Fashion forecast for 2008

Culture clash

Zebra prints, Aztec dress, ethnic jewellery, you name it, we'll be wearing it all come summer. This tribal trend first made an appearance at the Balenciaga autumn/winter catwalk show, but the pick-and-mix vibe has gained momentum for spring. Which means we can take a worldwide voyage of discovery without leaving the high street.

How to wear it: This is a complicated look - there's a very thin line between global traveller and bag lady - so best to keep it simple. Try a primitive necklace over a plain vest top or wear a printed dress with chunky bangles, and you may want to think twice about the knee-high gladiator sandals!

Scarf, £15, vest, £29.50 and shorts, £25 all Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer. Crochet detail top, £12, printed skirt, £10 and belt, £4 all Matalan.

Seventies vibe

Floaty maxi dresses, waistcoats over vintage blouses, oh and did we mention stonewashed jeans?

Yes, Status Quo-style denim was rocking all over the world - well, all over the catwalks at Chanel and Christopher Kane - and is winging it's way to a Topshop store near you.

Fortunately, this time round the trend has a bit more gloss, the tired mishmash of second-hand clothes is a thing of the past - for 2008 we are talking seventies sleek.

And for evening what better than to slink into a sexy jumpsuit, pull on your dancing shoes and make your way down to Studio 54.

How to wear it: With artfully mussed up hair and a laid-back attitude. Use accessories to add a touch of luxury - a statement bag, fabulous shoes, a floppy hat - and upgrade the look. Be sure to keep make up strictly 21st century, David Bowie's glam rock eye shadow was only acceptable in the seventies.

11 items for the seventies vibe

Floral dress, £50 and waistcoat, £30 both J Jeans by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. Maxi dress, £20 and shoes, £16 both Matalan

Flower power

If you're in need of a quick spring fix, add a frivolous floral print to your shopping list. The latest blooms are bigger and bolder than ever, from giant pansies at Balenciaga to fairytale florals at Prada, this is not a trend for shrinking violets.

How to wear it: The key to making this trend work is to focus on one item. Balance a simple floral dress with a pair of chunky platforms. Wear a printed shirt with extra-wide trousers. Just don't go the whole Chelsea Flower Show route - remember, when it comes to overgrown vegetation, less is definitely more.

Dress, £79, Linea and skinny patent belt, £13, Untold at House of Fraser. Tunic top, £45, Kookai.

What to keep

Block colour
Way back in autumn, we found a flash of neon colour amidst all that black a truly uplifting experience. So we're pleased to announce that brilliant hues are just as refreshing this spring. Go for Jaffa orange, Schiaparelli pink or cobalt blue, and paint the whole world with a rainbow!

Playsuit, £39.50, Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer

What to keep

Blazers
Thank you Nicholas Ghesquiere for bringing the multitasking blazer back into our lives. This wonderful jacket can pull together any outfit; it sharpens the romantic trend, works well over seventies clobber and helps make block colour less of a scary proposition. Perfect.

Blazer from a selection at Topshop

What to keep

Safari
OK, so safari being hot for summer is about as surprising as seeing Victoria Beckham on the cover of Grazia, but there's a reason why this classic trend never dies. Brought to us over thirty years ago by the fabulously talented Yves Saint Laurent, a khaki belted jacket always looks good. Go for 'Out of Africa' glam with an armful of wooden bangles and an animal print scarf.

Jacket, £99 and trousers, £69, both Linea at House of Fraser. Elasticated belt, £25, Episode at House of Fraser

What to keep

High waist trousers
Oh how we've grown to love our snug high-waisters, surprisingly flattering across the midriff and super-stylish with a chiffon blouse and waistcoat, they bring a hint of Golden Age glamour in to our lives. For high summer, team with a nautical stripe t-shirt, plimsolls and a single row of beads. Riviera chic is guaranteed to be a surefire hit.

Jeans from a selection at Topshop