Taste the Rainbow: The Rainbow Fashion Trend

My elementary school self is LOVING one of the trends of the season – the rainbow trend.  No longer reserved for unicorns and cartoon characters, rainbows and colorful stripes are loved by young and old alike and available in a variety of ways and price points.  You can rock the rainbow without looking like Punky Brewster; treat it like a statement color or leopard print and use it as an accent for your existing wardrobe.  Wear rainbow shoes with a denim shirtdress or a colorful sheath dress.  Switch out your beaded clutch for a lucite rainbow. Slip a rainbow-striped tee under your favorite blazer and pair with denim.  Tie a rainbow scarf to your summer handbag or slip it around your throat with your favorite cotton sundress.  You'll find that incorporating rainbows into your wardrobe can add color and whimsy yet look quite sophisticated.

THE RAINBOW FASHION TREND

rainbow-shaped clutch | rainbow stripe raffia tote | rainbow-trimmed wicker bag | black and rainbow lucite clutch | striped clutch purse | classic rainbow canvas tote

A handbag is a spectacular way to bring color into your wardrobe without a ton of kitsch. From straw bags for beach days to glittery clutches for summer nights, these are some of my favorite rainbow bags currently available at stores.

colorful tassel earrings | rainbow-trimmed hat | rainbow and wicker handbag | candy striped swimsuit | straw hat with colorful pom poms | rainbow beaded earrings | rainbow cup | rainbow threads earrings

A small accessory can make big impact, especially when it's chock full of rainbow hues.  Consider a statement earring in a variety of colors to pump up everything from a linen t-shirt and denim shorts to a favorite sundress and sandals.

Colorful heels | Vans with a rainbow trim | White sneakers with rainbow stripes | Wedge espadrille sandals | Crystal rainbow slides | Rainbow stripe heeled slides | Glittery striped kitten heels | Rainbow beach sandals

A shoe is a great way to incorporate the rainbow fashion trend.  Treat a statement shoe like a solid color and pair with most anything. Yes, a colorful shoe like this can be paired with a pattered dress!  Use the rules of pattern mixing and have at least one color in both patterns, have the patterns be different (stripes with florals for instance), and have one pattern bigger than the other (small polka dots with wide stripes).

grl pwr shirt | rainbow striped knit top | fabulous shirt | ciao shirt | rainbow stripe shirt

My favorite way for incorporating color is with a t-shirt.  With a rainbow or a colorful statement, such shirts can stand on their own with a pair of jeans, shorts, or a breezy cotton skirt.  However, they also do great under a denim jacket or blazer (consider a white jacket to really make the rainbow pop).

off the shoulder dress | wrap top | striped cuff sweater | striped maxi dress | striped skirt | denim jacket (same jacket in straight sizes)

Why not go for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and go bold with your colorful stripes? These pieces make such a statement, you don't have to stress about accessorizing. Keep the look clean with neutrals – white, black, and denim all do a great job of highlighting rainbow colors.