Say goodbye to winter style (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Say goodbye to winter style

8:43am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Fashion & Beauty By Lisa Haynes

If the recent big freeze is affecting your fashion choices, it’s time to thaw out with spring’s hot new trends.

Sorbet-inspired pastels, a hotbed of fresh florals and sea-inspired prints should get you in a sunnier frame of mind for the season ahead.

Forget the thermometer and check out the style barometer. These new looks will have you stashing away the winter woollies quicker than you can say ‘heatwave’.

Time to spring into action.

Floral Fever

No spring is complete without a sniff of florals but this season sees a fresher, more varied and vibrant bouquet.

This mixed bunch consists of tropical blooms, bold sunflowers and delicate buds.

And it’s not just about floral prints. Flower power has gone 3D with a bevy of designers showcasing applique and embellished blooms on their catwalk creations.

Try a show-stopping floral dress or embrace the new tactile blooms with separates, like a Louis Vuitton-style applique skirt or top.

Pastel Parade

If last summer was all about garish brights, this season’s colour trend is soft and sweet, sweet, sweet.

Ditch the detox because spring is high on the sugar content. There’s dolly mixture-inspired shades for girly looks and icy sorbet colours for an edgier take. Metallic accessories provide the extra frosting.

Forget about pastel wardrobe prescriptions on how you wear them. Opt for a subtle hit with one piece, a pale wash with one top-to-toe hue or take the pick ‘n’ mix approach by clashing your pastels together.

Print Explosion

The underwater world makes a re-appearance in this spring’s obsession with prints.

But shells, coral and fish aren’t the only designs of choice. Tribal, Nineties, paisley, Americana, zig-zags – pick your theme and the catwalks had it covered with an array of eye-popping designs.

Trousers are the 2012 way to work a print – if you dare. Go for skinny and cropped or wide-legged palazzos, and keep your top pared down. Stick to a statement dress, jacket or shoes if you want to make print strides in other ways.

Gatsby Girl

The film might be some way off but the screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby has sparked a 21st century flapper girl frenzy.

If the new season metallics don’t satisfy your razzle dazzle cravings, then this trend will.

Think glamour with a capital ‘G’ - lavish beading, tassles, feathers and embroidery in a basic monochromatic palette of opulent black, golds and creamy whites.

Reserve for after dark and make like a film star from the Twenties in a glitzy flapper dress. Stick to a luxurious champagne colour for wedding attire.

Athletic Aesthetic

No need to go on the hunt for your sports kit, the medal-winning looks for spring aren’t gym appropriate.

With Olympics fever in the air, the athletic mood has translated to fashion with luxe sportswear – silky track pants, racer back vests and high-tech anoraks.

Bag first place in the fashion line-up with this relaxed urban trend where over-accessorising and too-perfect blow-drys will be penalised.

Keep the silhouette fuss-free and clean, and the colours cool and bright. If you can’t give up your heels, try this season’s sporty ‘It’ shoe – the wedge trainer boot.