Fashion forecast for 2008

Start the New Year in style with our round up of the key trends for Spring and the year ahead. From big, bold floral prints to romantic ruffles, we've got the latest looks covered - plus top tips on what to carry through from 2007. This essential New Year fashion guide will keep you looking hot all year

Ruffle blouse, from a selection at New Look

New romantic

We haven't seen this many ruffles (or been so excited) since Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette hit the silver screen. Silk, sheer layers, pale pastel tones - this ultra-feminine look is set to cascade down the high street like a chiffon waterfall. Yep, frou-frou is back in town, and as Christian Dior said, 'There's nothing nicer than frills and flounces.'

Navy ruffle dress, £65, Untold at House of Fraser How to wear it
Toughen up the look with some hardcore accessories - try a leather belt a la Burberry Prorsum or a pair of black patent platforms. And chiffon may be pretty but we wouldn't want you to catch a chill - so for extra warmth slip a grey cashmere sweater over a ruffled dress or skirt, add a pair of ribbed tights and segue straight from winter in to spring.




Scarf, £15, vest, £29.50 and shorts, £25 all Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer

Culture clash

Maybe it's down to cheap flights bringing the world to our doorstep, or perhaps it's because King Tut's paying us another visit, whatever the cause, we love the effect. 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.

Crochet detail top, £12, printed skirt, £10 and belt, £4 all Matalan 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!




Floral dress, £50 and waistcoat, £30 both J Jeans by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

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 will shortly be 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.

Maxi dress, £20 and shoes, £16 both Matalan 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.





Dress, £79, Linea and skinny patent belt, £13, Untold at House of Fraser

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.

Tunic top, £45, Kookai 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

Playsuit, £39.50, Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer

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!

Blazer from a selection at Topshop 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.


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



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.

Jeans from a selection at Topshop 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.