I’m not the most “colorful” person – before my style reawakening, my work wardrobe was full of beiges and grays. But I’m slowly working color back into my repertoire, and the hues from the Spring 2012* runway collections are yummy enough to get me on the trend. Simply put: it’s time for pastels, crisp sorbets and soft palettes of color, compared to the harsh neons and acid brights of the past year.

Gentle color and minimalist lines at 3.1 Philip Lim

Lovely mint green dress from Tibi

Louis Vuitton went “dainty and fragile.”

After so many months of animal print and glitter and extreme color blocking, it’s refreshing to see these soft and relaxed looks – almost as if we’re saying, “I need a break from being fee-yorce.” Plus, these hues are infinitely easier to wear than last year’s eye-searing neons!

How to wear it: “Gentle and relaxed” are your pegs. Pair a soft lilac blouse with a muted beige blazer and the most faded, baby blue denims you own. A pastel dress with a chunky bangle in a complimenting (not matching) tone and nude shoes brings easy chic to the office. Avoid the ‘bridesmaid’ effect by sticking to clean, minimalist lines – say no to ruffles, flounces, extraneous flowers and gathered poofs.

Another color trend that I’m kind of excited to try? Orange!

Cropped orange palazzo pants at Acne

Prada started the whole saturated orange thing for its Spring 2011 show, but the look was paired with equally saturated pinks, geens and yellows. This new orange is more of an accent to liven up a neutral outfit.

How to wear it: Take a cue from Acne and add a dose of orange to a black and white ensemble – not many people can get away with orange palazzo pants though, so maybe an orange tee is the easiest way to do this. Accessories are fair game for an orange infusion: an orange clutch or a pair of orange wedges will liven up any neutral outfit.

Tip: If you have a solid foundation of neutral clothes, it’s easy to incorporate these colors without going nuts trying to match things together. Buy a few accent pieces and they’ll go a long way (and won’t hurt your pocket too.) Most stores are still awash in last year’s “ferocious” prints, but try boutiques like Kamiseta, Kashieca or Freeway, which always have something clean, cute and pastel. Happy hunting!

*These Spring 2012 shows actually happened in October 2011, but the trends are only starting to be pushed now…when it’s still in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, I’m confused too.

All photos from Style.com.

Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).