Stylish suggestions for updating a bland spring wardrobe

What's hot this spring? Hopefully, the weather. While certain Princeton students defiantly ignore below freezing temperatures, flaunting bare feet in the dead of winter, I can only imagine wearing the new season's fashions in the heat for which they were intended.

The most important spring trend is color, according to Amy Hill, Store Manager at Smith Bros. in Princeton, which features clothes from Juicy, Miss Sixty and other such trendy clothing lines. Corals, greens, oranges and floral patterns are defining the look for the next few months. And these colors aren't just for women. Men's wear is showing similar hues, from top to bottom.

Hats are big this season. While the large, floppy straw hat is making a comeback for women. The most popular style, for both men and women, is the crusher hat. It has a circular top extended down for several inches and edged by a small, straight brim that shades your eyes. These hats come in all the beautiful colors of the season and are worn to compliment the rest of your outfit — sometimes, exactly matching the color you are wearing (be careful with this — if you want to avoid looking like walking plaid, only match your hat to your pants or skirt, and leave yourself a little room to break up the color).

Once your head is covered, if the weather really warms up, women might check out the newest addition to the plain old tank top — lace trim — now featured at the Gap in basic colors for spring.

Not quite sleeveless weather? Layers are also an important part of this season's style. Men can wear a collared button-down shirt underneath a long-sleeve v-neck sweater; women can do the same with a short-sleeve, crew-neck sweater.

If you're looking for a more formal look this season, one for those all-important job interviews, you're in luck because the suit jacket is back. For women, the look is a monochrome, fitted jacket. It can be worn with anything from a matching skirt or slacks to jeans (which should be cut with a slightly straighter leg than we've been used to wearing in the now-ending era of flares).

For men, the jacket is best worn over the layered sweater combination with a pair of jeans or khakis. If he desires a complete suit, it should be brightly colored with an interesting pattern to spice up the ensemble.

For a more traditional look for men, choose a solid, long-sleeved collared shirt with a tie featuring, what else, but stripes?

If she wishes to return to classic, pretty elegance, a woman should select the ballet-inspired wrap top, also a big hit this spring. Some particularly beautiful ones are available now at Express and Banana Republic.

For a truly feminine look, a mid-calf length sundress is crucial. According to Mary Nagin, the store manager at Betsey Johnson in Manhattan, "pretty, funky dresses in floral patterns are this season's hit item," though she did point out that Betsey's designs are seasonless and can be worn year-round.

Shorts, in every length (yes, even the formerly dreaded knee-length short) and color, are coming back with the sun, too. And for women, there's an additional short option: the micro-mini skirt, which, according to Melissa Weismann at Urban Outfitters in Manhattan, is the item that's selling the fastest this season. Not quite ready to bare those pasty winter white legs? The capri pant is an equally popular and less-intimidating style for spring.

To really pull your look together, add a belt. Men should keep them thin and simple or skip them all together. Women should wear them wide and in a bright color. To really be in style, choose a belt with a buckle in a color contrasting the hue of its length. If she wants to accessorize further, a woman should grab a bag. The most popular look for the season is a larger, floppy bag, perfect for carrying sweaters in case of sudden weather changes.

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If you're feeling ready to brave cold New Jersey waters or are heading on a post-thesis vacation, you might be ready to check out this season's swimwear. For men, the look is trunks (i.e. no Speedos) in bright background colors with floral patterns or small designs accenting them.

For women, think simplicity. The most popular suits are two pieces in solid colors. The bottoms could be embellished with a bow at the side of the suit or a similar simple detail. The top should tie in the halter style.

When walking to the beach or pool, wear flip-flops. For women, these have been funkified; they are being shown in all different colors of the rainbow, even decorated with rhinestones. For men, the options are less exciting. While different colors are available, they are all darker shades of blue, brown or black.

Finally, to top it all off, throw on a jacket; it's not only practical addition (think spring showers), but also a beautiful one.

The most popular look in women's outerwear this season is the belted trench coat. This item comes in all different colors, but it is most versatile in the pale shades of the season — particularly in sky blue, tan or white.

So there you have it, all the must-haves to be stylin' this season. While my JP may keep me pulling on sweats (heck, I'll be lucky if they're clean) at least I know what's out there. Good luck experimenting — and wish me the same!