Spring into summer trends

By Lisa Haynes

Now's the time to free ourselves from winter woollies and embrace some long-awaited summertime chic. Sunbeams may still be in hiding but the high street has stepped into spring/summer fashions, leaving jumper dresses and cocoon coats looking like wardrobe has-beens.

This season's trends appeal to all tastes, whether you want to fall in love with ethereal romantic floaty fashions or fall back on practical safari styles.

It's also action packed on the print front - floral blooms, nautical stripes or ethnic embroidery, they're the easy way to instantly refresh your wardrobe for the new season.

Wondering what to buy and where to shop for a style-packed summer? Here's the S/S 08 low-down. Get temperatures rising in this season's hottest trends:

NATTY NAUTICALS

Nautical may be revived every summer season but this classic trend is still as fresh as sea air. The sight of red, white and blue along with sailor stripes has us all reaching for our buckets and spades.

The bolder the stripes, the better this season. Vertical, horizontal or diagonal, Nicole Farhi, Biba and Jean Paul Gaultier all paraded zebra crossing-style bands down the S/S runway. Give the look an unexpected American flag twist by pairing stripes with clashing star prints.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Bold striped tee/dress, sailor-style wide-leg trousers, nautical swishy skirt, navy piped blazer.

GET THE LOOK AT: Topshop, Primark, Freemans, and PPQ at Oli (www.oli.co.uk).

GLOBAL TRAVELLER

Itchy feet? Take your fashion inspiration far and wide this season. Native-American embroidery, African tribal prints, Indian saris ... designers took their style cue from first-class global travel.

Brit designer Matthew Williamson delighted the London Fashion Week crowd with his S/S collection dubbed "global fashion-gypsy". The high street has followed suit with a fabulous clash of bright colour, print, and embroidery.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Ethnic scarf, tribal print dress, bright kaftan, suede fringe bag or boots.

GET THE LOOK AT: Monsoon, Warehouse, Red Herring at Debenhams, and Per Una at Marks & Spencer.

FLORAL FEVER

Poppies, daisies, peonies and roses ... this isn't a scene from Chelsea Flower Show but our summer wardrobes in full bloom. It's a mixed bouquet this season - from spriggy florals to super-bold blossoms, there's a bloom for you.

Flowers spread like wildfire over the catwalks at Gucci, Aquascutum, Luella and Stella McCartney to name just a few. McCartney said of her floral-clad collection: "I didn't want to do a cutesy, girly floral print. I knew from day one that I wanted it to be strong, energetic and striking."

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Floral dress, floral corsage, chunky accessories.

GET THE LOOK AT: Oasis, Linea at House of Fraser, Topshop, and French Connection.

SAFARI CHIC

Stock up on safari-style gear by the Jeep-load. This classic look is made for fans of neutrals with a colour palette of muddy brown, khaki and beige.

Safari chic swept down the catwalks at Versace, Donna Karan, Jasper Conran and Michael Kors. Forget about bulky shoulder pads and stiff linen, this season's safari has a definite softness - with body-skimming belted jackets mixed with silks and chiffons. Think A-list African holiday and you're on the right track to walking on the wild side.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Belted jacket, tailored linen essentials, tan leather belt, wooden bangles.

GET THE LOOK AT: Designers at Debenhams, Matalan, Principles, and Dorothy Perkins.

ROMANTIC LIAISONS

Fall head over heels with this season's romantic trend. Designers such as Chloe, Giles, Prada and Alberta Ferretti all sent frothy layered creations down the S/S catwalks that looked as light as air.

Expect ruffles, ribbons and corsage detailing on light gauzy fabrics. Don't panic! Sheer barely-there clothing doesn't have to mean exposing all - the right undergarments are key to carrying off the look. Protect your modesty and toughen up the uber feminine look by layering with a different coloured top or bodysuit.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Ruffle blouse, sheer dress, chic undergarments.

GET THE LOOK AT: ASOS, Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins, River Island, and Wallis.

FASHION NEWS

LA LOUNGEWEAR

La Senza may be famed for its lingerie but the undies store is turning to outerwear too. Lola & Coco by La Senza is the new line of urban leisurewear in jersey and velour. Fronted by pop sensations Booty Luv, you'll find signature t-shirts, velour pants and jackets, and cami tops, starting from £10. The new label is available in store now, or online at www.lasenza.co.uk.