Maybe it’s the global recession that’s causing us to look for the sunny side of things. Maybe it’s a fashion cycle come full circle from the happy primary colors of the early 60s. Or maybe designers are just happy this summer. Whatever the cause, wherever you look there are patterns and prints and polka dots and enough gingham to outfit a summer in the Hamptons. So sit back and drink something that makes you smile and let us tell you how to add some playfulness and color to your wardrobe.

Find the skirt that makes you want to twirl in front of the mirror and buy it. This summer you have plenty of choices and depending on fabric and color, you can make a great cheery skirt last well into the fall. The key to the cut is to find the one that flatters your shape the best. A good rule of thumb is if you’re curvy, look for a straighter cut and if you’re less curvy, look at a flowy A-line. And go for bold in either the color or the pattern (but not both). A statement-making color with a repetitive pattern like checks or polka dots can be just the right balance of cheer and poise to make your entrance stand out. But if you find a dramatic print, dial back the color slightly to keep everything balanced. Simplicity trumps everything in this look.

Don’t be scared of pink. It may not be the new black, but for summer, pink is here to stay. The great thing about a popular color is that you get a wide variety of shades to choose from. With all the designers angling for a piece of the this-dress-makes-me-smile market, finding the perfect shade for your skin tone and personality is only a matter of time and perseverance. For a great summer evening look, go for a simple dress in a cheery color. The aforementioned pink can be the perfect compliment to a conservative cut and look for over-sized polka dots or other patterns to keep a playful edge to your ensemble.

Embrace patterns in tops and bottoms. For a fun work look, try a top with horizontal stripes paired with pants with an elongated slimming pattern in the same color family and then tie it all together with a tailored blazer in a bold solid color. The key in this look is keeping the patterns balanced. You want enough of a pattern to be noticed and give contrast, but not so much as to cause distraction or take away from the cohesion of the whole look. For the blazer, muted yellows, dark reds, and brighter-than-navy-but-darker-than-royal blues can be just the right amount of playful to keep you smiling through your work day without steering your look too far out of the workplace.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Wide belts, floppy brimmed hats, chunky bracelets and fun shoes help keep these looks playful. Again, balance is the key. If your prints are large, then your bracelet doesn’t need to be. On the other hand, if your dress is a more conservative hue, some bright shoes can help keep you smiling.

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