Finally, spring is in the air, and it’s time for a fling — a spring fashion fling that is. Closets should be cleaned out immediately and filled with brighter colors and lighter fabrics because this spring there is something for everyone’s wardrobe. But no closet is complete until it is filled with some or all of these five spring fashion flings.

The first fashion fling of the season to take note of is florals. The florals for this spring are fresh and easy to work into anyone’s wardrobe. Throwing on a bright, floral skirt with something as simple as a white T-shirt offers an instant touch of spring.

“Florals keep it interesting,” said Laura Sampson, a junior in textiles and apparel management.

But floral patterned pieces come with an unwritten disclaimer — just one piece is enough; wearing two increases the risk of being mistaken for an unfashionable set of curtains.

When wearing floral pieces, Sampson recommends “making sure you wear your floral print on the right part of your body to accentuate your best features.” Although floral prints are always fun, the proper balance of the whole outfit is crucial.

“Keep your accessories minimal,” Sampson said. “Always remember, less is more.” Florals also mix perfectly with the second spring fashion fling — a touch of white or white from head to toe. Many women may not find themselves comfortable enough to rock white jeans with a white eyelet top, but throwing on a floral top with a whimsical white skirt works just was well. And as far as that deeply-embedded rule of the South — no white until after Easter — it’s simply a thing of the past, so forget about it. Moving on to the third fashion fling, it’s time to invest in a pair of shorts to serve as a spring staple. The best thing about spring 2006 in terms of shorts is there’s no length, no specific color and certainly no specific pattern; however, the most popular lengths are the Bermuda style (right above the knee) and a shorter short (mid-thigh), which both look perfect with a pair of wedge heels.

Marion Dees, a senior in history and Shop2012 employee, thinks that shorts work for everyone, but different shorts work for different body types.

“If you’re short and wearing short shorts, you need to pair them with heels,” Dees said. “And if you’re someone who follows the trends more, then try the cutoff jeans that hit above your knee.” Any pair of old, worn-down jeans can be instantly revamped by cutting them off at any of the various short lengths and wearing them throughout the coming months.

“If it’s a warm spring day, I like to wear mine with wife beaters and jeweled sandals,” Dees said. But no closet is fresh for spring without a little spring cleaning in the accessories department as well. The fourth spring fashion fling is a wider belt, and that means it’s time to belt-it-up. Belts add that little bit of extra umph to any of the three previous trends. But the secret for belts in 2006 is that they are moving on up — from the hips to the waist. Ivy Bunn, a junior in textiles and apparel management, likes the look of belts at the waist because it “emphasizes a small waist.”

As an employee of Charlotte’s, a jewelry and accessories boutique, she has found “the trend this year is to mix and match patterns.” A striped ribbon belt is perfect wrapped around the mid-section of a floral blouse. And a wide, bold leather belt is great over an all-white ensemble.

“I really like the look of big belts over wife beaters,” Bunn said; however, she said she does recommend this trend for those with small waists because of the attention it draws to that area.

The must-have, fifth fashion fling for spring is jewelry. Great jewelry is always easy to find or make and is simply too often neglected. An asset to every wardrobe, the fresh spring winds bring in jewelry with a Bohemian feel.

“It’s all about necklaces this spring,” said Vanessa Wells, a senior in art and design and technology.

As the manager of Shop2012 and employee of Lucie, a well-known Raleigh jewelry company, Wells is no stranger to explaining how to mix this season’s Boho jewelry into any wardrobe. Because the pieces are very Bohemian, “mix long chains with beads to add a unique touch,” Wells said. “The layered look is one that allows for a lot of versatility.” These new long, beaded necklaces are also the ideal accessory to throw on as a perfect day in April turns into an evening on the town.

“Solid chains with a very beaded necklace can turn into an evening look as well,” Wells said. It’s spring. So, have a spring fashion fling, and let the fun begin.