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Put a spring in your step with this season's trends

Break out the bold colors and beat winter's chill.

By Justin Whaley

Published Feb. 26, 2010

Spring is sneaking upon us, and it's about damn time. Trees will start blooming and grass will turn from lovely brown to a much more welcoming green. We can finally mosey out from our winter funk and embrace the outdoors once again.

Wanting to catch the attention of a divine femme fatale? Wear bold prints and bright colors, and utilize classically modernized accessories. Do that, give her your number and a date night could be in your near future.

The Shirt

In the women's wide world of blouses and sexy dresses, it seems as if the statement, "I have nothing to wear," should not exist given the multitude of options for the lucky ladies. Men rarely face as many options yet seem to solve this problem with one solution — the button-front shirt. Spring is a time of warmth and color, not only in nature. Guys, don't shy away from bright colors with prints and contrast. Bold makes the man. A faint floral print, the smallest polka dots or a cool mix of paisley turns the classic button-front into a sartorial statement.

The Pants

Don't want cold legs in the early days of spring? The go-to for most men and women for comfort and edge, jeans save the day. Wear them in a medium or slightly darker wash, or even white. A little bit of destroying can never harm the desired look (although extra ventilation may chill your knees). If colorful socks are your forte, might I suggest rolling your jeans up to mid-ankle? Slip on a pair of brown leather lace-ups or even Clarks desert boots. Show some skin in a modern, sophisticated manner.

The Accessory

Add a beachin' touch to your head, and pick up a straw fedora. It gives a look of artsy-ness and ease and keeps your head from the early spring chill so typical in Missouri. My personal favorite stands as a dark tan fedora with a neutral black band around the top. Throw on this cap in any mix of colors and bands. It's perfect to wear to the beach or during a casual date in the city, though it's not your usual Sinatra or Indy Jones hat. The thin brim is key to modernizing this age-old classic.

The Suit

Whether a formal dinner party or a business-casual day at work is on the agenda, a sharp suit suits the occasion perfectly. If you want to be seen as that guy, the guy men want to be and ladies want to be with, try out a slim-fitting suit in light gray or khaki. Light gray, especially with a slight metallic sheen to it, complements the skin tone and sticks out from the competing colors of black and navy. A blue oxford shirt, your coolest shades and even a knitted tie will send east coast flare from your outfit to your swagger.

Layering

Although layering appears a universal style through the frigid fall and winter months to vivacious spring, the two styles stand apart by one facet: color. Try a polo or a button-front in a bright color. Move over to the world of lightweight sweaters but not one that will cause you to profusely sweat or one that you would wear to an "ugly sweater party." Life is not a film in black and white. Never fear color. A darker shade of blue complements a light turquoise sweater any day, in my book.

Don't hold back your trendy wardrobe choices for spring. Showcase the brawn and creativity you're working with. The best way to embrace the exuberant spring weather is simply to have fun with your wardrobe.