Photos by PRIYA SHARMA/Daily Bruin Students Ray
Guevedo and Natalia Velasquez enjoy the
sun and their conversation Monday while sporting bright spring
patterns and traditional denim styles.
By Lisa Klassen
Daily Bruin Reporter Spring has sprung, announcing its presence,
along with the warm weather, with floral prints, new styles, and
cool colors. The bright sun brings out short sleeves, skirts and
pants. This season, capris survive to make a reappearance on the
streets and runways, while fall’s vintage flavor remains part
of the spring fashion parade. Pastels, a traditional favorite for
warm weather, are back again, and rhinestones and glitter still
maintain their appeal. The final verdict for spring fashion has yet
to be delivered, but many students are betting that past fashions
will be just as popular as new spring styles.
Back to the beach When surfing caught on in
Southern California, its style became a mainstay not only on the
beaches, but also in the city. Old and young alike have grown up
with the sun and surf style of L.A. and its beaches. Items like
guayaberra shirts ““ button down shirts with two pockets
““ puka shell necklaces and Hawaiian prints are very popular
with those people who enjoy beach style, though donning beach
attire is nothing new in Southern California. Though many people do
not identify themselves as part of the surfing crowd, they do enjoy
the footwear preferred by those who love the beach.
 Capri pants, like those worn by student Sheila
Bari (left) are still popular clothing items for spring,
as are the sandals and tank top that Jackie Hui
wears. “Sandals are always going to be popular, even though
they change each season,” said Kelli Medina, a fourth-year
political science student.
According to Judette Tobes, a third-year economics and French
student, and a salesperson for Abercrombie and Fitch, sandals are a
hot item for spring. “We sell a lot of flip-flops. The
plastic squishy ones are popular with women, and men like the
leather ones,” she said. Funky takes on traditional sandal
design are popping up in many popular stores. Esprit, for example,
carries flip-flops with wooden and rubber soles, some made of
leather, and even one pair in the shape of a fish, according to
their Web site.
Fun in the sun Some students said
Spring’s warm weather raises both spirits and hem lines. As
the sun lingers in the sky, more people are abandoning
winter’s long sleeves in favor of shorter lengths and
brighter colors. “People are happier and more tan during the
spring,” said Breana Teubner, a third-year anthropology and
English student. “Outfits multiply in the spring. We’re
all more confident about our bodies, so we’re more
comfortable wearing different clothes.” The
Californians’ love of the sun, and the quest for the perfect,
golden tan influence fashion, Teubner said. “Halter tops and
flip-flops are always big in the spring,” said Katy Clark, a
fifth-year history student. “People just want to get
tan.” According to Clark, the glowing complexion gained from
a tan motivates people to try spring’s brighter hues. These
colors include aqua, magenta, and tangerine. This spring, loud
floral and geometric prints are popular, according to students.
“Bright colors are really popular,” said Tobes.
“We have bright capris, polo shirts, sleeveless sweaters, and
halter tops in a lot of different colors,” she said. Purple,
pink and lavender will also be popular, Teubner said. This color
explosion may seem regulated to women’s wear, but Clayton
Canning, a sales supervisor for the Gap, said that there are also
many colors out in the men’s department. “We carry
pique polo shirts for men in 15 different colors,” Canning
said. “We have them for women too.”
Jeans and things Be it winter or spring, jeans
remain a fashion staple. This year, they are showing up as capris
for women and shorts for men. Traditional long jean pants are also
in fashion. “Dark denim is still popular,” Canning
said. “Women love the modern boot cut and men usually buy the
standard or relaxed fit.” For both men and women, khaki
colored shorts, pants, and capris are taking their place next to
jeans in the favorites pile. “Khakis are standard,”
Canning said. “We’ve got light weight khakis for when
it gets hot, too.” Brightly colored and tan denims are
especially popular, as are denim items with metallic accents, like
paint and rhinestones, she said. Dark denim, however, will take a
backseat as lighter colors take the main stage, some students
comment. “This spring, it will be all about color, even with
denim,” Teubner said. “Dark colors from fall will be
replaced by lighter denim, and brighter colors.” Fashionistas
can also look forward to a rebirth of the vintage ’70s looks
introduced in the fall . “I really don’t think much is
going to change from last season,” said Payal Mapara, a
second year undeclared student. “The retro look will still be
in.” Rhinestones and glitter are indeed alive and well,
making appearances on shirts, sunglasses, and bandannas.
Not quite sprung for spring While many enjoy
the colors and styles that rise with the summer sun, others prefer
the darker colors and longer lengths of fall or their own unique
styles. “I don’t like pastels,” said Christopher
Gutierrez, a first-year math student. “I want to see more
people wearing black. I’m a strong opponent of sandals, and
I’m really hoping that khaki shorts and flip-flops will go
away.” There are many students who are not anticipating the
bright colors and pastels that the spring brings each year.
“I really hope that there won’t be any more neon, pink,
or capris,” said Mapara. “I also hope that there
won’t be any more three-fourth length anything.” Tired
of the polyester and gaudiness of the fall’s revival of the
’70s, students like Mapara are looking for something new. As
a statement against Spring’s new looks, some like Jamie
Chang, a second-year undeclared student, stick to their favorite
looks. For her, a change in season does not necessarily mean a
change in wardrobe. “I love red, gray, and black,”
Chang said. “The stuff that’s out now is way too
flowery and girly. I really like big, long coats, even though they
tend to be warm in the summer.” Like others, Chang is a fan
of Converse tennis shoes, a hallmark of the alternative fashion
scene, and vintage sundresses from the ’50s. “I just
bought this neat vintage sundress,” she said. “I like
it much more than the stuff that’s out now.”