AC/DC might be "back in black," but fashionistas everywhere are seeing pink this spring.

"Pink is the new black," says Kim Reiter, co-owner of Moxy, 2219 N. Farwell Ave.

Moxy isn't the only store stocking its shelves with pink and its family of "candy colors" that will adorn camisoles, mini skirts, clutches and even hosiery this spring.

"It's all about color -- for men and women," says Jason Meyer, co-owner of Detour, 1300 E. Brady St. "Fashion-forward men are choosing pink, like in a tailored shirt. They're moving away from muted earth tones and into pinks, celery green, deep mandarin orange and electric blue."

But spring 2004 fashion is about more than color -- mix-and-match fabrics and patterns, vintage jeans and Ts, accessories galore and classic, tailored fits made a statement on the runway, and translations are found in many Milwaukee boutiques.

Sharp-dressed men

This year men can ward off chilly spring days with layered looks. For a young, hip version of the trend, try a tailored striped shirt under a vintage T. For a sophisticated angle, pile on a sport coat and zip-neck sweater over a classic linen or cotton shirt.

Menswear also is seeing a return to vintage. Moxy is carrying a line of vintage print rock 'n' roll Ts, while Detour is ringing in the return of vintage jeans. The denim dynasty will be bringing in two styles of limited edition vintage Chip & Pepper men's jeans later this spring (currently only found at Barney's) and vintage Rogans jeans.

"You look at these jeans and think: 'I have to have them,'" says Meyer.

She's a lady

A vintage revival also is finding its way into women's trends this spring. Classic '40s and '50s glamour could be found on the red carpet earlier this year and isn't fading away -- chiffon, Coco Chanel-inspired jackets, rhinestones, clutch purses and full skirts are back with a vengeance.

Maybe the most important spring trend for women is accessories. Scarves, bags, jewelry, hosiery, hats and beyond are a staple of the spring wardrobe. Not looking to drop a bundle on clothes this spring? A few key accessories, such as a colorful Marc Jacobs-inspired cargo-pocket bag, fedora, long earrings, rhinestone broach or novelty hosiery will update a tired look. But don't overdo it.

"It's femininity with an edge," says Stephanie Sherman, co-owner of Lela, 321 N. Broadway, "but some of the trends can be a bit gaudy. Gaudy is only good in small doses."

Aala Reed

Every fashionable man's paradise, Aala Reed, 1320 E. Brady St., is stocked with all of spring's must-haves -- from drawstring linen pants to bright colors. "It's a preppy influence," says co-owner Laura Lutter. "A mix and match of patterns and stripes, but always a tailored fit."

Linen pant by Isda & Co., $125. Green sweater by Paul La Fontaine, $220.
Drawstring cropped linen pants by Gant, $90. White tunic by Gant, $115.
Blue/white striped silk suit by Keith Moor, $185 (pant)/$580 (jacket). White cotton shirt by Hugo Boss, $125.

Detour

Less is more at Detour. Say goodbye to fuss in dressing, and stick to tailored, classic looks, says Meyer. If you're tired of the same old denim, cropped jeans are a great way to revamp a closet staple this spring. For accessories, it's all about the color.

"It's the pop," says Meyer. "The color grabs you."

Men's: Straight-leg jean by Energie, $119. Brown leather belt by Diesel, $29. Light spring sweater by Diesel, $109. Woman's: Light mod print cotton/poplin shirt by Ben Sherman, $69. Cropped A-pocket jeans (limited edition red pocket) by Seven, $145.
Sunglasses by Diesel, $121. Leather wallet by Ben Sherman, $35.
Red sunglasses by Diesel, $49. Cargo pocket bag by Diesel, $54. Pink, striped bucket hat by Ben Sherman, $29.