As the weather warms up invitations to spring and summer celebrations begin to arrive in the mail; graduations, showers, weddings and simple get together occasions just because it is warmer outside and the sun’s shining longer.

To make sure you are ready to standout out at these upcoming spring and summer festivities and weekend getaways visit Carmel Plaza in Carmel-By-The-Sea for all the latest in fashion and accessory trends. Both nationally known stores and local boutiques make up Carmel Plaza’s fashion, shoes and accessories selection of over 10 stores such as: Bottega Veneta, Khaki’s Men’s Clothier, Kate Spade and Vineyard Vines.

Below are our 5 favorite trends for the season:

1. Fun Accessories… Especially Scarves!

Image by Kate Spade

Accessories are becoming the star of the show. This season your shoes, purse and scarf are not just completing the outfit they are making the outfit and scarves are especially making a statement this season. Put one in your hair, knotted on your purse handle, tied around your neck… the options almost seem endless.

2. Bold Colors

Image from the Etro Lookbook for Spring. Etro is Available at Madrigal

Spring is the time of year everyone starts to add pops of color back into their wardrobes. This year, don’t just stick to pastels. Go bold and have some fun with mixing bolder, brighter colors and even patterns all into one look.

3. Midi Dresses

Image by Anthropologie

We are seeing more and more women opt for the versatile length of a midi dress and we don’t blame them. This style of dress is appropriate for almost all occasion and in all settings.

4. Block Heels

Image by Cole Haan

Luckily this style is sticking around… Not only is the block heel super stylish but also more comfortable than some shoe trends of the past. We suggest investing in this look because we have a feeling it may be sticking around awhile. Or at least our feet hope so.

5. Basket Bags

Image by Anthropologie

Does anything say spring and summer quite like a picnic on a warm, sunny day? Just carrying a basket bag will give you that delighted feeling… even if you are just heading into the office. The woven purse look is popping up everywhere from daily errands to weddings.

There you have it, 5 ways to stand out this spring and summer. Plus, we even created a whole look for you. Pair your bold colored (maybe even mixed patterned) midi dress with a comfortable and stylish block heel, basket bag and scarf in your hair and you’re all set. We bet people will be asking where you got your look and when they do be sure to send them to Carmel Plaza.