For Seller

By: Jacqui O’Brien

If you have felt that the last few seasons of boho and folksy fashions only looked good on the very young, you will breathe a sigh of relief this spring. Out go those gypsy skirts and embroidered tops, in comes elegant, grown up daywear.

The most popular colours for this season are pale, natural, neutral shades such as white, cream, beige and apricot. In fact many of this season’s "˜fashions’ are classics which you might already have in your wardrobe. If not, they will be purchases which you will wear for years to come.

Trousers are around in many styles, including skinny carrying on from last season and high-waisted, pleat-fronted for the very slim. However for the rest of us much more flattering wide, relaxed trousers will be everywhere.

Skirts are mostly on-the-knee preppy styles, harking back to the 1980’s.

The mannish look is a big trend, with the perennial favourite for summer the crisp white shirt, and tuxedo jackets worn with either skirts or trousers. Trousers, skirts, shorts and dresses with braces were all over the catwalks too.

Dresses for the summer are in three distinct styles. For smart elegance you can choose a classic shirtwaister. To bring out your feminine side a floatly babydoll dress in chiffon will suit you. Or you may want to go for an 80’s vibe with a simple shift dress, just above the knee. Any of these styles may include pleats too, as pleats are tipped to be really big this season.

If you are planning to buy a new coat this spring, you can either invest in a classic trench coat, double breasted and belted at the waist, or go for a softer 1960s style duster coat.

For a more glamorous occasion, continuing the grey theme from Fall 2005 party dresses are sparkly silver and sequinned as well as appearing in glittery fabrics in neutral shades.

The statement accessories of the season are large, round Jackie-O style sunglasses and extra wide belts buckled around the waist. Bags are spacious, slouchy styles - if you bought a hobo bag last season you will probably still be carrying it this summer.

Jewellery fans may have mixed feelings this spring; the trend is to wear just one statement piece, either a huge or multi-stranded necklace or an oversized bracelet. However earrings were nowhere to be seen; naked earlobes appeared on nearly every catwalk.

Jacqui O’Brien admits to a passion for fashion and a love of bargains. Her website http://www.shopping-villages.co.uk is a guide to the discount and outlet stores in the UK.