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SPRING INTO SUMMER TRENDS
Banish your winter wear and stock up on this seasons looks with a round-up of the hottest trends for spring and summer 2008.
Nows 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 seasons trends appeal to all tastes, whether you want to fall in love with ethereal romantic floaty fashions or fall back on practical safari styles.
Its also action packed on the print front - floral blooms, nautical stripes or ethnic embroidery, theyre 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? Heres the S/S 08 low-down. Get temperatures rising in this seasons 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 isnt a scene from Chelsea Flower Show but our summer wardrobes in full bloom. Its a mixed bouquet this season - from spriggy florals to super-bold blossoms, theres 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 didnt 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 seasons safari has a definite softness - with body-skimming belted jackets mixed with silks and chiffons. Think A-list African holiday and youre 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.
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