• If the thought of a multi-color floral print is just too much, try one that uses more subdued colors. The dresses below are still trend right, but they’re much less over the top than so many of the other prints in the stores:

SaksFifthAvenue.com	SaksFifthAvenue.com	SaksFifthAvenue.com	Nordstrom.com

• Try black and white or, even better, brown and white. They’re both always chic, but don’t scream “look at me” like so many of the brightly colored patterns of Spring 08.

SaksFifthAvenue.com	Target.com	SaksFifthAvenue.com

• Go graphic. Girlawhirl has a Super Pal who’d never be caught dead wearing flowers. For women like her, graphic patterns bridge the gap between adding some punch to a wardrobe and feeling frilly.

SaksFifthAvenue.com	SaksFifthAvenue.com	Nordstrom.com	Target.com

• Try a top. While dresses were the most common way designers sent prints down the runways, a top can pack the same kind of punch, without making whoever’s wearing it feel as if they’ve lost complete control to the winds of fashion.

Nordstrom.com	Macys.com	Nordstrom.com

• Break it up with a sweater or jacket. A solid topper turns the all over print from a dress into what looks like a skirt. It’s a great way to add just the right amount of pop for the office and can then be removed after work for dinner or a cocktail party.

BodenUSA.com	BananaRepublic.com

• Keep it casual. A bright print or pattern might just be too much for the office. But there’s no reason they can’t be worn on the weekends. Girlawhirl loves the idea of a flowered dress for running errands on a springy Saturday afternoon, or a casual top that’s fun to wear and covered with polka dots.

BodenUSA.com	BodenUSA.com

 

• If all else fails, try a pop of color with a bright accessory. A red shoe, yellow handbag or turquoise bracelet – not worn together, of course – can take a basic black dress through this spring. Find a color you love and add touches of it to any solid outfit. Pair an orange, hot pink or even green tank under a brown suit, and slip on a bold yellow cuff. The look is modern without a bit of pattern. And don’t be afraid to slip on a colorful chunky necklace too. They’re also one of spring’s top trends.

BananaRepublic.com

• Petites and Plus Sizes have nothing to fear from a dose of colorful pattern. Women with small frames just need to make sure the scale doesn’t overwhelm them, and larger sizes can wear any print that includes colors that they love.

Girlawhirl found these pretty patterns, and tons more, in her online shopping mall at stores like: Banana Republic, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Target, Boden, and Macy’s.

related articles:

Jan 30, 2008:

girlawhirl’s spring gotta have it list: bottoms. read full entry

Oct 24, 2007:

Spring 08 fashion runway wrap up. read full entry

Sep 26, 2007:

Spring 08 ny fashion week trend wrap up. read full entry