In this tight economy, it may be difficult for women to follow fashion trends by buying completely new outfits. One way to keep their look updated as a “fashionista” is to become a “recessionista” and interpret the trends by shopping your closet. That is, using items that you already own and combining them in a new way to make the look current. It can be thriftier to buy a trendy new accessory or two, like a statement necklace or bold colorful bangle, to help all your outfits look modern than to invest in new clothes.

By following the color trends, you are free to interpret current fashion based on what you already have in your wardrobe and as a guide to buying those new accessories. Chunky, bold jewelry is still in right now, so put away those skinny chain necklaces and demure earrings for the time being.

Frequently the colors that are trendy are colors that have been around before and you already have them in your closet. What makes them new and up to date is how they are mixed with other colors and a new accessory.

For example, pink is a favorite spring and summer color year after year. In 2009, you will find soft petal pink, hot pink and coral pink are all popular colors. Select a strand (or multiple strands for a more modern look) of soft pink pearls, a pair of dangly salmon earrings or a fuchsia plastic bangle and when combined with the right colors in your clothing you will feel current with the trends.

Soft pink, a warm blush, is a color that I associate with ballerina slippers. The nice thing about this neutral color is that it is very flexible and goes with almost every other color. It can be gentle and elegant when worn with a medium brown shade. If you are feeling in more of a floral mood, try wearing those pearls with a soft green and lavender.

In the middle pink range is the coral pink. Think pale, inside-of-a-conch-shell pink. This color can be almost a neutral and looks great with all skin tones. For a fresh look, wear those salmon colored earrings with a navy, khaki or grey outfit.

Accessories in bright, hot pink are the perfect way to perk up your spring outfits. Bright colors look best in small doses – you don’t want to wear it head to foot, but an accessory or two, like a fuchsia bangle with your neutral basics adds a nice fresh punch. If you are comfortable with that look and want to take it a step further, throw on some hot pink earrings as well.

To learn more about what colors are trendy right now it’s best to consult the specialists. Pantone, the color experts, release what they project will be fashion color trends for every season. If you would like to read more about what colors are trendy this year, check out the Pantone’s Fashion Color Report for spring and summer 2009 here - https://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE-FCR-sp2009.pdf .

Always remember, whatever your style, your best accessory is always your beautiful smile. :)