With fun names like Nectarine, Lemon Zest and Tender Shoots, the most popular fashion colors for the 2013 spring and summer seasons sound more like the menu for an elegant garden party than the colors of a party dress.

This colorful palette offers intriguing combinations in a beautiful mix of dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance.

Click to see the top 10 colors for women's spring and summer fashion on a color wheel and on the runway.

"The expression 'balancing act' is something we all relate to as we strive to find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "The same can be said for fashion as we look for balance between light and bright, classic and new. This season's color palette emphasizes this need for balance, while at the same time allowing for individuality, self-expression and excitement."

The prevalence of green this spring is undeniable. Similar to the many shades in our natural surroundings, this season's greens offer a stunning foreground or the perfect backdrop for all other hues.

The top 10 colors for spring and summer 2013, according to the Pantone Fashion Color Report:

1. Tender Shoots
This vibrant yellow-green is invigorating, active and cheerful.

2. Grayed Jade
This is a subtle, hushed green with a gray undertone that brings about a mood of quiet reflection and repose.

3. Emerald
Sophisticated and lively, this radiant green inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being.

4. African Violet
Quite simply, this is a statement color that brings a touch of intrigue to the palette, as purples often do, and can be incorporated into many unexpected combinations. For example, try pairing it with Poppy Red.

5. Poppy Red
This is a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade of red. Whether it's a knockout dress or a kiss on the lips, every woman's wardrobe and beauty essentials should include this spirited, true red.

6. Nectarine
This bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones provides a tangy burst of flavor.

7. Lemon Zest
A bold yellow, Lemon Zest brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast.

8. Dusk Blue
Signifying the time of day when everything starts to wind down, Dusk Blue offers a calming sense of serenity akin to its green counterpart, Grayed Jade. Both of these colors act as the season's newest neutrals. For an unexpected mix, pair Dusk Blue with the intensity of Nectarine.

9. Linen
A warm neutral, Linen is light and airy, providing a nude-like basic that is a must-have for spring. Try pairing Linen with Grayed Jade or Dusk Blue.

10. Monaco Blue
Monaco Blue is a classic shade that offers both stability and depth to the entire palette. Combine Monaco Blue with Poppy Red and Linen or match Monaco Blue with Emerald for a fresh collegiate look.

A final word: No matter what the designers are showing, you should buy clothes in colors that look good on you. Consider your personal palette: the color of your eyes, hair and skin tone. Find the colors that make your eyes twinkle and give your skin a natural glow.

According to ColorConnections.com, your best colors will not only make you excited about how you look, but also make you look healthy and young. And that is bound to get you compliments!

--From the Editors at Netscape