Top Trends for Spring

Look on the Sunny Side.

Bright, vivid, bold colours are a key fashion trend this spring and whether you opt for a candy coloured dress, shirt or belt, this sunny trend is sure to brighten up your mood. Add a dash of hot pink, cobalt blue, yellow, emerald green or bright orange to your look and you’ll feel bright and breezy in an instant. For work, you can simply dazzle and brighten you day with a fun, vivid top matched with a neutral coloured skirt or tailored trousers.

Get the bold secretarial look with this Karen Millen bow belt pencil skirt and organza ruffle blouse. Bow belt pencil skirt €180 Organza ruffle blouse €180 Patent Tote €180, Patent peep toe €200

Sarah Jessica Parker dazzles at the premier of her new movie Smart People with this fab candy pink cropped jacket worn over a navy satin top. Never one to shy away from trends, she successfully works a few looks by clashing bold colours with a touch of animal print (check out the bag) and nods to the metallic look with her sexy heels. Pictured with co-star Ellen Page who looks chic and gorgeous in this figure-hugging dress, they both look elegant and glam!

Go Wild!

The season’s flirtation with all things ethnic means that animal and tribal prints are everywhere. Top designers such as Matthew Williamson and Dolce and Gabbana have embraced this trend with colonial style military looks with a touch of ethnic. You can get find sexed up, funky versions for less on the high street with stores such as Oasis, Top Shop, Dunnes Stores, House of Fraser and Karen Millen all adding their twist to this exotic look. With influences from Africa and Asia, the global village is one of the hottest trends this season and these holiday-friendly prints, fabrics and looks will see you right though the summer months too. You can either go for the chic ethnic vibe with simple cuts or if you’re in the mood to go totally tribal then pile on exotic accessories with an assortment of beaded and wooden trinkets such as chunky bangles and oodles of necklaces.

The tribal look gets a luxe twist at Karen Millen and this Zebra Jersey Maxi Dress €265 and stacked wedges €220.

Gorgeous songstress and mum-to-be, Gwen Stefani looks bang on trend with this evening dress from her very own label, LAMB. The African-inspired beaded cutout adds a sophisticated, sexy edge to this global look.

Urban Jungle.

Safari suits and shorts are big news this spring and given the modern urban twist for city living. But if you’re not ready to step on the wild side, you just give a nod to the trend by dipping into this safari colour palette - opt for shades of beige, caramel, chocolate and khaki which you’ll find in all the collections this year.

Check out this

Long taupe short sleeved knit twin set with plunging neckline and front inserts €80. 100% linen trousers with edge contrast detail €110. All from Peruzzi. Amber chain €22. Earrings €7 and Sunglasses €12.All from Pulse Accessories.

Pulse Accessories supply over 900 pharmacies and boutiques nationwide with a collection of inexpensive accessories - bags, jewellery, belts, sunglasses and watches. Taking inspiration from the catwalk, the collection is on trend in terms of colour, shape and volume. Pulse Accessories have 22 of their own shops nationwide. View this seasons looks on www.pulseaccessories.ie

True Romance

Fashion has fallen in love with the things romantic, flirty, girly and pretty. Be wooed with romantic ruffle designs, pretty floral prints, stunning silks and tiny pleats. This key spring trend is very feminine and pretty look but exercise caution! Don’t go for a matchy matchy floral outfit but rather funk up the look by adding cheeky bright tights or funky shoes and don’t be afraid to clash designs to add a bit of edge and fun to the look.

Avoca Handweavers flirt with this girly trend while managing to keep it cool with these Avoca Anthology Chintz cami €84.95, Chintz overdress €149.95 & Glastonbury jeans €149.95

Avoca Renaissance Pocket Pinney dress

For those special occasions check out the new Belle collection at Oasis where you’ll find all the key looks of the season, with pretty sophisticated dresses for every occasion both day and night. This pretty Floral Rose Corsage Dress €114, Bow Occasion Drape Necklace €36, Bow Occasion Stretch Bracelet €29, Croc Alice Band €11 is available at Oasis, nationwide.

Drew Barrymore keeps her florals quirky and bold with this cute fashion-forward Gucci dress which is flirty and fun for Spring.

TOP TIPS FOR DRESSING SLIM THIS SPRING

Make sure the detail is on the slimmest part of your body. Whether it's texture, pattern, embellishment of the use of accessories.

Always make sure you wear fitted clothes on the largest part of your body. Our instinct is to cover up under loose, baggy clothing - this only serves to make us look bigger.

Use accessories to divert attention away from your worst bits towards your best features. For example, if you're pear-shaped, avoid big hipster belts and draw attention to the top half of your body with chunky necklaces or tops with lots of detail.

Slim scarves can also help draw the eye down the centre of the body, which elongates the figure to create a slimmer silhouette.

Whatever the body shape, always try to create a waist. Even if you carry extra weight around your tummy area, doing this will give you a more curvaceous figure and avoid you looking like a solid block.

Necklines can also make a huge difference. V-necks are fantastic for large breasts as they can perk up the chest area and help draw the eye down the centre of the body. Avoid high necklines if you're big busted.

Thicker, stretchier fabrics are more slimming than soft, silky or satin fabrics, as they tend to mould your body into shape rather than following any bulges.

Wearing the same colour or tone of colour top and bottom will make you appear taller and slimmer.

Sew up pockets on jackets and trousers to prevent bulging, which simply adds weight and draws attention where you need it least.

Where possible, opt for pointy shoes, as this will help elongate your legs, slimming down proportions.

The advice above plus lots more look-great inspiration is contained in Nicky Nicky Hambleton-book, Top to Toe: the ultimate guide to becoming who you want to be (Hodder Hardback). €20.99 at all good bookshops now.