Color-coded

It's nearly impossible to ignore the importance of color during these gloomy winter months. A known mood enhancer, the subject of color is so intriguing it even warrants it's own set of psychological studies. Add to this the impact of trends and forecasts and you're left with an interesting and unique subject.

When dissecting spring's top colors it's smart to start with blue. After all it's been said by many color specialists that blue is the most popular color out there. With the 80s trend thriving, not to mention home décor lines like Ralph Lauren and West Elm showcasing the shade for spring, it's not wonder the blue-especially the vibrant, electric tones-is fast proving a season staple.

When looking through the shows I can't help but embrace this shade. In the world of psychology blue is the opposite of red. Where red is fiery and emotionally intense, blue is serene and peaceful. Which is why I can imagine throwing on something like this polka dot beauty by Marc Jacobs after a long week of work. Its simple shape and cheerful pattern is ideal for any Friday night gathering.

On the heels of blue comes yellow. With its sunshine reference and cheerful sensibility, yellow is often referred to as uplifting. We've seen it on the red carpet-most recently by Naomi Watts who wore a buttercup Escada to the Oscars-and also on the runway. And who could forget Biba's s/s 2007 show with it's smattering of lemon yellow. Ciao Bella! Ms. Freud knows how to mix yellow into a palette of rich colors for a fresh and optimistic feel.

Another potential hit for spring is khaki. Often associated with unimaginative co-eds and blasé uniforms, this season it's surprisingly chic. A neutral powerhouse, it's appeared on nearly every spring runway, most notably Reem Acra, BCBG and Lanvin. I suggest viewing the shade as a neutral canvas and then pairing it with bold, bright prints and patterns.

Finally, though not a "color" in exact terms, black is as important in fashion as say, white. Did you know that black denotes authority and power? With nearly every woman owning at least one black suit and dress, this connotation makes a lot of sense. Because in a world where interviews, meetings and cocktail hours run our day-to-day lives, black provides an instantaneous and comfortable option that's both easy and sophisticated.