Color Me Softly

Right about now, we’ve had it up to our earmuffs with the cold, gray days of the Chicago winter. We need a little pick-me-up, and a refreshing new palette of spring hues could do the trick. This season, the pastel has been reinvented: Forget the mint greens and light purples better suited for Easter eggs. Delicate pastels — think soft pinks and yellows — are much more sophisticated and romantic. And they look even better when blended with an array of neutral tones, like cream, nude, light gray and slate. In fact, the line between pastels and neutrals will get a bit blurry, an expert says. "Nude, neutrals and soft pastels — these really play off of the romantic and feminine trend for the season," says local style guru and personal shopper Julie Watson (www.juliewatsonstyle.com). "Pale blues, soft pinks and blushes — it's a big color message. Think of makeup colors, not saturated colors ... Soft and pale and nude." Here’s how Macy’s, Marshall’s and other stores are serving up this delicious color combo:

CASUAL MASTERPIECE
Another stunner from Loft: Cropped Trench, $79.50, over the Twist Neck Pullover in Papaya, $39.50, and Floral Printed Shorts, $39.50. Top off the casual masterpiece with the Floral Scarf, $34.50.

WORK WONDER
Marshall’s is offering plenty of pastels and neutrals at affordable prices. Try this outfit, perfect for the workplace: Pink Ruffle blouse, $24.99; Sequin Tank, $29.99; Snakeskin Print Jacket, $39.99; Tuscany Skirt, $29.99.

CORPORAL COUTURE
This spring at Macy’s you’ll find ready-to-wear stunners in neutral colors, such as this simple and sexy military- inspired Kensie Dress, $88.

COLOR KING
Loft (formerly Ann Taylor Loft) takes the cake when it comes to blending pastels with neutrals. Pair this Ruffle Trench, $128, with the Dramatic Ruffle Cap Sleeve Top, $49.50.

FLORAL FORTE
On March 14, Target will launch a playful collection of floral printed clothing from Liberty of London, including this Ruffled Halter Dress in Multicolor Floral Print, $29.99.

ONLINE GALLERY
Pastels and neutrals aren’t the only colors for spring — blues in every shade imaginable and whites are also taking stores by storm. See them at www.suntimes.com/lifestyles