By Sara Bauknecht

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

(TNS)

A change of season means it’s time to change up your look. Are you ready?

Trends for this time of year mimic the tone of the season: refreshed, low-fuss, unassuming. Pastels are plentiful, and lots of prints pull their inspiration from springtime’s star, Mother Nature.

As the weather heats up, here are a few of spring’s top trends that are sure to heat up your style:

1.) Bag it in a bucket

Leave the oversized hobo purse at home. Fashion’s favorite way to haul around everything you need is a bucket bag. Pick one in a vibrant hue, like the Polo Ralph Lauren fringed drawstring bag ($450 at ralphlauren.com), to add a pop of color to an outfit. Another carryall making a comeback: the mini backpack. (Yep, they still exist.)

2.) Nature-inspired prints

Outdoors references are in full bloom! Apparel for the season bursts with lush, leafy greens and a mix of delicate and bold flowers, often set against a neutral backdrop for extra emphasis. Try something (perhaps a bustier mid dress, $74) from the new MILLY for DesigNation limited-edition capsule collection at Kohl’s. Blues, pinks and fresh florals as well as a fun lemon print dominate “feminine-with-an-edge” women’s dresses that were inspired by the sights of Capri, Italy.

3.) Gingham style

Designers have revived this retro print in a variety of colors and sizes, from mini black-and-white checkerboards to windowpane blocks of white paired with pastels. Keep it sophisticated by juxtaposing it with something sheer, a solid color or a bold wallpaper pattern that doesn’t compete for attention.

4.) Luxe athletic wear

Jogger pants, sweatshirts, leggings — they aren’t just for the gym anymore. Designers have stepped up these styles with color, embellishments and flattering silhouettes (like the looks from Naeem Khan’s spring runway show) that are keeping the athleisure trend alive and well. Who said you couldn’t be comfortable and chic?

5.) A fresh face

The “it” makeup trend for the season is to look like you’re not wearing any. Add a few subtle touches to enhance natural beauty with a swipe of soft brown shadow across eyelids and a glossy finish for lips. Hot product: Get a light glow with a warm eye shadow from Tom Ford. New from the designer are eye color sets ($60 apiece) that come with a cream and a powder option in each.

6.) Negative space nails

Nail art is reimagined with free-hand touches and breaks in color. Backstage runway tip: Don’t polish the entire nail. Leave part of it exposed by applying color on half or to just the top and bottom, keeping the nail bare across the middle.

7.) Metallic footwear

Put some sparkle in your step with sandals in a range of metallic hues, including silver, gold, pewter or even rose gold. Keep it more conservative with a dull finish, or catch attention with high-shine sliders or something strappy.

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