Spring fashion all about tasteful flashiness

Nameplate necklaces, neon-hued Polos sure to catch eyes of others

As I eat lunch on the commons, there is a familiar sight to be seen. JMU students have mysteriously turned bright red, and some unfortunates even have strange vertical stripes down their backs. The sudden onset of the "crispy chicken" look only can mean two things — tanning salons are making bank and spring fashion is here. Thus, it is time to provide JMU students with my official fashion forecast of the spring's newest looks.

Colors this spring are much brighter than us fashionistas have seen in years. Women's fashion this spring has the most exciting pieces I have seen in a long time. The skirts are anything but straight and boring. Floral patterns are more bright and cheerful than a student passing COB 300.

Hot fabrics this spring are lightweight silks and linens. For suits, buy a tweed jacket in summer colors such as pink or beige. To quickly update your look, invest in a citrus color such as orange, lemon or lime.

Now I know we just got back from Spring Break, but try not to overdo the Jamaican look by wearing too many bright colors at once. If you're going bright on the top, stick to something calm and subtle on the bottom. As for the footsies, painfully pointed shoes are out and comfy, rounded toes are coming back in. Don't throw out all your sharp-toed shoes just yet; instead, add a few round pumps to make your collection more complete.

Accessories have stayed the same since fall, so chandelier earrings are still all the rage. Another new item is actually an oldie from my favorite show, "Sex and the City." Nameplate necklaces were made popular by this show and since its recent end, they are making a comeback from their popularity in the 70s. Pay your respects by getting a gold necklace that states your, or your significant other's, name.

Bottom line, get a cute flowy skirt, some round-toed sandals and a few bright-colored "going out" tops to get ready for the spring.

In keeping pace with the ladies, men's fashion is equally as bright and colorful. An easy and classic way to get this new look is investing in a few classic Ralph Lauren Polo shirts in unexpected colors such as lime, orange and even mauve. Another big trend this spring is the "trucker's paradise" look. Achieving this look is simple and inexpensive — purchase a retro trucker hat in any color, preferably ugly colors that clash horribly such as yellow, brown and dark green. Let's just say the Fashion Boss will be praying for the end of this fad.

However, what defines men's fashion this spring is the all-American, rough-rider look. Think of the Stetson ads where the models look like they've had one too many protein shakes. Perhaps it has been the war in Iraq or our cowboy president, but men's fashion this spring celebrates all things masculine. Get this look by busting out your oldest denims and then add a few rips and tears. Jeans that look beat up and worked out only make women (or men, whichever game you like to play) wonder what you have been doing in them. "Top Gun"-esque aviator jackets or heavily tailored trenches are other popular looks.

Finally, to spice up your professional attire, look for a classic dress shirt with stripes in suprising colors such as purple or orange. Pairing a bright shirt with a classic-colored suit such as gray will balance out your look. Bottom line, investing in a pair of dark -colored jeans and a bright polo shirt will update your wardrobe this spring.