FEATURE Feel-Good Spring Fashion This season, shop local — your wardrobe (and your neighborhood boutiques) will thank you.

There may still be a chill outside, but the spring fashion season is already well underway, and your favorite boutiques are bursting with color. Many locals began spring shopping as early as January and February, especially those lucky enough to escape to warmer destinations. But even if you're staying close to home, spring styles inspire a welcome mood shift. &emsp;"When the spring colors come in, it really does lift the spirits," says Amy Noel, owner of Alice Blue in Peterborough's Depot Square. Time to shake off any lingering winter blues and bring in a pop of color. &emsp;"We're seeing cute pastels. We're seeing yellows, baby blues, and great chocolates, even for summer, where people are doing really rich colors," says Beth Doyle, owner of MOE Momentum Clothing on Main Street in Keene. &emsp;For women who typically lean toward black, shades of chocolate offer a chic alternative that Doyle equates with the timeless navy. And for those who see "yellow" and think it's not for them, she says: think again. "Every color is good for everyone. It's just what hue it's in. When I say 'butter,' there could be 17 different shades, and within that range, there's probably one that looks good on you," she adds. &emsp;Noel also noted a fresh mixture of patterns emerging this season. Each year, she attends COTERIE, a premier event showcasing the latest in women's fashion. Her most recent trip highlighted many exciting uses of print mixing that will be filtering into spring looks. Soft neutrals and earth-focused tones were also front and center. &emsp;She was pleased to see a rise in more relaxed silhouettes, as well. "With pants, they're a lot roomier and looser. Many are cropped at the ankle, allowing a sort of swing. Everyone says they don't like the barrel cut, but they're quickly catching on," she notes. The trend is shifting away from skinny jeans to a fuller, more comfortable look. &emsp;At MOE, Doyle has noticed denim lengths are getting a little longer, and darker tones are surfacing. Stovepipe, bootcut and flare are all popular at the moment, which she finds nice because they tend to be flattering for most people. &emsp;"Wear the style that fits your body best," she advises. And if you're not sure what that is, a denim fitting with a professional can make a big difference in determining your preferred rise, stretch and more. &emsp;Now, when it comes to dresses, Doyle says, "The midi is still really big." These mid-length styles continue to reign supreme over shorter dresses, something to note as you think ahead to wedding season and other spring and summer events. &emsp;And don't forget the accessories! There's lots of fun to be had in 2026. &emsp;"Pins are really in, along with scarves being worn as belts or around the waist and hip area," Noel says. &emsp;In contrast to the thin, gold necklaces people have been layering, "We're starting to see a chunkier version with big, button earrings and more statement necklaces coming back in," Noel says. Ring stacking is also on point, with large, gold rings adding intrigue to many of this season's styles. &emsp;Doyle notes that accessories are a great place to add a hint of color and elevate your look. For instance, "a chocolate dress and a little turquoise necklace — that's a beautiful combination," she says. Adding these kinds of touches to an outfit is an easy way to refresh pieces from last year's wardrobe and give your favorites a new flavor. &emsp;In fact, the styling capsules that have become so popular often work this way, offering the opportunity to put fresh spins on lasting closet staples. This is one way Doyle loves to style longtime customers she's come to know inside and out. &emsp;They'll text her ahead of time to say they're coming in. "So, I'll get a dressing room ready for them and create a little capsule in there," she says. Typically, they end up leaving with 75-80% of the items because they all blend so well together. &emsp;Occasionally, it takes a little convincing to get a guest to try on something unexpected. "But they'll usually come out and go: 'I love it!'" she says with a laugh, adding, "Sometimes it's nice for someone to help you get out of your fashion box." &emsp;Her spring tips for hitting the dressing room include a little bronzer and self-tanner if you're feeling washed out after winter. And come in with an open mind. "I find a lot of women don't like to shop, so one of the things we try to do in here is make it fun," she says. She and her team try to give lots of options and help with whatever's needed. &emsp;"We hope they're going to get all kinds of compliments when they go home," she says with a smile. &emsp;It can also be fun to make an afternoon or a day of it. Schedule a shopping date with your friends, visit your favorite local boutiques, and then grab a bite and a glass of wine at one of the region's inviting restaurants. Spring menus are bursting with fresh flavors and colors, and if you're lucky, a patio or two might even be open. &emsp;However you choose to come out of hibernation, Noel reminds, "Just buying what makes you happy and looks good on you and you feel good in — that's the most important thing."