Spring Color Primer

Emerald

Nectarine

As sweet as tangerine with a little less bite, nectarine is an ideal warm-weather hue. Both clothing and accessories in this juicy shade of orange are an inspired choice for beach getaways, making for a stunning standout on sun-kissed skin. Even those who shun the sun can pull off this color by wearing a little bronzer and a pink lip. Sink your teeth into a nectarine-hued swimsuit, tank top—or, for maximum impact, a summer-ready maxi dress.

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Poppy Red

With its orange undertones, poppy red is a rich and vibrant shade of scarlet that is guaranteed to brighten up any wardrobe and complexion. By now you must know that redheads can and should wear red, as should blondes, brunettes and those with jet-black locks. Moms should not shy away from this it shade of the season. In fact, play it bold by stepping out in a chic and sexy dress that’s certain to heat up any room.

Lemon Zest

As tempting as these happy pieces are, this particular shade of citron isn’t easy for everyone to pull off. While it can flatter both dark and light complexions, it can be tricky for Asian and very pale skin tones. But if you fall into the latter category, don’t discard this color just yet. Try a pair of skinny jeans or boyfriend chinos in this shade, or stick to accessories such as this leather tote.

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Monaco Blue

Feeling blue? As luck would have it, two shades straight from the sea are hot this season. The darker of the two, Monaco blue sits somewhere between classic navy and the electric cobalt—a color that's dominated the runways for the past few seasons. This particular brilliant blue is definitely eye candy, and complementary to all complexions. So there’s no reason not to go bold and wear it head to toe or with this fun and flirty frock.

Dusk Blue

Darker than sky, dusk blue still has the softness of a pastel with the depth of cerulean. A perfect pick for blondes and redheads, this less intense azure can also complement darker complexions. But for those who are uncertain, a no-risk way to wear this hue is with a piece that features the color in the details, such as this color-block sweater. Pair it with white jeans for your go-to spring uniform.

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Grayed Jade

A more muted mint green, grayed jade is a subtle but strong pastel that has a slightly retro feel. While sophisticated and chic, this color can be hard to wear for those with both dark and light skin tones—it’s a matter of the mix of hair color and complexion. One fool-proof way to add this hue to your spring repertoire is by choosing a printed piece that includes this cool green. This dress mixes grayed jade with two shades of blue that also happen to be in high demand this season.