Spring days and bright new clothes are a good mix, and local fashion experts say Natchez stores are ready to meet the demands in style.

At Katie’s Ladies, bright colors dominate the racks and displays, with styles ranging from informal new-style Bermuda shorts to high-style dressy spring and summer picks.

Nicole McSwain said the season’s change has meant increased sales. “That’s a good thing,” she said as she put together a display of accessories hot out of the fashion houses.

“Scarfs and hats are coming back,” she said, pointing to brightly colored straws and scarfs in both solid and prints featuring spring colors.

Pinks, yellows, oranges and lime greens show up in many of the casual clothes.

“And crochet is back,” McSwain said. “You see it mostly in shrugs and cover-ups — layering pieces.”

The return of Bermuda shorts has an effect on the casual look but also the dressier look, said Mary Flach, store manager at Belk.

“We see lots of Bermuda shorts in dressy outfits, even suits,” Flach said.

And in shoes, anything goes in the spring line, which features many styles of flat shoes but also plenty of new spring looks in platform-style shoes, she said.

Both McSwain and Flach said they are glad to see navy blue back as a basic spring color.

At Katie’s Ladies, McSwain pointed out coordinates that are available in navy, white and red. “Last year we didn’t have any navy. It’s nice to see it back,” she said.

At Belk, navy also is basic and shows up in several collections, including some knits that are carefree travel knits.

“One of our best lines is Choices, an exclusive with Belk,” Flach said. “These knits are perfect for travel. Throw them into the suitcase. They will not wrinkle.”

Blouses and knit shirts have new looks for spring, Flach said. “There is a new younger, fresher, updated look in missy blouses.”

Katie’s Ladies has stocked up on skirts, McSwain said. They are in varied colors and fabrics. “And they are in all lengths, from knee to ankle,” she said. “And they are A-line.”

Linen is an all-time favorite for spring and summer, and designers have leaned to linen for pants, jackets and other apparel. “There is lots of white, chocolate brown and black in linen,” McSwain said.

At Belk, linen outfits come in lime greens and coral, Flach said. “And there’s lots of white and lots of black and white.”

One of the hot accessories for spring is the headband, Flach said. “These are the thing for spring. They range from the basic one to one that looks almost like a scarf,” she said. “And anyone can wear them. It doesn’t matter what length hair you have.”

It is not too early to choose swimwear, Flach said. “We’re really excited about our swimwear. It’s lots of fun,” she said.