By Laurie Montoya

It happens so quickly.

Perhaps you go away for a week, all bundled up, and return to warmer air, sunny skies and buds sprouting on trees. Time to shed the Uggs and layers of heavy clothing, book yourself a pedicure and show some skin, because spring is here.

This year’s spring fashions feel like a rebirth – with an abundance of color, interesting florals, global influences and dresses galore. In fact, dresses may end up as your new fashion staple (besides accessories) and they’re your best bet for quickly updating your closet. Name a trend and you’ll find it in a dress, from menswear inspirations to electric color to flower power. When it comes right down to it, all you need is a few new dresses, a pair (or two) of new shoes, one fantastic purse, a classy jacket or trenchcoat and you’re set. We’ve picked a bouquet of spring style trends to inspire you:

It’s All About Hue

Rich, pop art color is everywhere: from dresses, tops and jackets to jewelry, shoes and purses. Green, orange, yellow and red are spring’s hot colors, but within the color spectrum some dominant shades are worth noting. Orange is everywhere and you’ll instantly update your look with this crisp orange lady coat at Banana Republic ($168, pictured at right). Marc Jacobs’ quilted Mary purse ($1,095) on Eluxury packs a big color punch in papaya, but you’ll also get a quick and less expensive color infusion with this orange cargo tote ($52) at Francesca’s. The upscale e-tailer Chickdowntown.com has lots of color including this versatile Norma Kamali neon yellow bubble dress ($368) and this exquisite Rodnik green Malenky dress ($810). If your style and budget parameters call for something less pricey and more casual, Banana Republic’s bright cotton short-sleeve sweater dress ($130) in emerald is a fun find or you can check out the rest of their brightly colored stock.

No story on color this spring would be complete without the mention of ombre. The French term means shaded, and the look of ombre is one of any hue that gradually shifts from light to dark. It was obviously an inspiration this season. We found a couple of nice ombre dresses By Alice + Olivia, one on Shopbop, the other on Net-A-Porter. Choose between this sequin ombre dress ($484) or the equally lovely rosette bandeau dress ($300) in silk chiffon. Urban Outfitters has a few sexy and sporty ombre options including this Lux fade to black tunic ($58) available in black/grey or navy/light blue and the silk Lux twilight dress ($78) in purple and white. Both are attractive and attractively priced. The key to dressing with color this spring lies in not overdoing it. Avoid any temptation to dress in head-to-toe red or yellow or bright blue. The idea is to make your statement with one great piece: a purse, pair of shoes, dress or top.

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