Spring is quickly approaching and guys are beginning to hang up their sweatshirts and heavy jeans.

This upcoming season in male fashion mixes different styles and trends for unique styles.

One of the most prominent trends for this spring is the distressed clothing look. Clothing is torn, ripped, cut, dyed, and dirtied to give to a casual-worn look.

Many retailers provide artificial distressed clothing, such as Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Macy&s and Nordstrom.

Some guys prefer to do their own distressing by personally using a knife or even cheese grater to wear their denim or khaki.

Paint and bleach stains are another form of distressing clothing popular for spring 2005. Paint spatters throughout materials stand out and gives the clothing a new twist.

This distressed style can fall into two different styles of fashion. The first one is a casual, skater look.

Although not the perfect style for a job interview, casual is one of the most simplistic and comfortable fashion trends, usually consisting of blue jeans or khakis and a simple logo T-shirt.

The style can be topped off with a pair of DC skate shoes, an MLB hat, or open, button-up shirt. The distressed look also works with preppier, classic trends and the poplar bright colors of the season.

Designer jeans, shirts, pants and jackets are all being made to look like they&ve been worn for years, but are being paired to contrast with a bottom or top that looks fresh off the rack.

Camouflage is another trend set for the spring of 2005.

The perfect combination of a camouflage hat, shirt, or short with distressed pieces produce a causal trendy look perfect for mixing and matching this season.

Dark colors, like then ones found in most camouflage patterns, combine well with a light blazer jacket to dress the look up.

Bright colors are everywhere this season. Vibrant blues, yellows, greens and even pinks are all utilized this season in men&s wear.

Most of the bright hues are used in tops like polo&s and tees.

Others are found in long sleeve button down dress shirts with vertical and asymmetrical striping, popular for men this spring.

Men&s ties are picking up the bold, patterned, and striped trends as well and also contrast fashionably with distressed jeans or a baseball cap. Paisley, a western-inspired floral design, is also in fashion with bright shades.

Earth tones are also going to be in style this spring for a more rugged look.

Brown leather sandals or Chuck Taylors are staying strong, as well as Von Dutch trucker hats and hemp necklaces and wristbands.

This spring is guaranteed to be full of creativity and personal style, a refreshing break from the norm of men&s fashion.

As the rainy weather leaves for good, blue skies and warm days will be brightening up fashion, as well.

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Curtis Grima can be reached at

[email protected]