There may be many bold colors to choose from, but there’s even more ways to incorporate them into your look. Instead of the predictable graphic prints of seasons past, try one of spring’s biggest trends: colorblocking. Mix high-impact separates in different hues to wow on the street. If that sounds too loud for your taste,  just incorporate color with small accents like a skinny belt, cross-body bag and nail polish. Minimal classics and monochromatic whites are an immaculate backdrop for pops of color. Or, for the disco queens out there, embrace the 70’s revival with glittery, silky fabrics paired with gold accessories.

Whichever style resonates with you, don’t be intimated by vibrant hues. They have the innate power to bring excitement, life and playfulness into your look. To do just that, check out some of our favorite fashion pick-me-ups below (clockwise from left):

1. Lavin Summer 2011 satin gown in poppy
2. American Apparel “Manilla” nail polish ($6; American Apparel)
3. Nixon “Marmalade Marble Vega” watch ($60; Nixon)
4. Jil Sander long pleated skirt ($895; Neiman Marcus)
5. Rebecca Minkoff “Grape Studded Rockette” bag ($150; Gavin; 1939 Central Street, Evanston)
6. Issa halter gown ($714; shopbop.com)
7. Rag & Bone cobalt denim legging ($185; Intermix)
8. Logan blue metallic platform sandals ($160; Topshop)
9. Petit Bateau yellow raincoat ($144; Penelope’s, 1913 W Division Street)
10. Asos lime belt ($14, asos.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Lavin, American Apparel, Nixon, Neiman Marcus, Gavin, shopbop.com, Intermix, Topshop, Penelope’s and asos.com

Cure a case of cabin fever with the items below (from left):

1. Kensie “Nomad” shawl cardigan ($78; Nordstrom)
2. Chunky knit scarf ($60; Topshop)
3. K.Amato wood and gold leaf ring ($30. K.Amato; 1229 W Diversey Avenue)
4. Steven Alan plaid dress ($248)
5. “Everest Overnight” bag ($395; Rag & Bone)
6. Minnetonka fringe moccasins ($88; J.Crew)
7. Hue tweed cable-knit socks ($14; Bare Necessities)
8. Patterned beret ($36; Penelope’s; 1913 W Division Street)
9. Staring at Stars faux fur vest ($98; Urban Outfitters)

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Kensie, Topshop, K.Amato, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, J.Crew, Penelope’s and Urban Outfitters

With the onslaught of choices, you can stretch your imagination far and wide when selecting your new shorts and creating outfits around them. Try a sweatpant version with funky heels or a short with an unconventional animal print and a contrasting patterned top. As always, there’s a plethora of denim to choose from, but update your jean shorts by opting for high-waisted short shorts or a looser boyfriend cut. Some unexpected styles, like biker shorts, pleated versions, and skorts, are reemerging on the scene as well. Don a lacey biker short with an oversized denim shirt, or channel Chloé with a leather pair and nude silk blouse. Drapey skorts and balloon shorts are comfy and romantic, and paper bag shapes balance body con tops. A silky, lingerie-inspired tap short can soften the masculinity of structural pairings, like a boyfriend blazer. For a bold, party-perfect short, rock a metallic style that screams individuality.

Regardless of your budget, body type or personal style, there’s shorts out there with your name all over them. Approach this season as an opportunity to reinvent how you wear this summer staple.

1. Elise Overland leather shorts ($736; forwardforward.com)
2. What Goes Around Comes Around boyfriend shorts ($183; piperlime.com)
3. Beholic bloomer bamboo shorts ($148; Free People)
4. Topshop lace cycling shorts ($20; Topshop)
5. Alexander Wang striped apron skort ($425; Barneys)
6. Kimchi silky lace tap shorts ($28; Urban Outfitters)
7. Rift Valley shorts with giraffe print ($98; Anthropologie)
8. Cheap Monday high-waisted shorts ($55; Penelope’s; 1913 W Division Street)
9. 3.1 Philip Lim lamé harem shorts ($380; net-a-porter.com)
10. Monrow vintage long shorts ($88; Intermix)
11. Thakoon sequin crepe shorts ($1,349; theoutnet.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of forwardforward.com, piperlime.com, Free People, Topshop, Barneys, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Penelope’s, net-a-porter.com, Intermix, and theoutnet.com

SALES

Habit: Best Sale Ever (1951 W Division Street)
Thru 1/31, stop by for 20% to 50% off select clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Eclectica 20% Off Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru the end of January, take 20% off new arrivals, custom orders, and already reduced prices.

Ragstock: 25% Off an Item (812 W Belmont Avenue; 1433 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Thru 1/31, take 25% off one regular-priced item with coupon to use in-store.

Free Tote Bag from A’GACI (107 S State Street)
On the corner of State and Congress, the A’GACI street team will hand out flyers to customers, inviting them to stop in the store to receive a complimentary tote bag (no purchase necessary)! The street team will be out from 1/27 thru 2/3.

Beta Boutique’s Semi-Annual Stacked Rack Sample Sale (233 W Huron Street)
For 2 days only, Beta Boutique will be filling a brand new off-site space with racks of the best designer stock at 40-90% off retail prices. Hours: 10am-6pm (1/30), 12-5pm (1/31).

Penelope’s Winter Sale (1913 W Division Street)
Penelope’s is currently having their winter sale! Stop by the store or log on to enjoy 20% to 60% off fall and winter clothing. They only do this twice a year, so now is the time!

Veruca Salt’s Sale (1921 N Damen Avenue; 520 N Kingsbury)
Thru the end of the month, save 50% off a first item, 60% off a second item, and 70% off a third item on all selected sale merchandise (in-store only)!

Maria Pinto 70% off Sale (135 N Jefferson Street)
70% off sale going on thru the end of the month (on select merchandise only; not applicable to other offers).

Ultimo Liquidation Sale (116 E Oak Street)
After 40 years in business, Ultimo is closing its doors. Thru 2/7, take an extra 50% off everything when you purchase online. Use coupon code: FINAL.

Fix Boutique: Shoe Drive & Sale (1101 W Fulton Market)
Fix will now carry men’s and women’s designer shoes! Thru 2/1, customers who donate a pair of gently used shoes to the store will receive 20% off any shoe purchase. The donated shoes will be given to Soles4Souls.

EVENTS

Eric Daman Book Signing at Swarovski (540 N Michigan Avenue)
This Saturday from 3-4:30pm, meet “Gossip Girl” stylist, Eric Daman, as he signs copies of his new book, You Know You Want It: Style-Inspiration-Confidence. Eric will also offer insider styling tips. The first 100 guests will receive a signed copy of the book.

Destination Capri: A Chicago Fashion Brunch at TOCCO (1266 N Milwaukee Avenue)
This Saturday from 11am to 4pm, Daniel Bruce & Jon Akira are inviting you to Chicago Fashion Brunch, which will exhibit clothing from Akira and tastes from the exotic coast of Italy. RSVP by calling Daniel at 917-583-1538 or emailing rsvp.fashionbrunch@gmail.com.

Get more info about these events.

*Take us shopping with you! Check out our Shopping District Maps on your iPhone!

FASHION EVENTS

Avant Bride NYC Trunk Show at The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Avenue)
Ellen Hunter, chief accessories designer of this Manhattan-based wedding line, will be making an exclusive Chicago appearance. Preview the collection on 1/22 (4-7pm), 1/23 (11am-5pm), and 1/24 (12pm-4pm).

Anthropologie Opens in Block 37 Today! (108 N State Street)

SALES

Isabella Fine Lingerie’s Sale (840 W Armitage Avenue)
Isabella Fine Lingerie is offering an additional 50% off selected sale merchandise until 1/22 (in-store only).

Florodora Scandal Sale (330 S Dearborn Street)
Thru 2/13, stop by Florodora to take advantage of their Scandal Sale! All clothing is 35-75% off! Designers include Lara Miller, Twinkle, Lia Molly, & many more.

Le Dress Sale (1741 W Division Street)
Le Dress is offering 40% off from 11am to 1pm, and the discount goes down from there, so stop by early and take advantage!

Eskell Sale (1509 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Eskell has teamed up with Lucky magazine to offer 40% off items bought online! Use code LUCKYWEEK2 thru 1/25.

Krista K: The Shop Around the Clock Sale (3458/3530 N Southport Avenue)
From 8am to 6pm, take major discounts on already reduced merchandise. Discount amounts change each hour.

Habit: Best Sale Ever (1951 W Division Street)
Join Habit for their best sale ever! Thru 1/31, stop by for 20% to 50% off select clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Beta Boutique: Pre-Stacked Rack Sale (2016 W Concord Place)
Thru 1/24, spend $100+ and receive 20% off your entire purchase, or spend $300+ and receive 30% off.

The Conscientious Luxe Winter Sample Sale at The Great Taste Cafe (355 E Grand Avenue – in the Holmes Center)
From 1pm to 5pm, stop by and take advantage of amazing sales from some of Chicago’s top eco-fashion and jewelry designers.

SHE Save Haiti Relief Fund at SHE Boutique (483 Central Avenue – Highland Park)
Help Haiti while you shop. SHE will donate 10% of the purchase price of non-sale items, and then match an additional 10%, totaling 20% of the purchase price. Use code SAVEHAITI.

Penelope’s Winter Sale (1913 W Division Street)
Penelope’s is currently having their winter sale! Stop by the store or log on to enjoy 20% to 60% off fall and winter clothing. They only do this twice a year!

Veruca Salt’s Sale (1921 N Damen Avenue; 520 N Kingsbury)
Veruca Salt has made their sale better! Now thru the end of the month, save 50% off a first item, 60% off a second item, and 70% off a third item on all selected sale merchandise (in-store only)!

Maria Pinto 70% off Sale (135 N Jefferson Street)
A 70% off sale is going on now thru the end of the month (on select merchandise only; not applicable to other offers).

Eclectica 20% Off Sale (1006 W Armitage Avenue)
Thru the end of January, Eclectica is having a big sale! Take 20% off new arrivals, custom orders, and already reduced prices.

More details

Image by Chelcie S Porter