From the March, 1956 Ladies Home Journal, some hope for spring!

"It will be a gay colorful spring - fabric tones are the loveliest ever. Your coat might be a lovely lemon yellow or one of the beautiful new reds - both cheerful colors.
 Your suit could be a heavenly sky blue or a soft turquoise, both so flattering. When you make your own clothes, a costume look is quite simple to plan. 
For instance, a print dress and a coat lined with the print, or a costume of separates with a skirt, matching blouse and short jacket. If you have a slim figure, make a sheath dress, top it with an important short coat." Nora O'Leary who was the pattern Editor of the Journal in 1956 shows off these select Vogue patterns." 
"One of the freshest, newest spring colors is yellow. Our coat is in a crisp pin-point wool worsted. The smooth shoulder extends into push-up sleeves, and pockets are in the front fitting lines. The lining is black-and-white silk surah in a delightful geometric design." Vogue S-4681
"The dress, of the same silk surah, has an easy skirt with front fullness and a flattering tie neckline. We have used shiny black for accent, in both a belt and a pocket-book." Vogue S-4681

"A costume of separates is practical as well as effective. We have chosen a heavy silk with a linen weave in a heavenly shade of blue. The skirt has unpressed pleats front and back; the matching blouse has self facings for detail. The waist length jacket has a high notched collar, covered buttons and two small pockets. The blouse and skirt together give the effect of a one-piece dress. The skirt and jacket could be worn with blouses, or the jacket over a printed silk dress." Vogue 8830
"Both the color and the design of this costume give it a slightly Oriental feeling. The slim turquoise sheath has a high empire line with a surprising neckline, short sleeves. Over it, the red wool coat has a frog closing at the neckline. The coat will go happily through the summer as a topper for your cotton dresses. The dress with white accessories will be a summer favorite." Vogue S-4682