Judie & Evelinda: We asked several well-known boutique owners what's hot for spring.

All agree we are in for a colorful season of yellow, coral, purple and bright green. This should raise our spirits.

* Rebel, 5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, 720-283-1004

Owner Robyn Bairstow identified several trends. The boyfriend jean, popularized by Katie Holmes who was photographed wearing a pair of hubby Tom Cruise's jeans, fit like your old pair of Levi's 501s - loose and straight-legged. Some are cuffed at the ankle, others are full length. Wear them untucked with boots or with sandals.

First introduced last season, the long maxi dress will really take off this spring, Bairstow says. Rebel, known for its current California fashions, will be carrying styles in prints and solids. Add long necklaces to your spring wardrobe. And we mean long, like down to the pelvis. These necklaces and chains are hung with a variety of big pendants, charms and ribbons layered and twisted.

* Evey K, 100 S. Madison St., Suite 4C, 303-399-0903

Owner Evelyn Knuckles is banking on the continued strength of the dress. Her trendy store will be selling one-shoulder styles for day wear and maxi dresses worn with head wraps for the latest boho look. Along with bright colors, look for colorful florals.

If dresses are not your thing, check out her jumpsuits. Yup, they are back.

* PJ's, 1509 S. Pearl St., 303-777-8912

New boutique owner PJ Griswold is carrying colored jeans in her classic contemporary store. We saw this style emerge on both coasts last season. Griswold expects this style to burst on the Denver scene for spring.

Look for jeans in red, purple and yellow. She will be stocking a range of jean styles from skinny to sailor- cut to super-flared leg. (Put your boot-cut jeans away for the time being.)

And tally up another vote for dresses. PJ's will be carrying the "Incroyable" line of dresses by local designer Melissa May. The boutique will also carry another popular trend: African print tops, high-waisted skirts and dresses, with the fabric hand-woven in Kenya.

* Helena Cosmetics and Collections, 255 Detroit St., 303-322-6662

For the mature fashionista, owner Helena Stricker is stocking up on short-sleeve blouses in patterns and stripes. Stricker will also have plenty of dresses and crochet sweaters.

Her must-have for spring: a fabulous blouse with ruffles, in chiffon or silk, that can be dressed up or down.

* Dragonfly Apparel, 3621 W. 32nd Ave., 303-433-6331

Owner Veronica Hlatky has ordered a "ton" of dresses in all lengths, colors and prints. Her hip boutique will contain fewer empire styles and more figure-flattering cuts, slimmer through the waist and more fitted through the bust and midsection.

She likes denim with white undertones and stitching. Hlatky's must-have is a printed maxi dress by Trina Turk.

Join Style Matters at the Denver Library's fashion show featuring local fashion designers on Feb. 23. dplfriends.org; stylematters.us.