It’s that refreshing time of the year again CHS, so start packing away those heavy sweatshirts and fuzzy boots, and bring out the shorts and flip-flops. With the flowers of spring starting to blossom, designers are taking risks with new styles using abstract patterns and accessories from the past.

In the Harper’s Bazaar New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 fashion show, designers such as Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren exhibited clothing lines that included invigorating colors of the season such as shades of red, blue and green. As colors change with the leaves on the trees, so do the colors of the clothes on the racks at stores.

“Spring fashion brings brighter colors as the tone is moving away from the darker shades of winter,” senior
Jonae Lloyd said. “This definitely brings on a more cheerful mood.”

Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and DKNY used vertical and horizontal, boldly-striped designs along with thick belts and flashy jewelry. Calvin Klein on the other hand went for a more relaxed and modest collection showing less skin and few colors, displaying a new smart kind of sexy.

“It’s important to remember not to portray the wrong image,” Lloyd said.

Elle fashion magazine displays Marc Jacobs new Spring 2011 RTW Collection, which features a throwback
to the groovy ‘70s with floral and flare with a modern twist. Even the small details such as the hats, statement belts and clutches were like a trip through time back to the groovy decades.

Some may think this change to a new retro theme is too drastic for people off the runway to wear, although
others find it suitable.

“If you are comfortable with taking these fashion risks, then go for it,” senior Rachel Bojarski said.

According to a March article in Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazine, celebrity icons such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Fergie are exhibiting unique styles this spring, showing no fear of disapproval from the public and really letting their individual and diverse colors shine through their distinctive choices in fashion and beauty.

While fashion designers and celebrities determine the style of the season, sometimes they are not the best guide for shopping.

“I don’t really look at fashion magazines because you see cute clothes, but it’s either too expensive or they don’t tell you where to get it,” Bojarski said. “Also, it doesn’t matter who is wearing it; it matters if you like it.”

Forever 21’s spring line this year resembles a flourishing garden – flowers at every corner, even on the jewelry and shoes. Similar to Harper’s Bazaar’s spring show, the Forever 21 clothing this season is a cheerful smile with a dominance of pastel colors.

In contrast, Victoria’s Secret’s Pink spring collection exhibits patterns with more control. The popular store offers teen girls lightweight clothing for the warm weather in new colors and prints, including a series of crop tops in solid shades.

According to Victoria’s Secret’s Pink homepage, the spring break must-haves includes loose short skirts, some lightweight hoodies and multiple dresses and rompers.

Nordstrom’s spring line of 2011 exhibits numerous blazers and denim jackets – being displayed along with casual T-shirts and blouses – in addition to an assortment of sandals and gladiators in colors from crème to bright pink with unique designs. The store also changes into the new season with a large selection of crop and capri jeans.

“I love that Nordstrom is in style and not expensive,” sophomore Morgan Fleming said. “They have great quality of clothes.”

Spring 2011 fashion gives shoppers a variety of options, but advice is always helpful when making those big purchases.

“Don’t buy something unless you absolutely love it,” Bojarski said.

Try something new, feel free to experiment and have fun with new looks this spring – that’s what fashion
is about.