Temperatures are still dipping, snow is still flying and frigid winds keep blowing, but it's not too early to start thinking about how to update your wardrobe for spring.

	Green may be the hottest color for spring and summer. This pale green belted dress with leaf embellishment by Rena Lange ($3,995) is an unusual twist on eveningwear. Click photo for larger image. Related article For fall, designers showing neutral colors, tailored styles Related column Barbara Cloud: Recalling a designer who was also a friend

Matter of fact, spring clothes already have begun to arrive at some stores.

Those in the mood to think spring or dream summer might be interested in the emerging fashion trends.

In color, green is prominent in numerous shades, especially a shade the color of peas called "tarragon" and an acidy, yellowish hue dubbed "green sheen." Black is less popular than a year ago, white is hotter, and black-and-white "spectator" looks continue to gain momentum.

Metallic sheen as accent gilds many looks, with golden glimmer and silvery shine on sportswear, daywear, eveningwear and swimwear.

For women, the return to romanticism of recent seasons picks up steam, with lace, bows and rosettes adding ladylike touches to pieces. Strong silhouettes are the bubble hem on skirts and dresses, boxy tops and trapeze bottoms.

Lingerie and loungewear have clearly inspired the latest styles, especially in dress tops and eveningwear. And the influence of the mod '60s has seen an update on bold prints, mini- dresses and skirts, and the long-over-skinny look.

At the same time, one of the season's must-haves is wide-leg pants, a sophisticated and comfortable look borrowed from menswear.

"Menswear-inspired is obviously a big trend in womenswear this spring," said Jenny Feldman, senior fashion news editor for ELLE magazine. "Menswear has always been about fine tailoring and precision, so I think it's exciting for designers to apply this sort of rigor to women's clothing. And I think from the perspective of the shopper or wearer, a well-cut, well-made garment is worth investing in."

In the men's arena, there is the continued movement toward more fitted, tailored clothes and layered dressing.

Menswear is becoming more body-conscious and sartorial. Perry Ellis captures the trends in a khaki "canyon" suit ($165 for jacket and $69.50 for pants) that complements a white sateen striped tunic-style shirt ($125) and white belt. Click photo for larger image.

Headed for stores are plenty of drawstring pants, zip cardigans, sleeveless hoodies, leisure suit-inspired blazers and Bermuda shorts with V-neck sweaters. Grays, browns, white, navy and stripe patterns dominate many collections -- particularly Kenneth Cole and Perry Ellis-- with touches of red and green in Nautica, icy blues and greens in Perry Ellis and sherbet hues in pants and polos at Faconnable.

The trend toward more elegance in every category from sportswear to suits is exemplified in the exclusive Guy Laroche Homme line. Spring is all about slim flat-front trousers, French-cuff shirts and shorter jackets with peak lapels cut from lightweight, luxurious Italian fabrics.

Men's dressing for spring and summer is "comfortable," said Lori Benayoun, senior vice president of the Guy Laroche Homme's U.S.A. couture group. "There is a certain ease, an easy component to it. Men should find comfort in the way they're dressing but still look polished and sophisticated."