Low on Colour, High on Style

After a dark and dreary winter, there's one thing that most people look forward to when Spring rolls around: bright, mood-enhancing colours.

However, this Spring will see many fashionistas in neutral tones and muted colours as this is a hot trend for the upcoming season.

Nude, grey, brown, khaki and other similar tones and colours were featured prominently at various Spring 2010 runway shows such as Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Celine and Balmain (below).

photos courtesy style.com

The trend has been dubbed utilitarian chic and is seen by some as a statement in response to the current economic state of the world.

According to designer Phillip Lim, "The utilitarian cycle is at a time when we are living in survival mode in terms of the economy."

Many individuals who can afford to be flashy and flaunt their ability to afford frills are now taking a more minimal approach to fashion, perhaps out of respect for those who can't.

This may or may not actually be the case but one thing is for certain - what the desaturated looks of the season lack in colour impact, they most certainly make up for in statement-making style.

The utilitarian fashion of 2010 ranges from soft and fluid feminine shapes to sharp and tailored menswear inspired pieces and the hottest trends such as harem pants, safari jackets as well as classic pieces such as the trench and oxford shirts are all being interpreted in an array of neutrals and subdued colours.

When colour is removed from the equation, it really forces you to observe and appreciate the actual design of the garment.

The high street and department stores have wasted no time in adapting the trend and some have even made this look a key feature in their new collections. Below are some of the clothing stores around London displaying their stylish but desaturated Spring looks.

Uniqlo

United Colors of Benetton

Fenwick

Basler

Pinko

Zara

Jigsaw

Of course, there are incredibly fashionable women on the streets of Paris, London and Stockholm, among others, who have interpreted this trend in their own distinctive ways and have been snapped on a number of street-style and fashion blogs.

photos courtesy style.com, blogs.elleuk.com, copenhagenstreetstyle.dk,
easyfashion.blogspot.com, stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se,
vanessajackman.blogspot.com and waynetippets.com

Plenty of stylish celebs have also been spotted at various events in dresses and ensembles which are only one or two shades away from their own skin tones.

Anne Hathaway wore a cream suit with a light brown blouse to announce the Academy Award Nominations 2010, Keri Hilson wore a nude mermaid-hem gown to the Grammy Awards 2010, Drew Barrymore donned an embellished champagne gown at the Golden Globes 2010 and Ginnifer Goodwin wore a light taupe dress to the Calvin Klein Men’s and Women’s Spring 2010 Collections Preview Benefit.

photos courtesy justjared.com and yahoo.com

If you think this trend is for you, take a look at the clothing suggestions below to help you zap the colour but pump up the style in your wardrobes this Spring.