The international catwalks may already be showcasing trends for next winter, but right now, it's time to embrace fresh spring fashions, writes Lisa Haynes

Brighten up your wardrobe with an explosion of colour this spring

Black and beige undoubtedly made their mark on the S/S 09 catwalks, but it’s not all doom and gloom for the new season ahead. Let fashion transport you to a much brighter place . . . This season there’s 80s ostentatiousness, jungle adventure and fairytale prints to indulge in – and let’s not forget the explosion of colour to liven up your wardrobe.

Weary of your winter togs? Whether you want versatile neutrals or outlandish play gear, there’s a trend out there to put the spring back in your stride.

What was acceptable in the 80s wardrobe is officially back with a vengeance. We’re talking Dynasty dressing with power shoulders and minis, or Bananarama with crop tops, bleached denim and polka dots.

Check out faded denims for the summer months and layer risqué crop tops over tees to avoid tummy flashing. Look for statement shoulder pads in 80s-style blazers and mini dresses. If you want to accessorise, tie on a headscarf like old-school Madonna!

As seen at: Balmain, Nathan Jenden, Ashish, Topshop Unique

Sporty-style is Olympics-inspired and all about fabrics like luxurious silks, techno satins and surprise flashes of jewel bright colours. Just one piece will pole-vault you into the sports zone. Look for a satin bomber jacket, silky parka or dare to bare in a slinky jumpsuit. If you prefer the pale and interesting look, go for ballet-like clingy knitwear in baby blues or soft pinks.

As seen at: Stella McCartney, DKNY, Louise Goldin, Ossie Clark.

Florals are also blooming once again this season. There’s less of the mini ditsy prints and more sprawling oversized blooms in acid bright colours. Watercolour prints were also visible on the catwalks for more of a whimsical floral vibe.

Make a decision, bold or girly. If you love the ethereal look, opt for washed-out florals in floaty maxi dresses. Make more of a “look-at-me” statement in abstract prints on more structured pieces such as lantern skirts or jackets.

As seen at: Luella, Paul Smith, Marni, House of Holland

Think beige, not bland, if you want to work neutrals this spring. Some designers even emphasised their jungle spirit trend with wide-brim safari hats.

Mix and match camel, cream, beige and taupe and bling up with highlights of gold or keep it daytime with tan leather accessories like belts and sandals.

As seen at: Ralph Lauren, Julien Macdonald, Amanda Wakeley, Marios Schwab

Credit crunch or stress-free style? Whatever the reason behind this season’s minimalist trend, you can expect clean, modern lines and a cool colour palette of whites and pale greys that look so futuristic it hurts. Perfect for those with a no-fuss approach to fashion.

You don’t have to go to some of the scary spacesuit-style extremes seen on the catwalks. Look for simple cuts in dresses or suits in a pared-down palette. Any patterns, prints or fussy detailing just won’t cut it for this trend.

As seen at: Giles, Gareth Pugh, Josh Goot, Osman Yousefzada