Ready to swap your heavy sweaters for light cardigans? 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 triangle body shape.
The trend: Pastels
The runway: Nanette Lepore
A pale purple gets a dose of brightness with pink piping and a shot of orange. Really want to be on trend this spring? Bring some orange into your ensemble. “Tangerine Tango” is the hottest hue for 2012, according to the color experts at Pantone.
1Your way:
Spring wedding on your calendar? Show up in this stunning strapless, yellow, abstract butterfly-print dress and get ready to dance the night away—in the high style, of course.
MORE: Wedding Dresses for Your Body Shape
Ann Taylor “Butterfly Whispers” dress, $325, Ann Taylor
2Your way:
A classic trench is as spring-appropriate as tulips in bloom, and this mint green shade is as fresh as the grass we’re so happy to see after a long, cold winter. Triangle body types benefit from its slight A-line shape and nipped-in belt. April showers? Bring ’em on.
Gap trench, $98, Gap
3Your way:
Can you say garden party? This spring-tastic tree-print dress features a triangle body type’s go-to shape—the classic A-line—that nips in at the waist and hits at the knee. Pair it with a pretty, pale green cardigan—we love this one done in a watermelon trim—and belt the sweater to highlight your svelte upper half.
MORE: You Can Help Boost Your H20 Intake with Watermelon
Milly “Bridget” circle skirt dress, $385, and “Boyfriend” cardigan, $285, Milly
4The trend: Color-blocking
The runway: Sophie Theallet
Triangle body shapes will want to spring into the warm-weather season with a fitted cardigan and A-line color-blocked skirt that take you from day to night in a breeze.
5Your way:
Disguise a curvier bottom half with this artsy color-blocked, knife-pleated maxi skirt. The tangerine mixed with yellow and gray is as fresh as a spring day. Can you almost smell the flowers?
MORE: Aromatherapy for Beginners
Tabitha “Field of Vision” skirt, $148, Anthropologie
6Your way:
A thin, yellow belt whittles your waist, while the slight flare in this dress gives your hips and rear a little wiggle room. Pair it with flats or strappy heels when the sun is out. Add a cardigan for work or to keep warm on chilly spring evenings.
MNG by Mango dress, $75, JCP
7Your way:
Wanna be easy-breezy this spring? Here’s your go-to dress. The pretty coral shade is color-blocked with light-pink tiers at the bottom, and the soft pleats and nude-hued belt help show off your shape.
MORE: How to Remember Happy Moments
Jessica Simpson chiffon pleated dress, $128, Nordstrom
8The trend: Peplum
The runway: Rodarte
When you’re a triangle body type that’s trim on top, pair a fitted blouse with just a pinch of peplum to an A-line skirt for a real “Wow!” moment.
9Your way:
Forget two-fers, this style is a trend three-fer! We’re talking peplum detail at the waist, color-blocking and pastel shades. And, hooray! It’s perfect for triangle shapes with an easy silhouette that shows off your sexy décolletage and flatters your thighs. Yes, please.
MORE: Do You Have Charisma? Do You Want It?
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel peplum dress, $295, Saks Fifth Avenue
10Your way:
The pretty peplum on this top flatters without overwhelming you, the belt-like detail at the waist emphasizes your skinny middle and the sleeveless, detailed neckline gives your toned arms the attention they deserve. Oh, and did we mention it costs less than $40? Yep, we just fell in love.
ModCloth “Coach Tour” peplum top, $38, Modcloth
11Your way:
When you’d like to de-emphasize your lower half, it’s all about tricking the eye. The vertical white stripe on this dress, flanked by black stripes, makes you appear instantly narrower, while the peplum draws attention to your itty-bitty waist. Consider this your instant slim-down.
MORE: All About Your Eyes
Cynthia Steffe “Trissie” dress, $295, Bloomingdale’s
