Clothing stores have either cleared their racks of winter items or put them on clearance and are now making way for the lighter, brighter and airier clothes of spring. For women, trends in fashion this spring are looking toward vibrant colors and shying away from showing a ton of skin.
Amanda Hubbert, a sales associate at the Fifth Street Public Market’s Melange, said the most popular colors for spring are green, turquoise, pink and yellow, as well as bright multicolored prints. Hubbert and Melange Manager Martha Harbell said styles are coming out of the 1940s, such as the popular empire waist cut for skirts. Other items that take cues from vintage styles are fitted aviator jackets and cardigans.
“Skirts and jeans are getting higher, and the empire waist is very flattering,” Hubbert said. “Clothes will be classier and more glamorous, but still fun.”
Capri pants in different lengths, from the knee to the ankle, will also be popular, said Hubbert and Lemon Juice sales associate Marie Doyle. Doyle added that long-fitted shirts that layer over the waistline of jeans are popular, as are soft and comfortable pieces.
Hot footwear for spring will include strappy sandals with rhinestone detailing, yellow shoes and flip-flops with a little heel, Hubbert said. Doyle said both flats and heels are in, and that metallic colors on shoes will be common.
Large sunglasses that almost take up the whole face, big dangly earrings and bright silk scarves that can be tied around the head or neck are some key accessories for spring.
“The huge sunglasses in a boxy style are big,” Hubbert said. “So much of the stuff we have right now is very Jackie O.”
Other spring trends for women according to Vogue magazine’s Web site are African safari wear such as khaki jackets tied up with leather belts, Greek looks such as sheer and billowing tunics and dresses, lace and crochet-accented peasant tops, cropped tops accessorized with brass buttons and anything in bright white.
Last spring and summer, short, frilly skirts were almost a uniform for girls, but sales associates maintain that the short skirt is definitely out this year, as are Ugg boots. Doyle added that although long, big earrings are still in, those that are of the chandelier style are not.
“I’m so glad the miniskirt is gone,” Hubbert said. “Everything is getting longer and higher.”
Men who want to go boutique shopping are unfortunately out of luck in Eugene — all boutiques in town are for women. But they can still go to the mall or travel up to Portland to look for trendy items. Doyle said striped items, button-up shirts, vintage pieces and distressed denim will be popular for men this spring. Hubbert said polo shirts with checked collars will also be hot.
Doyle pointed out that being fashionable is not just about following every trend.
“You should wear what looks good on you and what’s comfortable, and you will exude confidence,” she said.
Shopping at boutiques such as Melange and Lemon Juice is the best way to find apparel that is in fashion because they receive new items the quickest. But it is still possible to look trendy without emptying your bank account. Hubbert said shoppers can find cute items at Ross and TJ Maxx once in a while, or they can look online for sales on the Web sites of Nordstrom and Neiman
Marcus. Lemon Juice sales associate Erin Griswold said scouting vintage shops is always a possibility.
“You can go to used clothing stores, take older pieces and put them together,” she said.

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