The spring season doesn’t officially start for another three weeks or so, but you can already feel the fever in the air. Fashion lovers are still wearing their winter wears, but are scoping out their wardrobes for warmer weather. This year there are several trends that demand a fit figure to pull off the looks. Not that fashion is the most important reason to aspire to fitness – but it sure is a good motivator! Here are our top 3 trends worth the sweat.

Hot Pants & Short Shorts

Above: Marc Jacobs, Rochas, and Derek Lam – Spring 2010

This is definitely not a trend for shy girls. Hot pants put ALL of your lower assets on full display, so they will certainly get you some attention. Let’s just shoot for the good kind of attention and get those glutes and quads in shape! For a little bit more coverage, try short shorts (below) instead. They are still steamy hot, but at least you’ll look like you’re wearing clothes… and not just underwear.

Above: Blumarine, Balmain, and Cynthia Rowley – Spring 2010

Peek-A-Boo!

Above: Julian Louie, Alexandre Herchovitch, and Cynthia Steffe Spring 2010

This spring designers are really forcing the issue by creating items that show a lot of skin. And sometimes they’re revealing with yards of fabric. Sheer tops like those seen above were all over the runway, and are sure to be all over the streets. But looking good in these requires a fairly tight midsection. You know what that means, don’t you? Time to stop crunching those chips and start crunching those abs! Some designers didn’t even give us the benefit of a bit of sheer fabric for camouflage. Cutaway silhouettes let the whole world get up close and personal. Mark Fast (3rd from the left, below) is known for his body-conscious clothing and, best of all, his models show that fitness comes in many sizes.

Above: Michael Kors, Jill Stuart, and Mark Fast Spring 2010

Open backs

Above: Mason by Michelle Mason, Thuy Spring 2010, and Cynthia Rowley

From just a taste to darn near nakie, the latest fashion encourages you to show off your backside. Most of us are usually so focused on our abs that we forget that the reverse side is just as important for a fit, sexy figure. And since it’s not as common on the exposure list, a little back can go a long way. The good news is that many exercises that work your midsection work the abs as well as the back. Another bonus: a strong back makes good posture, and the way you carry yourself makes all the difference in your style.

So there you are, ladies. You’ve still got at least a month before the thaw. That’s plenty of time to relish the joys of being both fit AND stylish. Now get to work!