After a winter as brutal as this one, most girls are looking for any excuse to break out the bright colors, the shorts and capris, and most importantly, are ready to shed the bulky, staticy winter coats. This spring stands out from springs passed because many of the season’s emerging trends and colors are rather unconventional.  Added to the mix of the classic Easter-egg hues are a few deeper tones and more boyish looks such as boxy tees, boyfriend shorts, fierce statement necklaces, and ankle-strap sandals.

 Skirts and shorts are always a great way to keep cool during spring and summer, but this season, the two are being taken to new lengths, literally.  Longer cut shorts, or bermuda/boyfriend shorts, Maxi skirts, which hit around the ankles, and midi skirts, which hit a few inches below the knee, are a major trend.  What is great about these skirts is that they are comfortable and come in many different flowy fabrics, versatile, and do not constantly have to be adjusted like shorter ones. These skirts can be sculpted into a feminine look with wedges and floral prints, a bohemian look with loose cardigans and crochet fabrics, or a bolder look with big statement necklaces and a quirky pair of ankle-strap sandals.  Junior Nikole James loves the maxi skirt trend and looks forward to being able to show off her collection this spring.

  “I don’t even know how many maxi dresses and skirts I have, so I’m excited,” said James.

  In terms of prints this year, chevron stands out the most.

 Chevron is the zigzag pattern often seen with white in contrast to blues, pinks, and greens.  Chevron is appearing on everything from scarves to bathing suits, and is a really cute print because it is an in between look by not being quite as girly as florals, but less edgy than a tribal print.

  For those in the market for a new pair of sandals, both ankle-strap sandals and sporty sandals are being seen more frequently in stores.  Both are a quirky option in contrast to last season’s ultra-feminine thong-style sandals with jewel, bow, and floral accents.

With spring clothes, shoes, and accessories gracing the store shelves earlier and earlier each year, it can be tricky to know when to start shopping for a spring wardrobe.  Senior Asia Inn-Souphomphakdy likes to wait for the appropriate weather to start her shopping.

 “Right now it’s really cold and I’m not in that mood [for spring shopping] yet; I’ll start [shopping for spring] when the season starts,” said Inn-Souphomphakdy.

 In contrast, James likes to shop for spring clothes as soon as stores begin to display them.

 “I work at American Eagle as a stylist so usually when the spring stuff starts coming out, I start buying,” said James.

 While the weather may still be holding out, the spring trends for 2014 are in stores now, and it is never too early to pick up pieces unique to your personal style. Some like to stick directly to popular trends, while others like to make them their own.

 “I like to take stuff into my own style…I’m not out to look like everyone else,” said Inn-Souphomphakdy.