Winter may have been awash with black, leather and studs but this spring looks forward to a rush of candy colours and girlie prints!
Nautical
Nautical comes in every spring as a way to cleanse the fashion palette and prepare us for this season’s big looks.
This time it takes on a fun and playful Gallic twist with Parisienne influences such as the stripy Breton tee and the Chanel-influenced jacket.
This is a trend that can be worn by everyone regardless of age, shape or colour. You may be able to get the look from your existing wardrobe – fitted navy blazer, striped t-shirt and turned up jeans. You’ve just created Nautical. Add some red accessories to really make your outfit pop!
Wild Thing
Fierce animal prints make a comeback with coloured leopard prints and mock Crocs being a big look on the high street.
Tribal prints will bring a shot of colour to your wardrobe, and a bold batik top will update even the most basic pair of jeans.
The hippest way to wear this look is with a multitude of clashing prints, but if you don’t feel brave enough, just stick to one patterned item and team it with one of your plain basics.
The bold oversized prints work especially well on curvier shapes.
City Sports
Sportswear gets a super deluxe makeover by coming out of the gym and into the workplace this season.
Prepare to see ‘90’s influenced looks such as gym material harem pants, cropped sweatshirts and off-the-shoulder cardigans all in grey marl.
A word of caution: this look may seem like the casual option but it is not. Sweat pants should only be worn with heels, and cropped tops should only be seen with washboard tummies!
Urban Jungle
Safari, the quieter more classic cousin to the Tribal trend, is also key this season.
For a designer look, invest in a well-fitting shirt dress (Thomas Pink does a great one that flatters all shapes) in a tobacco or khaki shade. Or team a button-through skirt with a classic well-fitting white shirt and coral coloured accessories to a fresh, crisp look.
Fairytale
Winter’s gothic look has done a 180 degree turn and transformed into a romantic and girlie trend full of pastel-coloured chiffon, delicate lace and soft, drapey silhouettes.
The dress is queen in this trend and you can expect to see the high street awash with floaty feminine examples.
If this look is a little too girlie for you, view it as a colour trend. Pastels work best on warm pales and darker skins, though be careful to get the correct shade if your skin has a blue tone to it.
Look at Me Prints
Eye-popping patterns are amped up as the high street gets set to explode into a riot of digital prints. Not for the bashful, these prints are for the exhibitionist in you as they are sure to turn heads.
From vivid florals to colorful snakeskins and exploding fireworks, these pieces really speak for themselves so are best limited to classic shapes and silhouettes.
Look for fitted shift dresses with body prints, or statement T-shirts that can be worn with jeans.
Modern Military
It mean seem like the Military look has only just gone away, but thanks to Balmain, it’s had an early resurgence!
This season, Military takes on a much more feminine look. Think fitted blazers with edgy shoulder pads, slim-legged combat trousers, shirt dresses and city shorts all pepped up with basics in this seasons key colour – Coral.
Military is a look that can be worn by all ages, but the older you get, the more classic the look should be and the less items you should wear – head to toe is fine for teenagers! A fitted jacket will be the perfect nod to this trend for maturer ladies.
Key Colours For Spring/Summer ‘10
Pastels – These are a big trend for spring. Avoid blue tones if you are very pale as these will drain your skin.
Coral – spring and summer’s key colourway. Great for blondes and those with tanned or darker skins.
Khaki/Tobacco/Sand – The safari and military trends use these as their base palette. Update them by adding coral or a pastel colour for a really fresh look.
White – A fresh way to update your spring/summer wardrobe.
Navy – This season’s best alternative to black.
Key Items For Spring/Summer ‘10
A Safari or Military Shirt Dress – Great for all figures and can be worn as a dress or summer coat.
Harem Pants – In a sweatshirt material for younger girls, or khaki coloured and tailored for a more classic look.
A Statement Print Dress – A classic shift or wrap dress in a bold digital print. Great for curvy girls.
A Floaty Fairytale Dress – Perfect for petite ladies.
A White Shirt – A classic, crisp shirt can be worn by anyone and with any of this season’s trends.
A Breton Top – A stripy nautical tee will instantly update your wardrobe.
A Fitted Military Jacket – Channel Balmain and get one with shoulder pads.
A Batik Print – Whether it’s a basic t-shirt or a simple scarf, something in one of these jazzy and colourful prints will help your wardrobe shake off the winter cobwebs.
