat your heart out, Tinker Bell!
Tinley Road minidress, $69, Piperlime
8Your way:
Broad shoulders will look seriously sexy in this sleeveless color-block blouse in kelly green and cobalt blue. We love it with slim white jeans for the weekend, or try it with a black pencil skirt for work.
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Collective Concepts blouse, $64, Piperlime
9The trend: Peplum
The runway: Celine
Beautiful arms get noticed in a simple, crisp white sleeveless top with a peplum hem, while a lean trouser makes your already thin legs go on for days.
10Your way:
Strong shoulders and a tiny waist? Show them off with this sleeveless blouse and bright taffeta skirt with an asymmetrical peplum detail for a perfect party look.
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Marc by Marc Jacobs “Saatchi” blouse, $198 and “Ellensworth” skirt, $278, Nordstrom
11Your way:
Embrace your narrow lower half by slipping on a form-fitting skirt with a flirty peplum kick. This style, with its dainty rose print, is just right for a little spring fling.
Betsey Johnson skirt, $79, Macy’s
12Your way:
When you’ve got great gams, a bright mini is the way to go. The little peplum flourishes on the sides of this skirt won’t add bulk—just interest. Like you needed any more of that.
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TopShop “Bodycon” skirt, $56, TopShop
