Brightly Go

© Flickr / Szeke

The fashion rules of yore state that bold hues should be worn up top, in blouses and tanks that illuminate and draw attention to the face, and that they should be paired with a neutral, slimming color on the bottom. But the looks we’re seeing on the runways involve a use of color that’s far from standard; the new way to work brights is definitely on the bottom – a surefire way to draw the good kind of attention to your, ahem, assets.

These ultra-bright bottoms worked their way into collections that, at first glance, seemed dark or drab. But designers at Brioni and Balenciaga knew when to turn out a pop of color, in the form of luscious jewel-toned violet and fuchsia silks at the former, and sapphire blue skinny pants at the latter. Diane von Furstenberg’s Fall preview showed full skirts in teal and turquoise, and a fab pair of fitted, cropped trousers in robin’s egg blue. Even Paul Smith, who usually sticks to mix-and-match, menswear-inspired neutrals, threw a slouchy pair of raspberry-colored trousers into the mix.

Autumnal brights are the answer to the enigmatic Miami summertime, which seems to eclipse fall and bring us directly to a couple of weeks of winter weather. Because Fall fashion generally involves chunky knits and layers upon layers upon layers warm wooliness, it’s refreshing to find a Fall trend that is so easily Miami-fied.

© BDG, River Island, Express, Stella McCartney, Alice + Olivia, Boutique Topshop, TibiMama needs a new pair of pants, and we’re looking at a rainbow of options – color, cut, and texture considered. Think warm tones, like the eye-popping coral of these BDG Twill Ankle Cigarette Pants, and the rich orange of Stella McCartney’s Hannah Crepe Straight-leg Pants. Pair the coral pair with a tied-up button down and platforms for a cute retro look, or work them into a more serious outfit by downplaying their saturation with a refined charcoal or slate-colored blazer. As for the Stellas, we envision them with a delicate, diaphanous cream-colored blouse, chocolate suede heels with block heels, and gold wire jewelry, like bangles or hoop earrings.

If you like ‘em wide (wide-legged, that is) check out these sleek and chic Signature Stretch Wide Leg Editor Pant from Express – the brand boasts that these are their best-selling, best-fitting pant, and now they come in red, too. Wear these with a sleeveless turtleneck in camel or black, and ultra-high, ultra-pointy metallic pumps for an effortless silhouette. Or, if comfort is more your style, we’re loving these River Island Wide Leg Palazzo Pants – flattering high waist? Check. Fine, flowing fabric? Check. In a vibrant sea-blue, all these pants need are platforms and a form-fitting top in a complementing (or contrasting) color – think violet, poppy, or chartreuse. If you plan to wear them with flats, be sure to have them hemmed accordingly.

The thought of pants in this heat making you cringe? No problem at all – consider a pair of bright hot pants to get you through these warm Miami months. The Cady Satin Shorts by Alice + Olivia and the Royal Blue Silk Shorts from Boutique by Topshop are two bold, fun alternatives to a full-leg of fabric. Wear these solid shorts with a graphic-patterned top for maximum impact, or experiment with mixing monochromatic pieces. For instance, pair the grass-green shorts with a seafoam tank and a jade jacket, or work the blue pair with some navy and sapphire accessories.

And for the ultra-feminine types among us who will choose a skirt over pants any day, check out this canary-yellow Tibi Pleated Silk Skirt. Textured and zippered, this bold skirt would look best worn with a simple, well-fitting blouse up top. Perhaps a basic navy or striped boat neck with ¾ sleeves, and matte leather ballerina flats or cut-out sandals.

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