Ready to swap out 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 ruler body shape.
The trend: Pastels
The runway: Prabal Gurung
Go ahead and wear short shorts when you’ve got a thin, trim ruler body type. For a fashion-forward take on the pastel trend, look for a style that’s just a little bit sporty—love it in this pale blue—and pair it with a dressy blouse and blazer. Game on!
Your way:
Lucky ruler body types can play with all of fashion’s fun patterns and textures. Take this lovely pink lace blouse paired with silk polka-dot cropped pants—it’s flirty, trendy and flattering all at once. Bring on spring!
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Robert Rodriguez lace blouse, $265, and polka-dot silk pants, $295, Nordstrom
1Your way:
It’d be a crime not to show off those gorgeous gams of yours. Stay on trend this spring by pairing fun blue short-shorts with a pastel top in a bright and sunny yellow. Is it getting hot in here?
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Mossimo Henley top, $15, and denim shorts, $18, Target
2Your way:
Colored jeans are super trendy for spring and ruler body types can really pull off this violet cropped skinny style. You may want to pick ’em up in apricot, too.
Free People skinny jeans, $98, Piperlime
3The trend: Color-blocking
The runway: Victoria Beckham
No curves? No problem. Just shimmy into a style like this long and lean color-blocked number for a sexy, eye-catching look.
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4Your way:
When you’re narrow, bold and colorful stripes are an easy way to give your body the illusion of curves. This mini dress lets you work those thin legs, while the wide bands of pink, orange, navy, white and camel add interest up top.
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Eliza J striped dress, $138, Nordstrom
5Your way:
Color-blocking—such as with this bright style that features a fitted waist and open back detail—adds curves to a ruler shape. We’re happy—and warm—just looking at it.
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Oonagh by Nanette Lepore “Ricky” dress, $228, Saks Fifth Avenue
6Your way:
Add some sass to your spring wardrobe with this kicky little color-block dress that’s fun for day or spring nights.
H&M color-block dress, $60, H&M
7The trend:Peplum
The runway: Jason Wu
When your shape is straight up and down, a peplum frill adds instant curve appeal. Do it in eye-popping fuchsia, and you get high fashion appeal, too.
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8Your way:
A pretty peplum detail adds even more interest to this floral sateen blouse. Dress it down with a great pair of fitted jeans or dress it up with body-skimming black pants or a pencil skirt. Now, this is flower power.
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J.Crew peplum top, $350, J.Crew
9Your way:
You’ll be ready for cocktail hour in this black lace fitted high-waist skirt complete with a peplum frill. The narrow cut is so flattering on a ruler shape that we suspect you won’t be paying for your own drinks when you’re out in this style.
ASOS lace peplum skirt, $50, ASOS
10Your way:
Ruler body shapes will look sleek and chic in this three-quarter sleeve T-shirt with a jewel neckline and flared peplum at the hem. Just add jeans, sassy heels and a hot date—and you’re set for spring.
Alice + Olivia peplum T-shirt, $198, Saks Fifth Avenue
