The first day of spring is Monday, and students are preparing to trade in their North Face winter jackets for something a little lighter.

Spring trends are beginning to pop up not only in fashion magazines and on the runway, but also in many downtown storefront windows.

Charlene Rosen, owner of Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave., said neutral colors like beige, white, chocolate, ecru and navy are what stores are pushing this season.

"You can't go wrong with any pant length," Rosen said. "Dresses appear to be this season's skirt."

The major couture designers also showed such fashions on the spring 2006 runways.

Fendi included lace as an important accessory to its collection, while models in the Calvin Klein fashion show sported bold print dresses that can be worn for every occasion.

Marc Jacobs included a performance from the Penn State Blue Band and had an all-star audience, with members including Lindsay Lohan and Carmen Electra watching the Blue Band as they opened up the spring runway show. Some trends on Jacob's runway included pea coats in various colors and cashmere sweaters to wear with the shirtdresses that were a large part of his show.

"The theme of his show was a high school meets high fashion," Blue Band member Crissy Faretta (senior-marketing) said. "The runway was a basketball court, the stars sat in bleachers, and the band and PJ Maierhofer [the Blue Sapphire] opened the show."

Michael Kors' spring runway show included gauchos as a fashion staple. This is one thing from last year that students may be able to dig out of their closets to re-wear this season.

Other styles students may be able to recycle from last year's wardrobe include Lacoste polos and cropped pants, Rosen said.

However, students can rid their closet of glitzy tee shirts and peasant skirts that are finally out of style this season, she said.

Metro, 320 E. College Ave., is another store that features the latest trends, and assistant manager Tia Drew (junior-criminal justice) said some new styles that will be seen around town are flat shoes, board shorts and long tops.

"Camo seems to be in, but really subtle, not screaming," Drew said.

As far as hair styles and makeup trends go, classic ponytails and braids are what have been sweeping runways, along with the "fresh face" look, using very neutral and subtle shades of makeup.

Lips colored in bold red and pink make a statement this season.

Men's fashion this season is a mix of old and new styles and includes items such as polo shirts in neutral colors.

Rebecca Funk (junior-science and accounting), store supervisor of Industrie, 151 S. Allen St., said that although she is not a personal fan of pink on guys, plenty of guys around campus will still be wearing the color again this year. Other items she predicts will be popular for guys this year are T-shirts and blazers made from lighter fabrics than those worn in the winter.

"We're getting a lot of T-shirts with a little something extra like embroidery and rips," Funk said.

As for footwear, chunky heels, espadrilles and round-toe heels are in for spring.

But one thing that still may be on the minds of students questioning this season's trends is if Uggs are still an acceptable fashion accessory.

"The Ugg phenomenon is over. I feel that it's up to the individual, and if they still feel comfortable wearing them, then go for it," Rosen said.