Cover Photo by Tanya Wright

Many women may have thoughts such as, “Does this look OK?” or “Is this so last year?” So before pulling on those black leggings, or pairing that really hot pair of jeans with a plain white T-shirt, consider what’s happening in fashion this spring.

“Bold colors are so hot right now,” said Terry Lake of Prodigy, a hip boutique located at 536 N. Thompson Lane in The Oaks Shopping Center.

“Neon colors like fuchsia, green and yellow are the biggest trend going right now.”

There are many ways to incorporate these vibrant colors into a wardrobe, said Lake.

“Bold colors are hot for bags right now too,” he said. “And along with color for bags, big for bags is also very in.”

These lively colors seem to be popping up just about everywhere; they are also being incorporated into patterns. Lake also added that loud, retro prints are it for spring. For example, in the March issue of Self magazine, bold, oversized florals are among the upcoming trends for warmer-weather outfits.

Another boutique, Sugaree’s, 122 South Maple St., is another good place to uncover a spring find.

“My theory on jeans is that we all pretty much live in them,” said Staci Higdon, owner of Sugaree’s.

Those skinny jeans are still in for women, but don’t worry, because as Higdon told it, there are jeans out there for everyone.

“High-waist, cuffed, skinny, low-rise, there are so many options now,” she said. “But what is really a hit is the trouser jean.”

Rachel Craig, a business and fashion major at MTSU, also gave some guidance regarding what’s appealing to the masses for the warmer months.

“This year the lightweight dresses are fabulous,” she said. “The sweetheart necklines accentuate the bust and present something fun and flirty.” Even though the spring weather is not always at its warmest, that doesn’t mean that mixing winter and summer pieces equals a spring outfit, though.

“It drives me nuts to see people wearing Ugg boots with shorts in 80-degree weather,” Craig said, without hesitation.

However, some shoes that would be appropriate to wear with those cute shorts would have to be casual footwear, she said.

“Sperry boat shoes and Rainbow brand sandals continue to be a big hit on campus,” she said, referring to the versatile Sperries that tie in the front and offer good support, and the Rainbow flip-flops in a variety of styles. Craig added that flats are also on the radar.

“Vibrant-color and animal-print flats are very popular,” she said. “Wedges are also a great choice for more casual events.”

Another way to pump up that outfit would be to add some of the season’s cutest accessories.

“Jewel-colored bangles or bracelets are such a cute style,” Higdon said. “Gold is also still very prevalent in jewelry.”

Not everything can create a fashion statement, though, and just because a piece is trendy doesn’t necessarily mean it looks good. A little caution when it comes to trends goes a long way because fads don’t go on forever.

“The look of the bigger tops that look like maternity gear that are worn with leggings are slowing down,” Lake said. “We are focusing more on form-fitting tops and dresses, the more body-conscious stuff.”

With the weather and the trends heating up, it’s a perfect time to update a dormant wardrobe. And with Murfreesboro offering more options for shopping than ever before, there’s really no excuse not to make a fashion-forward move.