ENERGETIC CITRUS COLORS BURST INTO SPRING FASHION

Kathy Swan modeled a rose-colored, two-piece suit by the St. John Collection.

Fashions are fairly bursting with citrus-hued energy this season in apparel ranging from junior t's to ladies' suitings.

Brights like lime green, which were debuted some months ago, are hot topics as shoppers head to the stores to build or update their warm-weather wardrobes.

Yellow, orange and other eye-catchers like pink, apple red, coral and teal are among the bright spots of this spring's fashion outlook, several local buyers agree.

Likewise, crisp classics in black and white, polka dot coordinates and neutrals continue to be strong, noted Janice Hill, buyer for Hartford's Apparel on South Broadview.

Whether personal style demands an entire outfit of crisp color or just a splash here or there, shoppers will not be disappointed for lack of options.

"You can enhance your wardrobe, make it new by just adding a piece of the color," said Michelle Moore, buyer for Hecht's on Main Street.

"Take a basic suit, anything you have, buy a lime green tank top and you're set for the season, you have a whole new look," said Donna Miller, senior merchandising manager for JCPenney in West Park Mall.

"You can put lime green, really, with any color," Moore said, noting that classic khakis, browns, blacks and navies can get a boost of excitement with a new top or -- also big on the list of this season's fashion do's -- a new scarf.

"Scarves are really popular this year," agreed Susan Fowlkes, manager of Paul Harris in West Park Mall. Long, flowing scarves are being seen, along with scarves that tie around the neck. "Some scarves have a mixture of pastels and brights," she noted.

"The little square neck scarves are to be tied around the neck in a square knot," Lynda Gant, buyer, manager for Sandy's at the Crossroads on Kingshighway.

The scarf accessorizes the new fit of the season, which is more body conscious than in some years.

"Less is more this year," Gant explained, "Everything is more simple."

With many new styles tending to fit closer to the body, fabrications are often featuring a bit of stretch.

For those who may cringe at the thought of body-hugging clothing, no need to panic, Gant assured. "Stretch doesn't necessarily mean it has to fit like a glove, it just means comfort," she said.

"We're all very active, very busy, we want to be comfortable, but we want to look good," she said. A bit of stretch in the fabric provides serviceability, comfort and, happily, no wrinkles at the end of a busy day.

In warm-weather fashions, crisp, easy care fabrics are a top priority among most shoppers, Hill observed, noting that the demand is met this year through a variety of interesting textures.

Hem lengths this year run the gamut. Column, sheath and chemise dresses to shorter dresses paired with the new shorter-length jackets or zipper jackets are fashion pluses, Moore observed.

Coordination is a key feature this season's styles deliver. From shorter jackets to blazers to vests, many styles are available in groupings, or just by their nature, mix and match easily. Versatility is a paramount player in spring and summer options, explained Fowlkes.

Scarves and more form-fitting clothing are not the only reflections of an earlier fashion period. Velour is seeing a revival, and, in junior wear, "fit and flair" jeans are the updated version of a style once called "bell-bottom," Miller explained.

But this time around, the "fit and flair" leg shares the fashion spotlight with the "stove-pipe" leg jean, she said.

Miller noted that when it comes to other casual wear for juniors, shorts are available in lengths of two extremes. Boxer shorts and cargo-pocket shorts paired with novelty tops are favorite looks. Teens have even rediscovered Elmo, the peace sign and flowers.

Accessorizing this spring is fun for women of any age. Belts are thinner this year, and popular silver jewelry may even feature those fabulous citrus colors, Moore said.

No need to shy away from the new colors, she encourages. "Everyone can try any one of these colors and they'll be surprised at how well it looks on them," Moore said.

Wondering what lipstick to pair with lime green? Patty Ball of Hecht's offered this tip: Try a soft beige or frosted apricot.