Spring fashion preview

Breathe a sigh of relief­ — spring is here, which means no more snow, ice or the always original North Face-and-Uggs combo.

I think I will miss that last one the least.

Now that it is officially spring, all the forecasting for spring 2010 fashion has begun to materialize. Fashion critics talked a lot about what they thought would make it this season. Now it’s up to consumers to decide if predicted trends will take off.

New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn said this season’s fashions are a product of the economy. She points out many designers have reverted back to more contemporary sportswear clothing that can be worn day and night instead of producing elaborate, one-of-a-kind pieces.

While Horyn said most of the season’s styles will seem basic, a lot of thought will be put into tailoring and cut. Loose-fitting jackets, pants and dresses will easily be able to go from work to a night out through the polished but still playful feel of clothing in simple fabrics such as cotton.

The Washington Post’s Robin Givhan said some designers decided to tone down their looks while others played up energy. Colors, bold prints and ornate details seen in shows from Versace and Gucci create a sense of empowerment. Some of these pieces might lean toward impracticality at times — pants with laces on the sides, for example — Givhan said spring fashion exudes a confident attitude.

As always with spring fashion, romanticism is also present. Pale pinks and soft purples in breezy fabrics fit appropriately into the season’s wear as a refreshing change from one of winter’s most popular colors: black.

Bold or subdued, spring fashion has a little bit of something for everyone, even if you’ve lived in a North Face for the past three months.