With the negative degree weather plaguing the Bend, it is somewhat difficult to even contemplate the up- and-coming fashions for this spring. Nonetheless, one shopping spree at the mall will certainly start you thinking about spring attire. Winter is finally coming to an end and it is time to get rid of the heavy wool sweaters and cords in order to make room for the shorts, tanks, and dresses.

For girls, simple elegance with a little bit of brightness will be very popular this spring. Designers such as Banana Republic, GAP, and Abercrombie & Fitch have launched spring lines highlighted by floral patterns and bright colors, with pinks and sky blues at the top of the charts.

Girls, get ready to show some leg this spring too. Minis are coming back into style, but some designers may have become a little too scissor-happy when cutting the length of the skirts.

This spring, one must be careful when distinguishing between what is considered an appropriate mini and one that is a bit too small to be considered tasteful and presentable. The new styles on sale at Abercrombie & Fitch as well as Hollister are shorts and skirts that are incredibly too short to be considered appropriate.

The mini skirts can be worn with the typical boots and high sock, but for this spring, strappy sandals along with the mini is a big hit. Also, flat sandals, preferably flip flops are considered to be an cute addition to complete a fun and simplistic outfit. To dress the mini up a bit, bare legs with high heels is a fun, yet classy way to hit the town. Since the mini leaves so much to the imgination, with a little bit of creativity, any type of shoe can make it fun and still look cute at the same time.

If the mini style isn't your thing, longer, printed dresses are not only popular again, but they look great during the day or for nightly activities.

To add a little excitement to the nightwear, lace skirts, sequined, satin camisoles and small clutch purses make the outfit all the more alluring. Although the typical Notre Dame student avoids the dressier attire for the night life on campus, this spring should bring in a lot of simple dresses that will be suitable even for the Notre Dame girls. And don't be afraidd to get alittle more dressed up on your spring break. Spring break should be a time to let your hair down and have a good time, so those nw dresses that you are too afraid to wear at ND will be perfect for your spring break endeavors.

Of course, if you hate wearing dresses, the sporty trend is in full effect once again this spring, bringing chic athletic outfits by Nike, Puma and Juicy to the Notre Dame campus in some of spring's hottest colors. Colorful, sporty, backless tennis shoes designed by companies like Puma will dominate the sidewalks by day, along with flip flops in every color of the rainbow. Not only is the sporty look a big hit this season, but it adds so much comfort that it is not to be forgotten. Many stars have decided to resort to the comfort of their sporty suits, yet still managed to look chic while doing so.

As for other footwear fashion, stepping out this spring in stone-studded sandals is a must if you want to be in style. When in the office, pointed shoes with high ankle straps will click along the office floors, similar to those worn by Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing and Katie Couric.

Another great accessory trend this season is the introduction of natural stones into the spring jewelry. Rose quartz necklaces, earrings and rings dominated the fashion runways, and this accessory complements perfectly with the trend of pink clothes this season. Mother of pearl shell necklaces are also extremely popular, especially when they are formed into flowers or other geometric shapes. The beauty of these necklaces is that they complement any outfit because they are a neutral accessory that can reflect the color of your shirt.

If you don't like the natural stones for jewelry, simple silver necklaces are also popular for the spring, with unique silver pieces dangling from the necklace. The classics are always popular, so if you don't want to splurge on new accessories, just remember that jewelry is timeless.

To complete your new spring attire, make up this season will again return to a more natural and less dramatic look.

Eyeliner will stray from the basic browns and blacks to eggplants, blues and fudge tones.

In order to give cheeks a fresh look, highlight the cheek bones by applying blush that is a shade or two lighter, and then use pale, natural pink lipsticks and shimmery glosses to give the ultimate spring chic look.

So enough about girl's fashion. Guys are going to see some new relaxed looks for spring too. For all of you guys out there in need of a fashion makeover though, your best bet is to take a girl with you to help out. Nonetheless, if you can't find a girl to head to the mall with you, just abide by the following style hints for the spring season.

The trendy look for guys this season, which can be found at stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and American Eagle, is vintage cargo shorts or pants. Most of the cargos in the stores this spring sport the wrinkled, worn and baggy pockets, which express the relaxed feeling of men's spring 2003 fashion.

As far as shorts are concerned, one big style change seen this season will be the elimination of the extreme lengths. The majority of the shorts will hit right at the knee, with only a few styles hitting below the knee. If you like the longer short, your best bet is to look in stores like Abercrombie and American Eagle.

Continuing along the relaxed theme are vintage button down shirts with ringer tees worn underneath to give the layered look.

Some stores will even be selling some Hawaiian and other large floral prints for the spring break season. However, there is no doubt that these shirts won't be as popular for the upcoming summer months as they were last year.

Baseball tees are also a huge trend this season, with both long sleeved and three quarter length sleeved versions appearing in many of the stores. Perhaps the biggest trend in long sleeved shirts this season is the rugby shirt, which can be matched with jeans or with cargo pants for the perfect relaxed, collegiate look.

The rugby is a great shirt for the transition from spring into summer, and its popularity will dominate all the way into the fall season. Pair the rugby with a baseball hat and this get up should definitely turn a few girls heads.

On the other hand, the biggest fashion faux pas this season has to be the ribbed tanks that were popular last year. In other words, guys, don't wear tanks unless you're playing sports!

If your style leans more towards preppy clothes than the worn and relaxed look, Banana Republic and GAP are introducing flat front cotton pants with a bit of stretch to avoid the wrinkled, vintage look of Abercrombie and Fith and Hollister.

With these casual pants, stretch button downs combined with stretch crew T-shirts underneath complete this classic look.

Nonetheless, the biggest trends this season undoubtedly will be seen in men's shoes. Just like last season, flip flops will dominate the warm spring months, with Reef showing both two-toned solid and striped prints as the popular styles for spring.

For a more classic look, square toed shoes are still trendy, while for the relaxed look, bowling shoes and retro tennis shoes made by companies like Adidas and Puma will flood the sidewalks.

Ultimately, no matter what fashion style you like, nothing wears as well as confidence. So pick out the clothes that you like and that represent who you are. If you follow this one simple rule and the style hints above, you will no doubt look great this spring season.

Contact Emily Howald at Howald.2@nd.edu and

Brin Anderson at Anderson.159@nd.edu

• Bring in the spring fashions