SPRING FASHIONS: VARIETY IS WATCHWORD AS SPRING USHERS IN FASHION

Spring sometimes speaks softly, other times, her statements are more boldly made.

This season, fashions echo such diversity of mood. From ankle-length, flowing dresses emanating romance to crisp classics in vivid colors. Variety is the watchword.

"There should be something for everyone this year," Sandy's Howard of Sandy's.

Little girls sporting bonnets or bows and not-so-little girls in outfits that suit their fancy should find this Easter accommodating to their lively attire. With the holiday falling later on the calendar than usual, florals, frills and lace are less likely to get bit by lingering winter chill.

And florals and frills are as important as ever for the younger set, noted Carol Brazel, a department manager with Children's Bazaar. Added to the fancy florals this year are some "really pretty solids," said Diane Newell, owner of the Hansel and Gretel shop.

When it comes to little girls at heart, this spring brings lots of lace to formal dressing. Sometimes adorned with pearls, always delicate in its intricacy, "lace is coming back," said Michelle Moore of Hecht's.

For those who enjoy longer lengths, there are plenty of styles from which to choose. The long, romantic look in prints, florals and solids will be good this year, Moore said.

Jo Short, general manager of Famous Barr in West Park Mall, too, observes the trend. "Probably our biggest shift is to a lot of soft, long dresses in pastel colors," she said.

Notably, in soft fabrications, Short explained, "we're doing a lot of tone on tone, so you can wear a pink jacket with pink pants and a pink top."

This spring brings a somewhat scaled-down version of last year's soft pant, Howard said. The newer version of the pant isn't quite as full as last year's style. It is closer to a trouser and much easier to wear.

Skirts, too, remain strong and, like dresses, they're appearing in differing lengths and styles.

Hems range from mid-thigh to almost mid-ankle, Short said. "We're not seeing predominately long or short."

Long straight tops over long, straight skirts or worn with short, straight skirts are also a strong look this season, Howard said, adding that sleeveless fashions are on the rise.

But up-to-date styles aren't singularly neutrals and pales. Vivid hues, brights and traditional tones like navy are strong in all age categories.

Coordinating sweaters, too, are appearing in colors and styles ranging from ultra feminine pales to those sporting bolder and brighter designs.

Turquoise and melon are two new colors appearing this spring, Moore said, that are "shown in every category -- sportswear and dresses."

In little girl sizes, "there are fruit prints in everything, from sunsuits to Sunday School dresses," Newell said. Plus, last year's favorite flower, the sunflower, is showing up again this year.

Children's wear sports lots of diversification this year, just like adult women's wear. Clothing can be selected to suit the child's personality, Brazel explained.

For women who enjoy a more tailored look, there is plenty of opportunity for style. Updated versions of coat dressing are big for spring, Short explained, noting that the crisp spectator look -- usually black and white or navy and white -- is always a favorite at Easter.

Spring dressing as a whole is significantly connected with clothing initiatives in the work place, said Donna Miller, senior merchandising manager of J.C. Penney in West Park Mall. "Everything is going more casual .... it's not really a big career year, it's a big casual year," she said, referencing the more casual dress-codes being adopted by many businesses.

The new version of the jumper -- slip dresses with T-shirts -- are popular in short and long lengths and among several age categories. Plus, Miller said, denims, plaids and crinkle fabrics are on the scene.

When it comes to accessories, "hats are still an important accessory for the spring season," Short said.

For people inclined to wear hats, Easter is the big day. When it comes to the enjoyment of any kind of hat, Penney Merchandise Manager Jan Knabe said, "there's not really an age to it ... it's more a flair that the person has."

Casual hats are favorites with the younger set too, Brazel said.

No outfit is complete without the right foot wear. And about shoes, there's no doubt what's hot this spring, according to Dotty Pekarek of Hecht's. "Black patent is going to be number one this spring and summer. It's going to be good for fall, too."

For spring wear, "heels are back," Pekarek said, noting that the favorite style will be the open, strappy look. She added that there is plenty of room for personal preference. Sandals will again be very popular, plus, colored flats will provide the finishing touch for many casual outfits, including the popular walking shorts.