Fashion: Fall back or spring forward?

With all the 60-degree weather in our area lately and no sign of snow over winter break, you could have sworn spring was already here. But the month of January isn't even over yet and we still have two weeks until the groundhog pops his head out of his hole.

However, in the fashion world, spring is coming up fast. Stores are being stocked with sundresses and bathing suits. Runway shows are happening in all major fashion cities, such as Milan and New York.

"A lot of purple and green shades are in the Spring 2007 line," said Allie Cameron, a sophomore apparel design and merchandising major from Hopkinsville. "That's what the most popular colors are."

ELLE magazine caught on to the Spring 2007 color scheme; they chose a dark wine babydoll dress as the ultimate cocktail dress.

ELLE also added the color mustard to the list of spring's must-have colors.

I couldn't imagine wearing a sweater that shares its color with a condiment, but when fashion calls, I tend to answer.

And fashion is calling for a look that I like to call the vintage bohemian hippie with inspiration from the ELLE Web site.

The vintage part includes big cocktail rings, high-waisted pants, peep toe shoes, tops with a poet's sleeves, corsets and the infamous flapper dress.

The bohemian look is still going.

You can snag this style by investing in shirtdresses, huge hoop earrings, and cork wedge shoes.

Although the disco/hippie era speaks for itself, I'll let you in on a few fashion secrets for this spring.

Grab some babydoll tops, black and white graphic shirts, anything with fringe (but don't overdo it, Pocahontas), and those cute little fabric or embroidered flowers add a little peace and love to your wardrobe.

And to those of you who still love the 80s, your style is still prevalent.

The sleeves are getting puffier, the minidresses are getting tinier and the neon colors are definitely getting brighter.

"I think its cool," Corey Copley, a junior apparel design and merchandising major from Pikeville, said. "I just personally wouldn't overdo it."

So if you would like to be a little fashionable but you despise 80s clothing, then invest in some leggings: the ultimate 80s article of clothing.

"As far as the 80s go," Cameron said, "the leggings under skirts are major."

All you need are some flat riding boots and you'll be set.

But in case winter weather does come our way soon, which the Weather Channel told me it would, certain accessories will help keep you warm and fashionable.

Personally, I think fingerless gloves are hot, but it was hard to find anyone to agree with me.

Oh well, their loss.

About.com gave some suggestions on what to have to hold you over until spring.

Everyone should have a turtleneck, a nice wool coat and a classic white blouse.

"Don't cover up your nice shirts with an ugly jacket," Copley said,. "Plus, you can wear it to church, clubs, anywhere you want. Stay cool with a nice investment."

Also, don't forget, girls, to pull on those tights on especially wintry mornings.

And because we have such good shopping weather, there's no reason not to get out early to shop for spring.

Reach Melissa at
melissa_mollohan@eku.edu