You may be feeling blue during this credit crisis, but perk up your spirits by wearing a powerful shade of purple. Deep or bright purples suggest riches. Let your favorite celebs show you how to wear this passionate color for spring.
By Qianna Smith
“Doubt” actress Viola Davis steps out in stately style at the Women In Film Oscar Nominee Reception. Is it just us, or is she channeling First Lady Michelle Obama? The ¾-length sleeve dress is a classic statement for the veteran actress. Get her first-rate style with this ¾-length sleeve dress, $29.99, delias.com and Braided Belt, $10.99 charlotterusse.com.
First Lady Michelle Obama knows how to dress both affordably and fashionably. Prim, but never prissy, Mrs. Obama dons a timeless plum dress by designer Narciso Rodriguez. Given the First Lady’s passion for purple, we’ve recreated a version of her stately style just for you. Peep this classic pencil skirt, $29-$32, spiegel.com, that is thigh slimming. We’ve paired it with a satin keyhole blouse, $69, ninewest.com, for some extra spunk.
You may have been a layered, bundle of joy this winter, but now you can breathe easy; springtime is all about light, airy fabrics. Fantasia pairs her cool, strapless minidress with another season favorite: metallic peep-toe pumps. Get her wow factor with this Bow Dress, $49.50, delias.com. For extra eye-popping appeal, accessorize with a metallic clutch or stilettos like Hilton Metallic Pump, $42, endless.com.
Sultry starlet Meagan Good pays keen attention to detail in this satiny number worn at the 2nd Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. This spring, it’s the little things that count. Cinched and layered fabric make Good’s choice of a classic silhouette a standout for its timeless appeal. We adore Good’s bedazzled halter straps. Mimic her look with this Knit Halter Dress, $29.80, forever21.com, and dramatic teardrop earrings, $14, ardenb.com.
Actress Joy Bryant is always on the cutting edge of fashion. We love the daring colors and textures she sported at the fall 2009 runway show for Zac Posen. Take a cue from this starlet and mix the seasons. It’s not quite warm enough to go bare. So, transition your winter garb into spring’s best accessories. Bryant paired a cute striped dress with ash-gray stockings and green pumps. Get the look for less: striped dress, $26.99, charlotterusse.com; peep-toe pumps, $59.99, talbot.com; and link necklace, $17.99, targert.com.
Soulful diva Mary J. Blige is a style star who knows how to work what she’s got. The Queen of R&B struts her stuff at the fall 2009 collection for Malandrino, wearing a metallic lilac dress. The side-swept fabric about the waist creates a figure-slimming effect for the songstress. Take a cue from Mary J. with this lavender layered dress, $49.80, spiegel.com.
A cinch waist just might be the most underrated fashion trend of the season. “Great Debaters” star Jurnee Smollet nails the look in a violet number worn at the The 18th Annual Los Angeles Beat the Odds Awards. This dress is perfect for all figures. The silhouette adds the appearance of curves while hiding small imperfections. Perfect your look with this Sleeveless Knit Dress, $11.50, delias.com.
Star Jones celebrates President Obama’s inauguration in a sleek plum-hued ensemble. The dress, which features a simple and long silhouette, is a wardrobe essential: the perfect outfit that can be taken from day into night. We fell in love with this less expensive version of the Silk Cashmere Knit Dress, $59-$64, spiegel.com.
Spring is all about experimenting with color. So, don’t be afraid to steer away from the norm. Add some spice into your seasonal wardrobe like Melanie Brown. The singer/actress glows in a metallic pewter one-strap minidress worn at the Hollywood premiere of “Only in a Woman’s World.” Get Mel B’s perfect springtime glow with this Ava Satin Dress, $22.80, forever21.com.
Florals for spring: this may not be the most groundbreaking of ideas, but it certainly has stood the test of time. “Clean House” host Niecy Nash blossoms on the red carpet of the 8th Annual APLA Oscars Viewing Party, wearing a figure-flattering strapless gown. A flowing silhouette and cinched waist is great for accentuating curves above the waist. Follow Nash’s pattern with this floral halter, $79, newportnews.com.
