Fashion focus: Put spring in your step (and your wardrobe, too)

By Emily Hamsher
Capital High School

Modest girls everywhere are celebrating this spring season, as the latest fashions feature more classy clothing including flowing summer dresses, Bermuda shorts and longer tees and tanks. Plunging necklines and barely-there minis are no more, as designers focus on a more easy, breezy, feminine look. Also, bright, clean colors are a must to help say goodbye to the dreariness of the winter and hello to the warm, welcoming sunshine.

The number one must-have for females this spring is the dress. Dresses are overflowing on racks and runways, coming in styles appropriate for any body type. Bold, colorful prints and retro style fits will brighten any woman’s mood.

The best thing about the dress is that it is easy and comfortable. Pair it with flip-flops and minimal jewelry, and girls everywhere will be jealous of your carefree, natural look. For evenings out, pair the dress with a wedge heel or a pair of the still-popular ballet flats, and your look becomes more delicate and feminine. Add a strand of pearls and your look is classic.

But many females just do not feel comfortable in skirts and dresses. For tomboys, longer Bermuda shorts are a fresh look this spring and summer. With a cute pair of flats or flip-flops and a bedazzled tank, this relaxed look is still considered cute and fashion forward.

However, while these may be the outfits of choice this spring, they are nothing without the number one must-have for spring 2007: the accessory. Long, layered beads remain a popular trend in necklaces, and a printed handbag really helps set the trend. Gold metallic details are replacing silver, and neutral browns and tans also hit the mark.

And one must never forget that classic pearls are always in style. Pair a pearl necklace with a comfy vintage tee and a colorful pair of Bermuda shorts, and your outfit takes on a whole new look.

Just as girls’ looks have begun to move towards a more preppy, classic look, so have the guys’ looks. Polo shirts and button-down tops remain popular, especially paired with a crisp pair of dark denim jeans or relaxed khaki cargo shorts and a fresh pair of clean white sneakers.

The sneaker is the number one must-have for men this season. Guys are taking over the role of the shoe-obsessed gender by fixating over the latest basketball shoe. Nike’s Air Force 1’s line remains hot, as the shoe comes in a variety of colors and designs.

Boys should avoid heavy metal jewelry and oversized clothes, as the bling and bag is on its way out.

By Jennifer Winkler
George Washington High School

Fabrics

Fabrics for spring are light and flirty. Eyelet is an overwhelming trend this year and is available not only in the usual dresses and tops, but also in shorts, skirts and even handbags. Though usually white, eyelet can be seen in soft shades of lavender and grey this spring. Other feminine fabrics, such as lace and tulle, are also popular fabric choices this season.

Colors

The ever-popular black and white combo is back in full force this season appearing in almost every store and designer’s spring collection. This time, however, the duo is repeatedly spotted in oversized geometric patterns. Bold, floral designs seem most dominant.

Neutral shades of cream and tan also have an overpowering influence in fashion this spring. These colors are well complimented by splashes of bright color — the most popular including yellow, coral and violet.

Accessories

Metallic-toned items are the accessories of the moment. Shimmery tank tops, metallic handbags and brass-colored sandals are sure to be fashion favorites.

The high, clunky wedge is back this season. And while the black legging trend has calmed, shorter, colorful leggings are available now. Clutches are becoming a more popular daytime accessory, and while large handbags are still in style, look for ones with beaded or metallic details.

Tops and pants

Open-neck and off-the-shoulder tops are hot this spring. Unexpected details such as bell sleeves and ruffles are pretty and feminine additions to this season’s shirts.

Jean styles are plentiful this spring. Wide-legged denim is back and looks best with proportionally smaller, tucked-in tops. Skinny jeans have stuck around and are available in a variety of lengths and colors, including true reds, pale pinks and even lavenders. Many pant styles for spring also include pleats.