Spring Fashion 2004: Back in ... pink?

AC/DC might be "back in black," but fashionistas everywhere are seeing pink this spring.

"Pink is the new black," says Kim Reiter, co-owner of Moxy, 2219 N. Farwell Ave.

Moxy isn't the only store stocking its shelves with pink and its family of "candy colors" that will adorn camisoles, mini skirts, clutches and even hosiery this spring.

"It's all about color -- for men and women," says Jason Meyer, co-owner of Detour, 1300 E. Brady St. "Fashion-forward men are choosing pink, like in a tailored shirt. They're moving away from muted earth tones and into pinks, celery green, deep mandarin orange and electric blue."

But spring 2004 fashion is about more than color -- mix-and-match fabrics and patterns, vintage jeans and Ts, accessories galore and classic, tailored fits made a statement on the runway, and translations are found in many Milwaukee boutiques.

Sharp-dressed men

This year men can ward off chilly spring days with layered looks. For a young, hip version of the trend, try a tailored striped shirt under a vintage T. For a sophisticated angle, pile on a sport coat and zip-neck sweater over a classic linen or cotton shirt.

Menswear also is seeing a return to vintage. Moxy is carrying a line of vintage print rock 'n' roll Ts, while Detour is ringing in the return of vintage jeans. The denim dynasty will be bringing in two styles of limited edition vintage Chip & Pepper men's jeans later this spring (currently only found at Barney's) and vintage Rogans jeans.

"You look at these jeans and think: 'I have to have them,'" says Meyer.

She's a lady

A vintage revival also is finding its way into women's trends this spring. Classic '40s and '50s glamour could be found on the red carpet earlier this year and isn't fading away -- chiffon, Coco Chanel-inspired jackets, rhinestones, clutch purses and full skirts are back with a vengeance.

Maybe the most important spring trend for women is accessories. Scarves, bags, jewelry, hosiery, hats and beyond are a staple of the spring wardrobe. Not looking to drop a bundle on clothes this spring? A few key accessories, such as a colorful Marc Jacobs-inspired cargo-pocket bag, fedora, long earrings, rhinestone broach or novelty hosiery will update a tired look. But don't overdo it.

"It's femininity with an edge," says Stephanie Sherman, co-owner of Lela, 321 N. Broadway, "but some of the trends can be a bit gaudy. Gaudy is only good in small doses."

Aala Reed

Every fashionable man's paradise, Aala Reed, 1320 E. Brady St., is stocked with all of spring's must-haves -- from drawstring linen pants to bright colors. "It's a preppy influence," says co-owner Laura Lutter. "A mix and match of patterns and stripes, but always a tailored fit."

Linen pant by Isda & Co., $125. Green sweater by Paul La Fontaine, $220.
Drawstring cropped linen pants by Gant, $90. White tunic by Gant, $115.
Blue/white striped silk suit by Keith Moor, $185 (pant)/$580 (jacket). White cotton shirt by Hugo Boss, $125.

Detour

Less is more at Detour. Say goodbye to fuss in dressing, and stick to tailored, classic looks, says Meyer. If you're tired of the same old denim, cropped jeans are a great way to revamp a closet staple this spring. For accessories, it's all about the color.

"It's the pop," says Meyer. "The color grabs you."

Men's: Straight-leg jean by Energie, $119. Brown leather belt by Diesel, $29. Light spring sweater by Diesel, $109. Woman's: Light mod print cotton/poplin shirt by Ben Sherman, $69. Cropped A-pocket jeans (limited edition red pocket) by Seven, $145.
Sunglasses by Diesel, $121. Leather wallet by Ben Sherman, $35.
Red sunglasses by Diesel, $49. Cargo pocket bag by Diesel, $54. Pink, striped bucket hat by Ben Sherman, $29.

Lela

The owners of Lela, Carrie Arrouet and Stephanie Sherman, are seeing three main trends emerge this spring -- edgy femininity, vintage looks and mixing it up.

Edgy femininity can be as simple as a mini skirt, a bustier, a satin cummerbund or an off-the-shoulder blouse, while vintage can be achieved in a pinch with a rhinestone broach.

"We're really seeing a mix of colors and textures," says Arrouet. "Jeans with a satin or chiffon blouse, or a fitted T with a full skirt."

Vintage fabric bustier by Sutana, $96. Red hand-knit knickers by Sutana, $358. (This item can be made to your exact size and color specification.)
Asymmetrical black jersey tube dress by Tammy Mars, $120. Silk polka-dot scarf with flower embellishment by Dick & Jayne, $57.
Black eyelet ruffle mini by Hot Sauce, $55. Floral-print, A-line, scallop-edge skirt by Mica, $125.

Miss Groove

"If I have one message this spring, it's 'don't be afraid of color,'" says Pam Flasch, owner of Miss Groove, 1225 E. Brady St. "Pink and orange are huge for spring, and green will continue to be hot through fall."

For Flasch, accessories are the name of the game -- hosiery (novelty, fishnet and/or colored), big, long earrings, newsboy caps, scarves and semi-precious jewelry are top picks.

Pink camouflage tennis flirt skirt by Sanctuary, $79. Sage green top by Muchacha, $60. Pink camisole by Cosabella, $40. Over-the-knee hosiery by Levante, $5.95. White leather bag by Ombu, $110. Shell and biwi pearl necklace by Liza Shtromberg, $120 (matching earring $110). Nine West shoes provided by Sol.
Knit top by Muchacha, $58. Cocoa brown pintuck pant by Sanctuary, $129. Red newsboy cap by San Diego Hat Company, $20. Lucite earrings by Alexia Crawford, $18. Snap Lucite bracelet by Alexia Crawford, $20. Pik-nic bag by Matt & Nat, $58. Franco Sarto shoes provided by Sol.

Moxy

Color also is the name of the game at Moxy, with aqua, pink, yellow and red all taking center stage. All the hot items for women -- trench coats, handbags, fedoras and even earrings -- are made edgy this spring in the candy colors.

Although Reiter says Seven For All Mankind jeans are still a top seller, Seven designers Michael Glasser and Jerome Dahan have created Citizens of Humanity, a new line that hugs and flatters every inch of a woman's body. Top off a pair with a layered top/tank combo from Sweetees, C&C California or Splendid.

Men can't miss with a slim-fit pair of jeans and vintage T, or an embroidered, striped or patterned shirt.

Vintage screen Doors T-shirt by Trunk, $75. Striped woven shirt by 4-You, $49. Jeans by AG Jeans, $165.
V-neck top by Splendid, $38 Red trench coat with white piping by Penguin, $180. Faye jeans by Citizens of Humanity, $125.

Three Graces

Faux fur bolero jackets are flying off the shelves at Three Graces, 1330 E. Brady St., says manager Molly Gebheim. They are a perfect way to flaunt the hot trend of cropped jackets with a longer top underneath.

Denim is best in a light or dark wash; there's no middle ground. And pairing denim with a feminine fabric, like chiffon, is a perfect way to mix-n-match textures this spring. And mixing it up is the name of the game, with florals, pinstripes and polka dots mixing and matching like last year's black and white. Don't be afraid to mix colors, either.

Coffee/pink polka dot dress by BCBG, $210. Pink leather handbag by Hobo International, $175. Pink chiffon scarf by Echo, $18.
Beige lace tank by Kenzie, $46. Pink beaded layered skirt with removable flower scarf (shown on neck) by Hale Bob, $125.
Silk flutter tank by Max Studio, $178. Dark denim jeans by Max Studio, $120. Embroidered scarf with fringe by Adrienne Vittadini, $98. Brown leather clutch by Rina Rich, $52.