LET THE SUN SHINE IN

The feeling for spring 2006 can be summed up in one word: Retro. And to be specific, retro circa the mod, love to love ya’ baby Sixties. Yes, anyone who rocked out at Woodstock—or has seen pictures of the historic event-- will recognize the dove imagery, the embroidery, the tiered peasant skirts and earthy denims of that peace for all era.

TIME FOR TIERS
Chicks rule—Cher meets Daisy Miller-The most import silhouette this spring: tiers. The layered ruffles fall from dress bodices or the waists of skirts.-Bodices covered with tiny puckers give a Seventies spin to girls’ sundresses.-Skirts with a hanky hem are as girlish as a lace petticoat.-Drop-waists and delicate pleats are inspired by Thirties glamour.Easy Rider-Grease monkey dudes go back to the land-T-shirts, especially those with layers of printing, appliqués and stitching update the ever-popular top.-Short over long sleeved T-shirts make getting boys (and girls) dressed a breeze.-Reach for a camp shirts in funky Hawaiian prints, stripes or plaids when you can’t look at another T-shirt.-Cargo pockets are still the “It” decoration on boys’ pants, shorts, even swim trunks.

GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Melon—Peachy pinks and apricots are used for solids and in multi-colored prints.-Coffee—The newest way to wear brown is with a spoonful of cream. Fresh rose and peach make cool, warm weather partners.-Sky—The sky’s the limit with this fresh cast of blue. Pair it with pink for feminine girls’ sportswear and swimsuits, or cocoa for boys’ T-shirts and separates.-Khaki—While blue denim is a constant, greenish khakis, or a brownish tint of the color looks new.

PAISLEY PERSUASION
The paisley print is hip in watercolor effects, or in bold, block-printed versions.-What symbol says “Sixties” more than the dove? Whether it’s embroidered on T-shirts or jeans, the bird soars for spring.-Animals are a favorite motif printed on T-shirts, or their skins used as a chic pattern for sports and swimwear.-Hawaiian prints lend a funky, beach-themed feel to boys’ swimwear.-Camouflage with a twist: changing the foliage pattern to clouds for instance—updates the perennial print.

EXTRAS
Beaded and sequined sandals add a touch of luxury to sports and swimwear.-Any trim: crochet, rickrack, lace or flower, as well as embroidery, embellished girls--and sometimes boys--garments.

Tina Barry contributes weekly style and food stories to The Brooklyn Papers, and is a contributing editor for The Online Guide to Kids’ Fashions, www.jamesgirone.com. Barry spent 10 years as a textile designer then manufactured a line of better children’s wear. She teaches at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.