Cool Slate Gray and Origami Ruffle Flounce Hoiked Skirt

Salmon Rose

Salmon Rose is an enlivening fashion colour for spring 2009, see how it also conveys an optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is a very pretty colour, flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer glow.

Colour blocking is a growing fashion trend, and this short shift dress far right, blocks three harmonious colours. The result is far less shocking, and much more wearable than some random-mix, high-contrast paint box versions.

Left - New Look Limited Edition shift dress £35, Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.

Easy cut loose Kaftan style tops are the summer's must-have. Note how some of the volume is pulled in either at waist or under the bust creating an empire-line top. Draped off-the-shoulder sleeves give an eighties touch of styling.

Image right :-

Top Right - Cut out with lace braid top £38/€49 from Miss Selfridge Spring Summer 2009 and featuring the delicious salmon rose. Centre model wears a similar shaped Kaftan top from Miss Selfridge, but one covered with every colour of Spring 2009 in a Batik print.

The three other tops are all from Wallis Spring Summer 2009 collection. They show directional lines of the relaxed kimono and Kaftan silhouette in knitwear and tops, a feminine contrast to the long lines of boyfriend cardigans and jackets.

Top Left - Patterned Kaftan top - Wallis Spring Summer 09. Bottom left -Wallis Spring Summer 09 - Metallic fine knit jumper £45/€70. Bottom right - Exotic Tribal Paisley Beaded Blouse £40/€60 - Wallis Spring Summer 09 Paisley beaded blouse.

Cool Slate Gray

Cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral with bluish-green undertones. This neutral is terrific when paired with any of the other nine colours in the Pantone report. Alternatively, you could pair with softer pastels based on dilutions of the colour. It is an expensive looking colour, but check before you buy it that the colour really lifts your skin rather than drags it down.

Left - Warehouse Gloss - Dress £45/€70, Belt £30/€45, Shoes £75/€115.

Near Left - Originals Indria Prom Dress £200/€339 Spring/Summer 2009 - February Monsoon Spring/Summer 2009.

Origami Ruffle Flounce Hoiked Skirt

Softer versions of this gray are shown right in the Valentine outfit available from Harvey Nichols Spring Summer 2009 Collection. Hoik up your skirts girls for the origami ruffle hoiked skirt is top trend style for 2009 fashionistas.

This is an original review of the Pantone Colour Trends Spring Summer 2009 alongside 2009 comparative high street fashion buys and written for www.fashion-era.com © by Pauline Weston Thomas. Some information courtesy of Pantone.