Collegiate Times

While the rest of us are stuck with frigid temperatures that never seem to end, the fashion elite are already deciding what to wear on the warm spring days.

This upcoming season's most popular trends looked to the past for inspiration, mixing aspects of "old" styles with up-to-date innovations. Styles recovered from Ancient Greece to the 1980s can be found on the racks, making this season's trends timeless but still fresh.

Gracing the women's department are trends from opposite ends of the spectrum - soft, draped, feminine pieces will stand beside edgier, statement-making suits. Bright neon colors and floral prints can be found among the fashions, whether covering the whole outfit or as a pop of interest on one small piece.

In the men's department, the styles range from lightweight layered looks, sheer pieces, synthetic fabrics, biker jackets, and even (believe it or not) billowy pants that will remind you of MC Hammer's infamous garb from back in the day. Men's fashions followed a direction similar to women's with the adoption of bright neon colors creating bold accents to even the plainest outfits.

Virginia Tech's own fashionistas are excited about these trends and eager to take them on themselves. Shelby Davies-Sekle, a junior apparel design major, said, "I love that girls are getting to be girls again. We're steering away from that legging, 'look-at-me-I-work-out' ensemble and springing forward into the new season. With pinks, purples, and florals we are achieving a thought-out presentation with simple, throw-on pieces."

Jessica Dixon, a junior apparel design major, said, "I'm looking forward to guys getting more dressed up this season. I don't know about those MC Hammer pants, though."

So how can you take on these trends in everyday outfits without feeling too over-the-top? Start small.

Accessories can add life to a simple outfit without being too obnoxious or overbearing. Girls can pair a flowered belt with a favorite sundress for a safe look that is still fashion forward.

Or match a beautifully draped shirt with your favorite pair of jeans, creating contrast between the old and the new without looking too gaudy.

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