One look at this seasons resort collections will make it immediately clear that the recession depression of last year is definitely out, and bold, rich colors and graphics are in. Naeem Kahn, YSL, Zac Posen and many others incorporated bold, bright floral palettes into their collections.

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can't wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

[caption id="attachment_198327" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_199149" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Nima Taherzadeh"][/caption]

With a new color palette came a more sporty, laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. Thats right, dear readers, were talking about scuba-influenced silhouettes (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

[caption id="attachment_198342" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ"][/caption]

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of matchy/clashy prints). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the emerging must-have that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

[caption id="attachment_198328" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni"][/caption]

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I'd like one in every color, please.

[caption id="attachment_198331" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang "][/caption]

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt - belt it!

[caption id="attachment_198333" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon"][/caption]

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year - and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

[caption id="attachment_198334" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra"][/caption]

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

[caption id="attachment_198335" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu"][/caption]

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

[caption id="attachment_198341" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier"][/caption]

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year - always good staples to have in your closet.

[caption id="attachment_198344" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu"][/caption]

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com