Bold & Bright

Browsing local clothing boutiques is such a happy place right now. The racks are full of colors, patterns, ruffles, texture, and statement-making accessories.

“Everything is in,” said Amy Lyerly, manager at The Wardrobe Boutique in Holly Springs.

And it’s true. Vibrant maxi dresses, printed wide-leg trousers, sleek bodysuits, matching sets, and really good denim — it’s all out there, hand picked by local boutique owners who want nothing more than to help you feel your most confident.

“Embrace what you have, and dress for your body style. You’ll shine when you feel good,” said Mandy Becker, owner of Swagger Boutique, with locations in Cary and Raleigh.

“We love to work with customers on capsule wardrobes or vacation outfits,” said Jodi Stevens, owner of Bless Your Heart Boutique in Holly Springs. “It’s a fun challenge to help mix and match different looks.”

Sydney Jarrell, of The Gatorbug, located in Cary and Raleigh, agreed: “Many people will go into the dressing room once, and if something doesn’t work, they won’t come out and try again,” she said. “We want people to come in and trust us to help them with the right fit and style for their body type.”

Bold Shades

The season’s bold shades — hot pink, Kelly green, bright blue, and lavender — can be worn head-to-toe or in intentional accents. Try a maxi dress or suit separates for all-over color, or statement earrings and head-turning trousers for a slightly toned-down look.

“It adds more interest to the outfit if you don’t match your pops of color,” said Mandy Becker, of Swagger — like these bright blue pants paired with pink statement earrings.

Your Denim HQ

The Wardrobe Boutique recently launched a niche segment inside the colorful shop, called Your Denim HQ.

Owner Kimberly Ward selected popular brands, such as Judy Blue, Just Black Denim, KanCan, and Kut from the Kloth, and included as many style options as she could — crops, flairs, slim, straight, even skirts and skorts. A common factor connects them all: comfort.

“These jeans are all very soft and comfortable. They feel like wearing leggings,” said Ward.

Classic denim gets a fresh coat of color, too. Kimberly Ward, owner of The Wardrobe Boutique, looks easy and breezy in straight-leg lavender jeans paired with a crocheted textured sweater.

“Crochet is in big time,” said Ward. Expect to find crochet sweaters, sleeveless blouses, and even swim coverups.

Sleeve Styles

Sleeve style is a whole thing, ladies. Ruffled sleeves, cap sleeves, puff sleeves, bell sleeves, one sleeve, sleeveless — endless options add fun details and unique proportions.

Bold Color

Bold doesn’t just mean color; exaggerated silhouettes are turning heads, too. Draped one-shoulder dresses look chic and sophisticated. Voluminous skirts and baby doll dresses are flirty and feminine.

More From Our May 2023 Issue

• Bold & Bright
• Worth the Drive: Nil’s and Bellini
• Liquid Assets: Piglette Grisette (4.2%)
• Nonprofit Spotlight: Arts Access
• Shalimar Waffa: An Empathetic Art
• Notable Teens 2023
• Garden Adventurer: Strange Beauty: Pineapple Lilies
• Erica Chats: The Benefits of Daily Doses of Gratitude
• Small Business Spotlight: Gail and Grace Boutique
• On Trend: Permanent Jewelry
• Cary: The Amateur Sports Capital of North Carolina
• Things to Do: May 2023