Chic Cantabrigians are facing a crisis.

The calendar says spring is here, and signs of the season abound, from the smell of backyard barbecues to the sound of chirping crickets.

Accordingly, the fashion magazines are dictating a transition from heavy winter gear to the light ensembles of spring.

But in Cambridge, the weather isn't quite cooperating.

Unfortunately for local fashion bugs, the march of style proceeds without regard for the thermometer's reading.

So while the temperature remains ten-degrees-below-balmy, designers have decreed rising hemlines, bare legs and open-toed shoes are hot.

"People start buying spring clothes in April, and they're still buying them through May and June," says Tess Enright, owner of the eponymous boutique at 20 Brattle St.

To bridge the gap between chilly and sultry, trendy Cantabrigians require pieces that combine style with protection from the elements.

Thankfully, some designers are obliging this season.

On the shoe front, last season's stiletto--a nightmare on Cambridge's cobblestone streets--has given way to flats of all kinds.

Mules and sneakers, from Euro-chic Hogans to all-American Keds, are the perfect antidote to winter's boots.

According to Enright, sandals are also making their mark in Cambridge.

Her s'Avarca Menorca line of canvas slides, straight off the boat from Spain, have been hard to keep in stock.

Eager to try out spring's strappy, block-heeled and open-toed footwear, some local fashion mavens have come up with inventive ways to brave the cold.

"I've seen people wearing sandals with socks," Enright says. "It's weird."

But then, people do tend to act funny when the sun comes out again after a drab winter.

As inevitably as some men find their thoughts revolving around baseball, spring inspires some women to turn to light, romantic looks.

This season, floral prints and soft, colorful fabrics are in demand.

The Dosa line is doing particularly well at Tess, according to the boutique's owner. She says Dosa dresses are "totally springy" and very comfortable.

"All my things have to have a good hand--everyone feels the clothes," Enright says.

When they're not wearing cotton cargo pants, women are pairing light slip dresses with sandals.

"It's totally Bohemian," says Enright, who associates the look with the Harvard crowd's predilection for Birkenstocks.

Compared to the German sandal known for comfort, Enright's shoes are "upscale" and "not so hard."

Clearly, function gives way to form when the weather warms up and work winds down for students.

Michael Kors just won the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers Award for his wearable, sporty creations.

Kors is responsible for this spring's essential look--loose-fitting cargo pants topped with snug, square-neck or boat-neck tees.

This newly crowned king of American fashion says black is out, and judging by what's selling in Cambridge, the message is coming through loud and clear.

"People are sick of black," Enright says. "If I show color, they will buy it."

Shades of pink top the must-have

list, with turquoise, lime, yellow and peach tones also flying off the rack.

In keeping with the rage for color, Enright reports hot sales in red handbags and other accessories.

The spring fashions are even attracting men--typically reluctant shoppers--to Enright's store.

"Women have to initiate the shopping trip, but men will come with them," Enright says.