Buy now, wear all year: key trends of 2012

Animal print

Our enduring love affair with animal print is almost as long-running as the Lion King: the musical. Looks like this modern-day wardrobe staple is here to stay.

Maxi skirt,  £139 and spot print scarf blouse, £129, both Hobbs Unlimited www.hobbs.co.uk

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Bold colour

The best way to wear clashing brights is to team attention-grabbing tailored separates with neutral accessories.

Cropped jacket, £260, navy blouse £199, orange trouser, £160, Hastings bag, £299 and espadrille, £260 all www.jaeger.co.uk

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Fifties–style

Swish a circle skirt, knot your blouse, wear a high ponytail and rock and roll your way into the new season.

Shirt, £22.50, bikini, £19.50 and necklace, £15, all Marks & Spencer, skirt, £29.50, Per Una www.marksandspencer.com. Dress, £65, www.monsoon.co.uk

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

...Or jitterbug in a cute prom dress.

Dress, £65, www.monsoon.co.uk

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Sporty chic

Not long till the 2012 London Olympics – so we plan to show some national pride by channeling the sporty trend. Much easier than trying to purchase a ticket to the Games, or taking up Zumba.

Top, £30, trousers, £28 and shoes, £65, all www.riverisland.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

...And yes, you can look sporty in a jaunty skirt and heels.

Orlaith top, £110, worn over Silvie top, £79 and Cherish skirt £95, Amaya shoes £139 and Kenrick bag, £129 all www.reissonline.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Flapper girl

Twenties-inspired flapper dresses shimmied down the catwalk at Gucci and will be making an appearance alongside Leonardo  diCaprio and Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby this spring. Time to party like it’s 1924. 

Dress, £60,  www.riverisland.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Tomboy style

A trend that allows the wearer to move seamlessly between one season and the next is always worth buying into.

Anne blazer, £219, Day Birger et Mikkelsen (0207 432 8088)

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Monochrome magic

Chic, elegant and on the catwalk at Armani and Chanel. Need we say more?

Leonie dress, £145, leather belt, £95, Crocus leather bag, £245 and Haven raffia shoes, £224 all www.lkbennett.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Fancy pants

If you didn’t invest in a pair of fancy pants last season then make 2012 the year of outstanding strides.

Dilly trousers, £125, Issey blazer, £189, Fleur T-shirt £35 and Barney bag, £225, all www.reissonline.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

...And whilst we’re on the subject of eye-catching trews we just have to show you these fabulous floral jeans from J Brand. Beautiful, eh?

Jeans, J Brand, £240, at Selfridges www.selfridges.com

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin

Graphic prints

Fashion memo: a striking graphic shift is just as versatile as a Little Black Dress. Wear now with black opaques and colourful shoes and when the temperature rises, unleash well-toned legs and embellished flats.

Dress, £189, Hobbs Unlimited www.hobbs.co.uk

See also: 10 ways to winter-proof your skin