Crop of colorful styles spring up this season

Classic clothes are updated with subtle feminine touches for spring.
By LAMONT JONES
SCRIPPS HOWARD
When the economy is sagging or the winds of war are blowing, blacks, grays and browns tend to emerge as signature colors and silhouettes are cut more conservatively.
But conventions sometimes change. And this spring and summer, despite both recession and military conflict, American women have a multitude of fashion choices that allow them to project global ideals of freedom, optimism, beauty and grace.
"This spring is all about detail and updating the classics with subtle feminine touches to make you look great and feel comfortable," said Tracy Traver, vice president of Charter Club ready-to-wear.
Colorful choices
As women shake off winter doldrums and move into sun-washed spring and summer days, optimism and even a touch of whimsy energize the colors and fabrics of career wear and evening dress-up apparel. The pinks and blues and greens seen on the abbreviated Oscar red-carpet walk were just the first wave as spring progresses into summer.
"This season is all about prints and colors, which I love," said Helene Glick Landman, owner of Capriccio. "People are getting used to color."
There are more key looks for spring than you can shake a mimosa branch at. We picked 10 to tell you all about as you begin a little spring cleaning in your warm-weather wardrobe.
ULotsa lace: At the forefront of feminine looks, it helps keep you cool on sultry summer days and nights.
UPolka dots: When you're out and about, you need to be spotted in spots. Polka dots are large or little on everything from socks and scarves to dresses and tops. Go for a two-color scheme or liven up the landscape in a multicolored piece.
UStripe it rich: Don't draw the line at just one print or pattern. Stripes lend a linear feel to styles of the season, whether a smart pinstriped suit for the office or wide nautical stripes for sportswear. This season, stripes contrast in color and direction.
UTailored suit: It doesn't have to be custom, but it should fit like it. It can be pants (wide-legged or skinny) or a skirt that hits anywhere from mid-thigh to mid-calf. The jacket style is cropped, and a creative lapel or collar takes the suit to a new dimension.
UAll white: Dramatic in its simplicity, white is right in pantsuits and simple dresses. Try coordinates dusted with metallic for a subtle shimmer.
UAsymmetric hems: Bias cuts and handkerchief bottoms give skirts and dresses a retro flair. Just make sure you're wearing the right shoes, since the look has a way of pointing to your feet.
UCargo mania: One of several borrowed-from-the-boys looks, it's casual and comfortable and, under the right circumstances, allows you to leave the purse at home. Beyond pants, designers have created multi-pocket shorts and skirts with other utilitarian design features.
UEmbroidery: Like crochet, it's part of the Americana homespun-revivalist vibe. Multicolored motifs are everywhere, embellishing tops, dresses, handbags and dark denim jeans and jackets. Go simple, such as a design along a blouse sleeve and neckline, or more elaborate with florals.
USpanish influence: Be a sexy senorita in a notched-neckline top, a flouncy skirt with a peasant blouse or an embellished bolero jacket over an evening gown. Go for deep, rich color combinations and exotic embellishments and appliques.
UAsian inspiration: "Look East to find the inspiration behind the hottest look this spring," said Kiersten Geiger, marketing coordinator for The Limited. "Kimono styling Asian prints and Oriental motifs complement the must-have looks of the season. Sheer wrap-style blouses with flowing sleeves and soft necklines are paired with slim, sexy pants."