Last year at the same time, we were all sporting graffiti-print tanks and overly frayed jeans.  This year it's more about lace-trimmed tops and suede-lace-up denim minis.

Top 5 Spring Trends
1. Lace. This femme look is also very urban. The black tee is trimmed in lace, the denim is super-dark, and the trendy white accessories (ankle boots, handbag, and several strands of pearls) really look fab!

2. Funky tennies. They look great with minis, jeans, capris - you name it. The glitzier, the better. These shimmery gold Adidas sneaks (from the Billabong show) are too cool.

3. Cool belt. Belts are definitely necessary for spring. Look for wide, tooled and studded styles. This funky studded belt looks perfectly tough with stilettos.

4. Peasant Top. Chiffon, eyelet, lace, or linen - peasant tops are so fresh. This beige number from Paris Blues looks sophisticated and chic with a dark denim skirt and heels.

5. Minis. Super-short minis are perfect for summer. They can be easily dressed up (worn with heels and a pretty top) or dressed down (flip flops and a tee), like this aqua-colored mini from Coolwear, worn with a one-shouldered tee.

How to wear the new trends

• Instead of throwing on a plain ol' tee shirt, don a pretty peasant top in a flirty fabric, like eyelet or sheer chiffon. Pair it with something equally femme, or wear it with dark denim to toughen the look up.
• Details, details, details.  Lace trim, cute ruffles, ribbon drawstrings, fringed or undone hems, smocking, and split short-sleeves all add that girly touch.
• Denim is still a big trend, but opt for antique looks and soft styles. Look for lace-up flares, fluted skirts, and ankle-length capris. If denim is definitely your thing, I've even spotted denim corsets, sundresses, and sandals!
• Mix it up! Wear simple, classic separates with new trendy pieces.  For example, wear a pair of colorful skinny-striped flares with a solid polo tee and slides.  Or try a sheer peasant top over a fitted tank with a flirty skirt.  Wear a lace-trimmed tank under a little oxford with dark denim jeans to make it a lot less lingerie-like.
• Prints are going to be huge. There are so many different funky patterns to choose from, like: gingham, stripes, plaid, floral, fruit-print, paisley.  If you're feeling bold, mix-and-match color-coordinated patterns.
• Jewelry is important. Huge dangling earrings and hoops and antique-looking necklaces & bangles are great. Turquoise is a must! Throw on a whimsical piece with a simple jeans-and-a-tee ensemble to give it a trendy twist.
  
• Fringed or distressed leather belts, preferably with big brass buckles, are great - the more vintage looking, the better.  Extremely wide styles are also fab, especially with funky detailing, like gold studs or interesting embroidery.

All photos copyright © 2002 Cynthia Nellis.

Casey is a real, fashion-forward teenage girl who loves clothes (and describes her own look as "trendy prep")  If you want to ask her a question, post it to the Fashion Forum under "Teen" and put "Ask Casey" in the Subject line.