Long and lean fashions are forecast for spring

It may be winter, but spring has sprung in the stores.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
It may be January, but retailers already are turning their thoughts to spring.
Stores are clearing out their winter merchandise, and next season's styles are making their way onto shelves. So, what items should you start thinking about adding to your wardrobe?
Style.com, the online home of Vogue and W magazines, has picked 10 key pieces a woman's wardrobe shouldn't be without this spring:
Wide belt: Mastering spring's new proportions is a cinch with a wide belt, be it in sexy red vernis or soft velvet.
Babydoll dress: Head back in time with a '60s-style babydoll dress; an instant way to turn heads.
Cuffed shorts: Teamed with a cropped jacket or a button-down and vest, they go way beyond weekend wear.
Super lean pants: Spring's must-have pants are strictly tailored, super lean and slashed just north of the ankles.
Wedge heels: With hemlines scaling new heights, it's only fashionable that wedge heels follow.
Chunky-heeled platforms: Sleek stilettos have been replaced by these styles, a perfect match for spring's no-frills silhouette.
Anything nude: It's the non-color of the season, occasionally paired with black for after-dark appeal.
Nauticals: Nothing says spring like blue-and-white sailor stripes and bold brass buttons.
Small bags: This spring marks the return of sleek handbags and the exit of luggage disguised as handbags.
Extra-large tote: While handbags will be smaller, an extra-large tote is the season's other essential accessory.
And the top three trends for 2006, according to Missy Tuber-Davis, fashion director for ActiveEndeavors.com?
Jersey dresses: Long, printed and worn with everything from Havaiana flip-flops to stiletto heels.
Short shorts: Jessica Simpson kicked off the short-shorts trend at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, making them appropriate for evening or day. Short shorts should be worn by those with long legs and complemented with feminine peasant tops or layered tanks. The hottest pair are the Johnson brand shorts worn by Simpson in her trend-defining moment.
Peg leg jeans: Also for those with long legs, tapered jeans tucked into slouchy boots achieves Sienna Miller's bohemian chic look. To channel Kate Moss, wear with dainty flats. Goldsign and Ernest Sewn labels offer updated "skinny" jeans.