Think pink, flirty and fun!

By Elizabeth Schuyler, Photos by Jeff Loughlin

If you’re into bright colors and sexy styles – variety and lots of it – you’ll love the spring 2003 fashions. In contrast to the dark colors of winter, this season’s palette of colors offers a rainbow of choices. You can spice things up with blatantly bright pinks, yellows, oranges, and lime greens – or tone them down with soft pastels and earth tones. From the mood altering hues of magenta, turquoise, and taupe, to calming sky-blue, soft rose and champagne, there are lots of ways to revitalize your wardrobe. Spring is all about transition – have fun with it!

This season, it’s all about being sleek, but soft and shapely. You can show off your curves with a pair of trim trousers, hot pants, capris, or curve hugging hipsters that stop at the ankle or mid leg. Other pant styles that will be seen this spring include straight leg, boot leg, wide leg cuts — but across the board, pant styles will be sexy.

Classic denim will be seen everywhere in a wide range of pant looks from the popular cargo design, with pockets sewn on, to embroidered, low-slung bell-bottoms. Innovative additions to denim will also include more zippers and buttons, customized designs, a paler wash, higher waistbands, and coordinating belts.

As hemlines rise with the temperature, spring styles will definitely be sizzling! Since micro-minis are back in stores, you can expect to see lots of leg. But don’t disregard knee length and full-length skirts. You can choose from straight styles or select swingy, tiered skirts in gauzy fabrics to show off your legs. A long flowing skirt might be the right choice for you and knee length denim, linen, or leather skirts with a modest split can create a comfortable, laid back look.

When dressing for special occasions, go backless or strapless when choosing a dress. Combining a paisley or floral design in light colors with satin, lace, or chiffon you’ll definitely complement the budding backdrop of a spring evening. Be on the look out for flirty frocks and simple sundresses, which are sure to make any woman feel pretty. And for the conservative types, the subtly sophisticated two piece suits from Ralph Lauren with nipped waists and curving hips are just the right choice for the office.

Skin-bearing styles are sure to show up everywhere this spring. Don’t forget camisoles, tanks and tees, which will be popular on college campuses as necklines teeter between dangerously low and prudishly high. From drapey tops to off the shoulder cuts, you’ll be styling in the classroom or the club. The new corset strapless style will make you the center of attention! Or throw on a sexy bra top to complement just about anything.

Shed that winter coat and slip into that chic and sleek short leather jacket or a suede trench. Pack away wool turtlenecks and skirts and make way for cashmere. Cashmere is the wool of spring and there will plenty of it out there. Try something new, like crocheted tank tops, vests and shirts.

The accessories for the warmer months are fun and colorful with oversized hoop earrings, sunglasses, and handbags. Since accessories bring the outfit together, stringy belts, stylish shoes, and jewelry can add just the right amount of flair to otherwise routine looks. Be different with a straw hat or a bomber jacket — not together of course, but be creative. Fashion is a statement! What will your spring style say about you?