It first appeared on store websites last spring. This year colored denim is out in full force.

Your first reaction may be: Do I really want to call that much attention to my bottom half? I meet SO many women that prefer neutrals and have a strong aversion to color. With those two facts in mind, part of me is wondering if this colored denim trend will be a hit.

The “jury is out” as far as I can tell.  Women have mixed feelings. I like color. I do hope to add some colored denim to my closet sometime soon. I just can’t decide which color it is going to be!

My #1 styling rule with this trend is: Keep the top neutral. I know color blocking is in. I do meet women who love brights. But I have to say that keeping the color on the bottom is the way to go.

You will be able to find colored denim just about everywhere. Here are some from Ann Taylor. They have a great special: Spend $150 and receive one item 40% off.

Blue Essence at Nordstrom has quite an array of color! These are also a pretty generous and a flattering fit.

Many women have grown to love the generous fit of  Kut from the Kloth. The dark red is a great color. Still not sure? Try a selection with a less intensity like the green from Wit and Widsom. All from Nordstrom

I have not seen colored denim in many boot cut styles. If you are worried about a skinny, opt for the straighter cut from Ann Taylor (above)  NYDJ  (below)

Now, how to style?

I like colored denim with a neutral top, a piece of jewelry or a multi colored scarf that ties in some of the color from the jeans.

Next Up: Layouts with Colored Denim

Thanks everyone for all your comments on the Stella and Dot Jewelry giveaway post. It’s not too late. You will be entered in the drawing by making a comment about your favorite S & D piece. Click on that link and let me know what you love. Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Stripes have taken the stores by storm. Last year stripes appeared everywhere and this year they are back!

I’ve read and heard that anyone can wear stripes. I can’t completely agree with that or endorse every type of stripe for absolutely every body type. However, let me point out that not all stripes are created equal. So let’s take a look at the variety of stripes we are seeing this season. I will try to point out the differences. You will soon start to notice what designers do to minimize and maximize in the right places.

Typically women have stayed away from wide horizontal stripes as they felt the wider stripes added volume. I’m not a fan of the wide stripe. However, the dress below coupled with the jacket with a narrow stripe works. A big part of the success of this look has to do with the cut and shape of the dress. The belt also brings in the waist. You will see in the following examples that the cut of the garment is going to make all the difference.

The sweater has wider stripes that appear to get a little more narrow towards the top (at least from the photo) While this particular piece works fine on the model, I would NOT recommend it for someone with broad shoulders who carries their weight in their upper torso. Note how those stripes and the neckline of the sweater visually extend the shoulder line. If you were trying to balance smaller shoulders with wider hips–this would be a great style for you. Both available at LOFT.

The jacket and zip sweater below work because the stripe is narrow. I like how the red/blue striped jacket is designed with varied stripe widths with one darker bold stripe. I have seen this jacket on a number of women and the shape is extremely flattering especially in the back. The type of stripe along with great fabric and cut makes this one a winner on many body types. Caslon Jacket from Nordstrom

This sweater from LOFT also has a great shape. The zipper as well as the pockets break up the continuous horizontal stripe. (did not appear to be online now, you could check in stores)

Below, notice how the wide horizontal stripes are at the bottom of the dress where most women can handle a little more volume. It visually creates a flattering A-line. Imagine this same dress with those wide stripes through the whole dress–it just wouldn’t work. The solid green band makes a difference too because it brings in the waist. I also think the striped tee works because of the varied width AND color. It’s much more interesting and visually appealing. Do you ever look at striped pieces and get dizzy? I like the variety. Nanette Lepore and Payton from Nordstrom

Next is a great example of a B/W stripe. Again, the narrow stripes are great with a solid block at the bottom. Now imagine this same top with stripes from top to bottom. If you have wider hips, the stripes on the hips would make them look wider. Instead the solid black will minimize the hips.

The other top is a great example of stripes going in a different direction. This piece is perfect for a body type with broader shoulders and smaller hips or for the typical rectangle figure. The stripes come in at an angle minimizing the shoulders and upper torso. The blousy style camoflauges the middle while the horizontal stripes at the bottom add volume to balance the top.

Lauren Hansen and Olivia Moon from Nordstrom

Here is another style of top that I’ve seen on women and the vertical–almost horizontal combined with a blousy style has been extremely flattering.

Pleione from Nordstrom

Note how the stripes are varied in this cardigan. I think the wider stripes on the top are a nice contrast to the narrow ones in the middle. The sweater is lying flat, but I can visualize this on someone and the darker narrow stripe would bring in the waist and minimize it in comparison to the wider stripes on the top.

I’ll be anxious for you to weigh in here. What say you? Will you be looking at stripes with a more critical eye? Will you give them a try?

If stripes still are not your thing, pair a striped piece with a solid color jacket or sweater. The stripes add interest and I think you’ll be pleased with the variety they can add to outfits.