Missed the catwalk shows? No worries; here's a round-up of the newest fashion trends to inspire you through spring and summer. The shows might be over, but they've left quite a bit of excitement and a heap of fashion styles and looks in their wake. In a précis of what took place, it is all about mixing glamour with daywear and letting your clothes do the talking this season. The main theme this spring is somewhat tailored, classic, with a touch of bold and edgy added into the mix. Whether squares, stripes, lace, leather, floral, checkerboard or bright colours, the styles exuded elegance and femininity. Monochromatic outfits and crocheted vests also take centre stage, while the neons continue to consolidate their foothold for yet another season, especially for handbags and shoes. Soften punchy pink or loud lemon with a sheer blouse for a delicate effect, emerald green, soft silvery pastel blue, gray, cobalt, tomato red, white, sky blue and lilac came on strong this season. Still, as always, black and white fashions and dull neutrals continue to defy time and hold their ground even as big colour trends flood the runways for spring and summer. Designers added a splash of red and cheery yellow to the black and white combinations for an interesting twist. Be it vertical, horizontal or diagonal, there's no way to avoid stripes this season. As for the last four years, stripes continue to dazzle this year and they will be worn from head to toe, in the most unlikely match ups. Dresses will remain bright, sunny, stylish and comfortable in pastels, vivid colours and chic prints. Sharply cut dresses with angular detailing, or loose fitting square-shaped ones in various silhouettes from floor-length boho maxi dresses to some short shift styles and the sexy one-shoulder look are also on for the coming season. The emphasis is on full-skirted dresses with floral patterns and waist belts alongside peplum detailing and bright, bold colour combinations, such as electric blue and vivid orange. Fringe-accenting is also making a confident return. It's out with the leather cowgirl tassels and in with delicate, sleek trims that will sway with you long into the night. Lace is once more positioning itself as a style-craze this season. Once only reserved for wedding dresses or formal wear, it's now showing up everywhere. There's an obvious influences from India, the Middle East and Russia in some seriously stunning evening wear. Flower power takes a decidedly more mature turn in the form of appliqués and broderie anglaise. As for the shift dress, the hem is higher and the print zanier than ever before. Shoulder pads have returned this summer, with many designers opting to add a small shoulder pad to jackets, blouses and tops. Thankfully, they are not the over-sized shoulder pad of old; they just give good structure and are hardly noticeable. Double-breasted, with a bit of a shoulder pad, in pastels and bright classic colours, the jacket or blazer is in various lengths and well tailored this season. Ladylike and demure or sexy and sophisticated, skirts are fashion gold. Classic pencil skirts, A-lines, mid knees and maxis in popular predictable pastels, wonderful vivid prints, stripes and geometric and animal prints are very much on trend this summer. Designers have taken their inspiration from nature: fruit, feathers or little critters. Don't count leather out yet. The bomber is back with a modern fix: curved around the shoulders with added volume or cropped short and chic. Short suits are also making a comeback and this season's trousers' new waist lines fall just below the waist. The fit is tailored to narrow as the pant leg travels down the leg to the ankle. Print pants or jeans are one of the biggest fashion trends for this summer. Long to just-above-the-knee boyish shorts paired with feminine tops and loose-fitting bermudas are on this summer. The camp-style short-sleeved shirt that was very popular in the late 1950s through the 1960s has also made a return this season. Paisley patterns, originally from India and Iran, are also conquering the fashion world and will be infused into so many great fashion items this season. Consider adding a bit of paisley creativity into your spring and summer wardrobe. Look out for these patterns in dresses, jeans, blouses, handbags and shoes. This spring and summer, get ready to make a splash, go graphic, go bold, combine colours and do not be afraid if two colours don't fit together, keep accessories to a minimum and let the print shine.
