Warm-weather style is calling for color

If one had to use a single word to sum up this season’s hottest looks, that word would be “color” – plenty of brilliant, eye-catching, mood-brightening color in apparel, shoes and accessories.

The bright selection of seasonal fashion features on-trend pieces with pops of corals, blues, mint-green, red and fuchsia, and all can be balanced with white.

Not sure which color to try? Check out a variety of options at local stores. With the rainbow of styles found on runways this season, here are a few key looks to try:

- Color blocking: Pair colorful hues in complementary shades. Pick up a red silk top and skinny pink-colored denim or pair contrasting shades like an emerald top with a violet maxi skirt for an even bolder style statement.

- Pastels: Not in the mood for brights? Try a subdued hue. Mint green, the season’s hottest color, is available in a variety of silhouettes, including denim shorts, flirty skirts and maxi dresses. Mix mint green tops and white pants with a shoe in a pastel print or pull a pastel cardigan over a neutral dress for a pop of spring.

- Whites: Complement the color trend by adding a touch of white to any outfit for a classically crisp and chic look. Mix pieces with different textures such as eyelet, crochet, pleats or lace for an all-over white ensemble. Try white denim with a coral halter top or accent an outfit with a white tote bag.

- Prints: Florals are hot this season, in feminine dresses, blouses and skirts. Polka dots and stripes top the must-have print lists and can be found on dresses, sky-high wedges, shorts and peasant tops. Boho-inspired prints with lace, embroidery and fringed hemlines come through on tribal-printed maxi dresses and peasant blouses cinched with leather belts.

Accessorize with a pop of color such as with captivating coral bib necklaces and sea-inspired turquoise handbags or color block with a combination of fuchsia pants and cobalt wedges. Not sure about adding so much color to your wardrobe? Here are some tips:

Start out with a small splash: a scarf, a bag or a brightly-colored shoe, to add a splash of color to your outfit. Try wedges with prints, color-blocked heels or even bold ballet flats.

Replace a classic piece with something more colorful, like a fuchsia cropped jacket, or put a turquoise shell under a navy work suit.