Spring 2026 Color Trends

By Twin Cities Stylist Kathy Banta

It's February. Blah! Tis the season to yearn for Spring. For me, I long to dig in the dirt, tend my flower beds and watch the garden come back to life. I long for the Sunshine, to shed layers and feel the sun's rays and a mello breeze. But, it's February. I must have patience and wait a bit longer as the earth prepares to awaken into colors, scents, textures and sounds.

In the meantime, I am looking ahead to the Spring fashion color trends. One of the ways fashion keeps us coming back to purchase something new and fresh is the ever changing trends of colors. I know it's their gimmick but, I don't mind. I would get bored wearing the same colors ALL. THE. TIME!!! I DO gravitate to those colors that pop on me; chocolate brown, Teal, Hunter green and Red. But, it's those trend colors that bring my basics to life. Here's what's showing up this Spring. Some are fresh ideas and some are some of the same with just a new color name.

Perennial Blue

Phlox

Oe Mary Janes at Evereve

We The Free Palm Springs Pullover at Free People

The Poppy Kick-Flare Pull-On Pants by Maeve at Anthropologie

Pink Glo

Fuchsias

Check It Out Shorts at Free People

Zenergy Double-knit Jacket at Chico's

Lyla Double Buckle Sliders at Boden

Green Glow

One of my favorite ground covers - Creeping Jenny

Design History Short-Sleeve Stitched Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie

Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater at Banana Republic

Sun Dazed Cotton-Linen Striped Pants at Free People

Transformative Teal

Hens and chicks plant

We The Free Breezy Denim Pull-On Jeans at Free People

Scarf - collar Ribbon Silk Blouse

Lava Falls

Red Cone Flowers

The Suede Mini Ring Pouch by Madewell at Nordstrom

Maeve Short-Sleeve Bow Appliqué Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie

Boden Jumpsuit

Acacia

Sun Flowers

Maeve Wool Bomber Jacket at Anthropologie

I'm grateful for the blue sky and the sunshine today. But, I look forward to the melting of the snow and the tuffs of green popping up from the earth. As the colors arrive in nature, don't be afraid to show your colors in your wardrobe too!

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant

Kathy Banta

Fall 2025 Trends

Fall is Fall. It's the season of pulling out those sweaters and layering is comfortable. But, every season has it's trends that the designers influence. Often what's on the runway would not be a look I could easily pull off in my day to day life. But, the trickle-down trends are styles that I most definitely can apply. And...Often, the trends are already in my closet. I just have to pair them or feature them in my outfits.

1. Brown (specifically Truffle Brown)

   There was a good six years that when I would go looking for a brown option in clothing and I couldn't find anything. Brown is so rich. Well, it's back and it's come back strong. We'll be seeing several shades this Fall but, Truffle Brown is the "it" color this season.

Aire Puffer Jacket from Athleta

Faux Leather Jacket by Mango found at Nordstrom

Faux Wrap Dress from Ann Taylor

Parker Stretch Velvet Jacket by Ralph Lauren

found at Neiman Marcus

2. Anything Cat "Leopard" Print

Leopard Print is a classic that never goes out of style but, last year we saw a gentle push in favor of more leopard prints. This Fall, it's no longer a gentle push; it's a full blown shove towards wild cats.

Leopard Cardigan Sweater at WHBM

Burberry

Tuckernuck

Animal Print Satin Bias Slip Skirt at Ann Taylor

Calf Hair belt in Leopard at JCrew

Levi's Trucker Jacket

3. Leather - It's always a favorite of Fall/Winter

   We always love leather in the Fall! Here are some of this season's leather looks and where to find them.

Faux Leather Draped Top at WHBM

L'Agence Vashti Fringed Leather Blazer

Alice + Olivia Chara Vegan Leather Croc Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus

The little Lbd Upcycled Leather dress AS by DF found at Nordstrom

Relaxed Suede Trucker Jacket found at Banana Republic

Christy Moto Jacket Mauritius Leather found at Free People

Studio Collection The Straight Pant in Leather at Ann Taylor

4. Mary-Jane Shoes

   I'm definitely seeing a surge in Mary-Jane style shoes with a twist of personality.

Franco Sarto's shalina Pump

SOREL Revel Ave Mary Jane Loafer

LifeStride Madelyn Mary Jane Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

NeroGiardini Pointed Toe Mary Jane Pump

Donald Pliner Mary Jane Pump

Rothy's The Square Mary Jane

I'm a believer in making investments in Classic Styles that last the test of time and trends. A lot of these pieces are "classic style" and will be items you can wear for years to come. But, I also encourage my clients to splurge on one item a season that is a little more trendy; just to have fun! Fall is my favorite season for style and it feels like it's just getting into the swing of it.

Happy Wardrobing!!

Kathy Banta

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant

Twin Cities Stylist

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Image Consultant

Polish Your Look

From Bathing Suits to Swim Suits

Yesterday, my husband and I rode our tandem bike around the lakes, here in Minneapolis. We've had a lot of rain this Spring and we haven't had very many days that have felt like Summer. But, today was a beautiful hot Summer day.

As we rode around the lakes we "people watched". Some were serious about their jogging, others walked dogs, while mother's, or nannies, were strolling toddlers around in joggers and wagons. Every so often we'd hear a little bell or someone say, "On your left" and a biker would pass us by.

As we took in the sights of Summer, the diversity of the Twin Cities was obvious as we saw mother's at the playgrounds sitting together in their long gowns and hijabs. Others sunbathed on the beaches in bikini tops and thong bottoms. I didn't want to see that much skin yet, the thought of any fabric covering me in this heat gave me a momentary desire to jump in the lake! We peddled on as I pondered the many styles of swim attire.

I recently picked up Marjorie Myers Douglas' book Barefoot on Crane Island. (Crane Island is in Lake Minnetonka.) I haven't read it yet but, I thumbed through it looking at the photos of her family from the 1920s. Their swimsuits from that time period look similar to some of my summer dresses. Over the decades, some of us have become very comfortable in our skin while other's have chose to be much more modest.

In the late1800s to the early 1900s, "swim suits" were not a thing. "Bathing suits" were what women wore to get into the water and cool off. Swimming in their gowns would have been highly unlikely. The fabric weighted down by water and the affect of wearing a net of fabric would have been dangerous. "Bathing suits" were simply for sitting in water and cooling down. They were often made of wool, flannel or linen.

By the late 1920s, knickers were getting shorter, armholes were getting deeper and necklines were getting lower. The concept of wearing an outfit a woman could really swim in had arrived. But, the first women to wear the "tank suits" were often arrested for "indecent exposure."

Some of the boldest changes came in the 1930s. Women had the option of a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit, the latter with halter top or brassier like top options and bottoms in shorts or a skort. Fabrics were changing greatly with the introduction of Lastex, a fabric made with yarn and rubber string, allowing a swimsuit to be more fitted and flexible and wrinkle free. Just think of the drastic change in fabric, and modesty, that took place in those thirty years!

The styles of the swimsuit into the 1950s continued to have a consistent feminine style and were somewhat modest (by today's standards). But, in Europe that was changing.

In 1946 French Designer Jacques Heim introduced the "atome", a more skin baring two-piece swim suit. Not long after, another French Designer, Louis Reard, released his "Bikini". It made a splash revealing much more of a woman's flesh and figure. The United States did not adopt this style as quickly as the European swimmers but, once it made its way to the U.S., the beaches have never been the same.

My mom never allowed two-piece swimsuits growing up with the goal of instilling modesty. It worked. I've never felt comfortable being so exposed. Now, after some years and three children I carry weight around my middle, I have no desire to wear a two-piece still. But, that doesn't mean they are wrong for others. But, to be honest, if you are into style, a bikini can have a limited amount of style. It's exciting to see the trends of swimwear nodding back to more glamourous times of the 1940s and 1950s where the one-piece was not only useful but, it has feminine details.

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SHOPPING

Every woman's body is beautiful in unique measurements. But, it is true that straight thin figures can find swimwear much easier than curvy, fuller figured gals. But, we don't give up, we persist. The goal is to find a swimsuit that is cute, comfortable and you feel confident in. It is possible.

Here are some options to consider. Remember, we always go up a size in swimwear. You haven't gained weight; that's the rule. So, if you wear a size 12 dress, choose a size 14/16 swimsuit.

Brand: Lauren Ralph LaurenWomen's Paisley-Print Ruched One-Piece

Store: Macy's

Price: $155.00 on sale for $93.00

Details: The paisley print and the ruching give a flattering effect to tummies.

Brand:  Anne ColeWomen's Floral Draped-Front Tankini Top

Store: Macy's

Price: $82.00 on sale for $41.00

Details:  The pattern is flattering. The criss-cross effect at ribs hits like an empire-waist. This is just the top which can be mixed with briefs, skort or short bottoms.

Brand: Anne ColePlus Size Denim Dot Surplice-Neck Swim Dress

Store: Macy's

Price: $128.00 on sale for $76.80

Details:  The bold cobalt blue with dots is fun and energetic. The criss-cross effect at ribs hits like an empire-waist, which is flattering to busty and fuller figures. The side ruching/wrap is slimming and the skirt is practical. This is a really cute suit.

Brand: Swimsuits for AllWomen's Lightweight Scoop Neck Blouson Tankini Top

Store: Macy's

Price: $45.99

Details:  Comfortable, casual and cute.

Great to camouflage bellies and busts.

Pair with a brief, skort or shorts.

Brand: Tommy BahamaCoastline Stripe Strapless Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit

Store: Dillard's

Price: $148.00

Details:  The contrasting asymmetrical lines create the affect of a curve at the waistline AND if you have a smaller waistline to hip ratio, it is especially flattering.

Brand: La BlancaFluid Lines Mesh High Neck Midline Bra Swim Top

Store: Dillard's

Price: $89.00 Top, $79.00 Bottom

Details:  Tummy Control bottom, stylish strappy back, sporty style

Brand: Raisins CurveTrendy Plus Topanga Printed Tie-Front Tankini

Store: Macy's

Price: $60.00 on sale $30.00 Top,

$52.00 on sale $31.20 Bottom

Details:  Tummy Control bottom, keyhole back detail with tie, and flattering tie front, empire waist top - I love this one!!

We no longer want bathing suits; we need swimming suits to play and swim in the water. When we live in the state of 10,000 lakes (and many more swimming pools) we don't want to miss out on the fun of Summers in the water.

Wishing you a Swimmingly Happy Summer!

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant and Stylist Kathy Banta

Reach out to me to shop together, or to edit your closet, or to style you for an event.