Spring fashion is blooming with colors and flowers. Oh, but it’s also showing up in black and white.

And then it takes a nautical turn.

There are classic styles from fashion’s grand masters, and there are eccentric but elegant looks for those willing to take a risk.

And we haven’t even mentioned the barely there swimwear, or the out-there styles for 20somethings.

In other words, spring fashion this year is a brilliant mix of hues, themes, class and sass. Our fashion expert, Laurie Montoya, spent some time watching the spring fashion runways at Dallas’ recent Fashion at the Park shows, and she surfed the Web to pick a bouquet of stories and photo galleries to get you headed in the right direction for this season, and on into summer.

IS YOUTH ON YOUR SIDE? THEN WALK FASHION’S WILDER PATH

Some day you’ll be bothered by the idea of looking at yourself in a dressing room mirror. You’ll start to opt for traditional classics that fit into the office, and maybe you will stop wearing those tight jeans and daringly designed tops. Your skirts will get a little longer, and your accessories won’t be so bold. But for now, you 20somethings should soak in the edgier side of spring fashion, from spandex to stilettos. See our photo gallery.

DARE TO BE BARE? SWIMWEAR IS CLASSY OR CUT-OUT, BUT IT HUGS THE TRENDS

There’s something for every body to pick from for the pool or beach this year. Play it safe with traditional one-piece suits that flatter figures, or flaunt your well-toned body in itsy bitsy bikinis or cut-out styles that seem barely there. When it’s time to head indoors, top them with flowing, flowering caftans. There are even some different styles for the guys, from knee-length to short-and-tight. But look closely and you’ll see some of the season’s other fashion trends popping up on the swimwear runway. See our photo gallery.

WHAT’S BLACK AND WHITE AND IN THE NAVY? TWO OF SPRING’S HOT TRENDS

You may think you’ve seen black and white in every conceivable combination in fashion’s past, but don’t think you know it all until you take a look at what’s hot for spring. It’s polka-dotted or graphic prints, toned down for a ladies’ lunch or jazzed up with bold accessories, there’s something for everyone in those two basic hues. But if black and white is boring, jump aboard the other hot trend for spring: nautical styling. You’ve got sailor details, natty stripes, all manner of red, white and blue combinations, and even better: You’ve probably got some of the basics for this look already in your closet. See our black and white photo gallery, or our nautical photo gallery.

WE LOVE OSCAR IN ANY SEASON, BUT TAKE A PEEK AT HIS LOOKS FOR FALL

Oscar de la Renta’s classic clothing has always shone on the runway, keeping him at the top of the list of great designers. But amid all of this spring giddiness, he gave a sneak peek at what his styles will look like for the fall. It’s actually called his “pre-fall” line, which means the elegant wardrobe elements will help you transition from summer into fall. All of that luxury made us feel a bit of yearning for the cooler weather to come. See our photo gallery.

SIMON SAYS: YOU CAN STAY CHIC AND STILL TAKE SOME FASHION RISKS

Any fashionista worth her Jimmy Choos can tell you that Barney’s is a fabulous treasure trove of fashion faves and edgy new looks. The creative director for the flagship store in New York, Simon Doonan, is extolling the virtues of “eccentric glamour” both in a new book and on the runway. He’s urging us to take some fashion risks, embrace innovation and — at all costs — don’t look pedestrian! See our photo gallery.

FIVE HOT TRENDS FOR SPRING’S WEB SHOPPERS

Now that you’re properly thrilled about all the options you have for spring and summer clothing, start shopping on the web with our guidance and lots and lots of links. And, in case you haven’t caught on to all of spring’s trends, we’ve spotted the top five for you. So, get that credit card out and start clicking.

DON’T FORGET THE KIDS! THEY’VE GOT A RAINBOW OF STYLES

Even if they protest, we all know that spring is the time of year to doll up the kids. It’s not just Easter that prompts you to ooh and ahh over precious looks for boys and girls. There are plenty of other opportunities on the way: Mother’s Day, graduation, maybe a nice outdoor dinner. Michele Chan Santos helps you track down some of the season’s coolest looks for little ones.

Top three photos: Evans Caglage/Fashion at the Park at NorthPark Center, Spring 2008; photo at bottom from Urban Outfitters.