Spring has sprung in State College. The recent weather may feel like winter, but just stop in one of the local clothing stores, and you will see the season's fashions in full bloom.

Connections, 130 S. Allen St., features the latest trends in addition to off-beat styles.

Two employees of the store, Teneille Tournay (junior-media studies) and Alexis Steinbach (sophomore-film and video) discussed the latest fashions and offered the following suggestions.

"There is a lot of color this spring," Tournay said.

Pastels are always pretty for spring, but this year, brighter colors seem to be all the rage, she said. Neon pink and black, and similar color combinations contrast to create attention-grabbing ensembles.

Mixing a basic black or white with a bold color will take any outfit to the next level.

Tournay added that mini dresses designed to show a lot of leg are essential pieces for spring.

"Mini dresses are popular," Tournay said. "A new look is to wear a mini dress over jeans."

Steinbach said she has observed that printed tank tops and striped shirts have been selling really well. She advised throwing a beater with a fun logo on it over a plain tank for a fresh alternative to ordinary.

However, no outfit is complete without accessories.

"Hair flowers, really big hoops and colored wrist purses are in this spring," Tournay said.

Other stores offer different trends for the season. Although some people thought it would never happen, the 1980s are back with a vengeance at Access, 224 E. College Ave. The boutique, which specializes in up-to-the-minute style, is one spot to find retro-chic pieces.

"Eighties stuff is huge," said Ray Carter (senior-health policy and administration), an Access employee. "The whole off-the-shoulder thing is back."

Flared jeans, more reminiscent of the 1970s, are out, he explained, but straight jeans that you can tuck into boots are back in style.

Carter said "yuppy hip" is a fun new twist on the past. Mixing and layering colors that don't necessarily match can take any outfit from preppy to punky, and brightly colored polos from the 1980s country club look have even regained popularity. You could experiment and use your imagination to customize the latest styles, Carter said.

Accessories are also following this 1980s trend, Carter said. Neon plastic jewelry and dangling earrings are popular, with jelly shoes, bags and belts making a comeback.

Back in the 1980s, it was commonly known that girls just want to have fun, but today, guys can have just as much fun with fashion as women. In these post-Queer Eye times, modern men are allowed to take an interest in the latest styles.

Industrie, 151 S. Allen St., a men's clothing boutique, offers a variety of fashion and accessory options for guys. The store is extra loaded with striped collared shirts this season, especially in lighter pastel colors.

"Pink is definitely the biggest color for guys right now," said Joe Petrusky (senior-telecommunications), an Industrie employee. "Guys need some pink."

Petrusky offered some fashion advice for the gentlemen. For the trendy boys, jeans are still abundant, but with a sexier, tighter edge. Fitted T-shirts with pop-culture references, band names or cheesy logos are white hot. Thick white belts to accompany the jean and T-shirt look are also a popular item.

Baggy still works, but only if you're sporting the hip-hop look, Petrusky warned. If this is your thing, then match vintage sports jerseys with loose jeans. Just remember that no matter what you choose to wear, do it with lots of color.

To grab the ladies' attention, Petrusky advised personalizing your look with something special. Trucker hats confessing "Jesus is my homeboy" and "I love my mom" are rolling off shelves and add a little spunk to any simple outfit. Thick wristbands and thick-banded wristwatches also could hit the spot. Aviator sunglasses can be added to wardrobes and are a sure bet to make you stand out in a crowd.

Whatever your style, however you roll, fashion this spring comes down to just being yourself and being comfortable.

"Wear whatever," Petrusky said. "You don't feel good, then you're not looking good."