First Look At Spring

Spring 2004 arrives as lushly assorted as a mixed bouquet. A bevy of ideas blossomed on the catwalks as designers presented everything from sharp-edged man-tailored pantsuits with uniform or military influences to soft, feminine floral-printed dresses and flippy skirts in shorter lengths. Designers continued to draw inspiration from eras gone by, especially the eighties, by slashing, shirring and draping fabrics, exposing the shoulder and reviving the dolman sleeve. Chiffon reigns as spring's most feminine fabric, while matte jersey rules as its sexiest and most versatile.

Black and white clearly dominate spring's color palette. Whether it's worn separately or combined, coated with sequins, popped with red or jazzed up in prints, this classic color duo looks clean and modern after seasons of brilliant color. Prints continue to command attention with fresh florals, darling dots, sensuous stripes and graphic geometrics adding whimsy and flair to the spring lineup.

Topping the season's must-have list are dresses, which range from flowing and flirty to wickedly wrapped. Lace, brilliant beading and metallic fabrics further define spring's dress code, while shorter lengths turn up the sizzle factor. As hemlines rise, shorts regain their prominence as a spring staple and look newest when paired with a matching jacket. Worn with flats for daytime chic and heels for evening glamour, the look provides a fresh alternative to the suit.

Belts are the accessory of the season. Whether wide and wrapped around the waist, narrow and slung low on the hip, in leather or suede with bejeweled buckles or chain-linked with dangling charms, belts are hip and happening. Larger handbags with tote or luggagelike influences are the new carryalls of choice, and stilettos still rock as the season's sexiest shoe, this time sassed up with ankle ties, straps or bands. Meanwhile, wedge-shaped heels take on new patterns and textures that have a retro vibe. As for jewelry, it is becoming bigger and bolder through the continued use of ethnic-inspired beads, semiprecious stones, pearls (in all colors) and gold. And those silk flowers that just keep sprouting up all over the fashion landscape are simply delightful. Ahhh ... spring is in the air! Can you feel it?