Spring fashion finds the romance in war wear

"Military influences, cargos, denim and twills, silk, hats and colors -- greens, tans, pink, white" are co-owner of the ultra-hip Moxy boutique Kim Reiter's picks for the hottest looks for spring 2003. If you've picked up an issue of Vogue lately, you know she's hit it right on the head.

Who knew cargo pants -- popularized by frat boys in the late '90s -- would end up being the hottest pant for women in spring 2003? The spring runways have shown cargos in every which style, shape and color -- calf- or ankle-grazing, pink or Army green, cotton or silk, with ties or exaggerated pockets -- they're back and putting the fashion world in shock and awe. The hottest look for women -- silky cargos with ankle ties, worn with a simple top and delicate sandals.

According to Three Graces' store manager Molly Gebheim, spring is all about romance. "The colors are soft and feminine with dashes of vibrant color. Vintage also is hot again with its floral prints," she says. "Sweetly retro, slightly innocent, very fun, and a perfect print for spring, is polka dots. The micro-mini, starting at the knee and going up, also is hot. Chic cargos are versatile and sexy, paired with a flirty top and a chic shoe."

The cargo trend also has carried over into men's fashion, with cropped versions huge for spring and summer. But, the absolute must-have item for men this spring is an embroidered shirt. White-on-white is a hot look, but don't forget about color. Reds, light blues and yellows look great with a touch of embroidery. Linen, a great light and airy warm-weather fabric, is fresh in oranges and greens, and comfy drawstring linen pants give any man a sexy fresh-off-the-island look.

Check out Milwaukee's trendy boutiques for all these great looks and more. Below, a few owners and store managers give you a rundown of what's hot for spring 2003 in some of the city's hippest fashion spots.

Here are co-owner Jason Meyer's top picks for spring (see photo above):

Women:
Miss Sixty sheer blue/white print shirt ($99)
Diesel blue/white stripe newsboy hat ($25)
Seven jeans ($146)

Diesel white leather baguette with adjustable chain ($95)

Men:
Diesel denim floppy hat ($29)
Sixty French cuff blue/white floral print shirt ($149)
Diesel two-button, zip-fly distressed jean ($169)
Gravic gray waterproof nylon computer bag ($88)

Here are Reiter's top picks for spring:

Women:
Joie cargo capris with ankle ties ($130)
Cultura floral paisley tie top ($84)
Goorin Brothers leather newsboy hat ($32)

Men:
French Connection button-down embroidered shirt $95)
Seven jeans ($118)

Here are Three Graces' Gebheim and Aala Reed's co-owner Laura Lutter's top picks for fall (modeled by Lutter and John Jazwiec, CEO of Red Prairie):

Men:
Isda and Co. melange linen short-sleeve shirt in pumpkin (also available in moss) ($90)
Puntodue button/zip/drawstring linen pants with back-flap pockets ($140)

Women:
Parallel white cotton sleeveless embroidered V-neck ($100)
Kenzie cargo bullet-tap pants in moss ($57)
Franco Sarto brown open-toe sandals ($69)
Maribeth Mullen cigar box purse ($140)
Jarmila beaded earrings ($53), ring ($18) and necklace ($30)

Men:
Ted Baker striped button-down, long-sleeve shirt ($149)
Jake Agave denim jeans ($139)
Marzotto Lab two-button linen blazer with subtle tone-on-tone stitching ($495)

Women:
Kosca flutter-sleeve top ($118)
Parallel cotton/spandex red cropped pants ($105)
Free Spirit beaded garnet necklace ($72) and drop earrings ($45)
Zana black bead and feather purse ($40)
Franco Sarto black leather sandals with white stitching ($69)