Every season there’s a color that captures the imagination of designers and trendsetters around the world. There are so many worthy tones to consider, I often wonder aloud just how they can put their finger on what the average consumer would radiate toward. It is somewhat like the “chicken and the egg” theory. In other words, do designers tell us what to wear, or do we give designers ideas about what is trending in the style and fashion arena?

While attending the 2012 Spring/Summer fashion shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last fall, there was a color that appeared frequently on runways. It became more apparent to me that people had embraced the concepts when I actually saw people on the street both at home and in NYC wearing this hue. What color was it? Yellow of course!

Yellow has had its share of ups and downs when it comes to style and fashion. One year it’s in and another it’s out, but as always the color has a staying power that matches its sunny disposition. There have even been songs written to honor the color for literally decades, such as “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan in the ‘60’s to Coldplay’s humungous hit “Yellow”, more recently. These popular culture shout outs cement yellow’s status as a fashion “go to” hue!

One of the greatest things about shopping at Goodwill Store & Donation Centers is that the staff painstakingly separates items by color and size, making it easy to find just the right shade, texture and fit for your fashion needs. While I was out doing my weekly rounds at Goodwill stores in my neck of the woods, I selected a few things to illustrate this bright fashion forward color. Any of these items would add a bit of dash to whatever you might wear with them. The thing to always keep in mind is that colors DO NOT have to MATCH! I think that this theory has been proven over and over again. Tones that go together or even have contrast with the color next to them are always the stylish way to go, instead of playing the “matchy-matchy” game!

Of course you may not be wearing an evening gown or a party dress in this shade, like the designers have shown on the runways for spring, but you can access this look with just a few pieces in your wardrobe. Start with a simple blouse or sweater, like these examples I found at Goodwill. The satin blouse with gathered neckline would be perfect to jazz up a dressy skirt. The cable knit sweater top could go easily with jeans or a casual skirt and look fabulous layered with a blouse and jacket for office attire.

To bring the sun into your life in a big way, how about a dress like this knit v-neck that I found on the dress rack? This could be belted with a rough-hewn leather belt and paired with sandals for a casual look, or with a quick change of accessories, made more office appropriate.

Shoes and sandals are certainly a simple way to “pop” this color. These awesome sandals remind me so much of high end designer looks that cost much more than the $4.99 price tag at Goodwill and would be stunning with any spring or summer ensemble. Pumps, like the patent leather ones shown here, are from a picture I took of a front-row guest at a fashion show. The bright yellow works well with anything from dresses to jeans and gives an air of playful fun to whatever you wear.

Need a little break from the winter doldrums? Head to the nearest Goodwill store today and let the “sunshine” brighten your fashion outlook!