Next season's collections are so vibrant, confident and exciting, it's impossible not to feel optimistic. Hilary Alexander delights in their exuberance In pictures: Spring’s new colours When the weather is as dismal as it is right now, there is one sure way to blast away the blues: look ahead. The retail pundits may be licking their wounds right now, after a less than robust Christmas, but as we edge closer to spring, fashion's new bright and cheery trends are bound to have us walking on the sunny side of the high street again. | |  | | Silk/satin dip-dye dress, £35, New Look |
There is an energy and intensity and a sense of adventure about the spring/summer collections which will make optimism unavoidable. Vibrant, confident colours are making a comeback, as are intricate and lively floral prints. There will also be a return to romance and ruffles - but with a retro twist. Meanwhile, the tribal boho mood swivels all around the globe. And where old classics remain, they have been reworked with ingenuity and spark. Here's a preview of the treats in store. Bold Colour Aim for electric jolts of colour: the sudden surprise of a splash of orange, the shock of parma-violet, scarlet or emerald, or the multi-hue effect of the new dip-dyes. With a statement such as this, the cut of your clothing must be immaculate and the fabric must drape and flow. Keep jewellery to a minimum - just a statement cuff or modern necklace - and wear simple, strappy footwear. Designers: Lanvin, Alberta Ferretti, Jil Sander. High Street: Per Una, Coast, Mango, New Look. Safari The perennial spring trend has been rejuvenated with new fabrics, a sharper silhouette, a hint of colonial flair and a touch of French Foreign Legion. This look, in sand and desert shades from beige to burnt umber, must be slick, never slouchy. Bush jackets, cinched to define the waist, and tapered or flared trousers are key, but look out also for city-smart waistcoat and walking-shorts combinations. Snakeskin and leather are abundant, and the textures contrast wonderfully with linen, cotton and silk. Incorporate a white shirt, and wood and metal accessories. Designers: Proenza Schouler, Versace, Michael Kors, Belstaff, Donna Karan. High Street: Marks & Spencer, Matalan, Debenhams, Principles. New Nautical Jumpsuits, all-in-ones and hotpants join the regular sailor-style separates. Star motifs, denim, bows and perky polka dots add a new dimension to a trend which is often dominated by stripes in navy, red and white - and make it more feminine than before. Brightly coloured plastic and pearls bring the look to life.  | | | Step to it: Try adding colour into your wardrobe with this smart wedge-shoe by Tod's |
Designers: Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel; Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, Y3, Vivienne Westwood. High Street: Kate Moss/Topshop, Miss Selfridge, New Look, River Island. Floral Dance Whether it is digitally enhanced blossoms in techno shades, hand-painted roses and wisteria, forest illustrations of fauna and flora or soft, watercolour images, fashion is blooming. Wear a mixed bunch (as at Dries Van Noten), follow a sweetly old-fashioned English country garden theme (like Ralph Lauren) or step straight into the cyber-computer garden (as seen at Balenciaga). Flowers are all over tunic tops, over-the-knee skirts and gathered dresses. Wear with multicoloured bags, wedge-shoes and corsages. Designers: Prada, Kenzo, Eley Kishimoto, Aquascutum, Stella McCartney. High Street: River Island, Mango, Coast, Debut at Debenhams, Jigsaw, Per Una. Ruffles This is fashion in soft focus: sheer, floaty fabrics like chiffon, lace and tulle mixed with stonewashed denim, romantic pastels and flesh-tone, boudoir shades. Look for dresses that ripple around the body in tiers of flounces, a frill at the hem of a skirt, or a blouse that ties with a bow at the neck, and wear with metallics, gladiator sandals, or peep-toe shoes. | |  | | Cuffs, £175, Marni, Sloane St, SW1 |
Designers: John Galliano, Christopher Kane, Marc Jacobs. High Street: Miss Selfridge, Wallis, H&M, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop. Tribal Boho has gone global, embracing Mayan and Aztec cultures, Moroccan embroideries, Indonesian batiks, African graphics, Geisha influences and sari silhouettes. Wear with scarves, obi-style sash belts, bangles and anything with beads or fringing. Designers: Emilio Pucci, Matthew Williamson, Nathan Jenden, Oscar de la Renta, Hermès, Etro. High Street: Marks & Spencer, Kate Moss/Topshop, New Look, H?&?M, Per Una Speziale. |
