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.
1The 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.
2Your 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.
3Your way:
Hourglass shapes look fab in halter dresses, so why not put your best self forward in a pretty-in-pink style that’s demure enough for any occasion?
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Talbots “Marlo” dress, $129, Talbots
4Your 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
5The 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!”
6Your 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
7Your 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
8Your 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
9The trend: Peplum
The runway: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Work that hourglass shape with a waist-emphasizing peplum flourish. This style combines bold stripes on top with a ruffled taffeta skirt. Ooh la la!
10Your way:
Talk about glamour! You’ll have it in spades wearing this flirty, fluttery pencil skirt topped with a peplum frill to thrill.
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Plenty by Tracy Reese peplum pencil skirt, $138, Anthropologie
11Your 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
12Your 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
