By Jamie Vickers

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- What do pillbox hats, drawstring pants, low shoes and the colors gray and pink have in common? They are the hottest spring fashions, of course.

Betty Fulwood, clothing specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said retro fashions are of special interest this spring, as well as colors from the winter season such as gray accompanied by a variety of shades of pink.

The 50s and 60s lend classic styles of chemise and pillbox hats. Full skirts and tiny tops are consistent with the romantic look.

Skirts vary in length from ankle to mid-calf to knee-length. They may be found in a variety of silhouettes from long and narrow to full or flared.

"There is also a wide variety of pants for spring, cropped in every style from Bermuda shorts to Capri's to those that show only the ankle," Fulwood said.

The waistline, in many designs, has been lowered to the hip, baring the mid-section. Other designs have added the drawstring in pants, skirts, shorts and necklines.

In women's wear, long jackets, tunics or vests over dresses are the style. The sweater and dress ensemble found its place this spring. For the casual business look, related separates in washable linen pants and skirts, shirt jackets, and rayon or cotton twinsets dominate.

Peasant-style dresses and tops, layering of contrasting textures and shades, and long airy dresses give a feminine look to spring styles. Wrap dresses, which returned last year, are extending to include tops and skirts.

"Stretch fabrics suit the younger crowd, but silk-linen blends, washed linen, cut-and-sew knits, prints or crepe, and georgette sheers have more appeal for the mature group," Fulwood said.

"Shoes will be low heeled or flat to compliment the long skirts and floppy pants," Fulwood said. "Both dressy and casual thongs, slides and ballet-style shoes will be available in a variety of materials from pearlized leather to satin to clear vinyl."

Although gray was a popular fall color, it continues as a key for spring. Traditional grays have been lightened up, shined and given new names like pewter, silver and pearl.

"Pink is expected to be spring's most popular color, and pinks are flattering to most women," Fulwood said. "But the new pinks are strong, like hot pink bordering on fuchsia."

Other colors for spring are dusty pastels in aqua, lilac, sage, apricot and yellow. Whites in all variations will lead the neutral parade of creams, khaki, camel, heather gray and sandy taupe.