Ten spring trends we’ve warmed to

If you’re the kind of woman who likes to do trends first, you’re probably already working next winter’s tartan. If however, you believe that she who ponders hardest — and waits for Tilda, Julianne and numerous Kates to trial a few looks first — buys wisest, here is a comprehensive list, chosen not merely for looks but for longevity. Everything here should see you through not just summer and part of winter but beyond, over that great horizon called style.

1 The Fabulous Relaxed Flared Trouser
I cannot lie — for this you really need to be tall. I’m sorry if that sounds shortist. God knows, I fight the short corner at every plausible opportunity.

I say when I think height is irrelevant, which is practically always. But not here. Not unless you want to stagger around all summer in stilty shoes, which tends not to look fabulous or relaxed. If you are naturally tall, flare away. Wear them as Elle Macpherson herself intended, with flats, and slim shirts and tunics, sexily unbuttoned. You are channelling Elle, not Noddy Holder.

2 The Even More Fabulous Cropped Trouser
Yes, yes, I’m meant to maintain a level of neutrality here in my top ten, but while I love all these trends, some are more beloved than others, and if you are under 5ft 6in what could be more wonderful (we’re easily pleased on the fashion desk) than discovering that the cropped slim trouser you thought was being usurped by the fabulous relaxed flare has in fact received a stay of execution, courtesy of some neon pink, orange or coral dye?

Seen on the catwalks, it’s now all over the high street. The key is getting that length right: just above the ankle. You don’t have to go bubblegum, by the way. Cobalt blue is, IMO, a dignified alternative. Plus it looks terrific with pink and coral accessories.

3 Denim’s Taking Over
Alber Elbaz kicked things off when he designed denim dresses for Acne that were glamorous enough to make it through the cocktail hour. Now, thanks to Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Derek Lam, denim’s registering as jackets and matching skirts.

Cleverly, this delivers something smart, rugged and washable. It’s go-anywhere dressing: casual enough for the school run if you keep accessories low-key, but simple to dress up for the office or dinner with patent heels and a silky or shiny shirt.

4 Block Colour
Like space time, block colour is a term easily understood by specialists in the field. Everyone else wonders why it’s not just called something much simpler, such as Colour — Lots of It, Sometimes Clashing. Hugely enjoyable, both to behold and wear, Block Colour can begin as a relatively safe experiment — those bright pink trousers, for instance — and expand, like the Universe, from there. The more you clash, the easier you will find it. Personally, though, I’d avoid the head-to-toe all one shade approach as it can look theatrical in real life.

5 The Gorgeous, Not in the Least Frumpy, Midi Skirt
When even Donatella Versace drops her hems to well below the knee, the war has been won. Where we were once suspicious- bordering-scathing, now we’re not only lauding its charms, but considering wearing it with ankle socks and wedges. Keep them light, fluid and colourful, or curvy and sinuous — and you can say goodbye to the tyranny of fake tan, although you may have to say hello to the tyranny of high heels because this is a skirt that needs sexing up.

6 Slouchy Lady
In honour of the sisterhood, I haven’t used the word “lady” since about 1985, but really, no other word will do here. In the look shown in the slideshow above, Proenza Schouler has taken all the elements of classic elegance — the tweed, the slim skirt, the jacket — and slightly, charmingly and above all wearably, subverted them. Whether you are a grandmother who wants to look fashionable or a twentysomething wishing to look sophisticated, seek out classic pieces that have been reworked. Usually it’s all in the cut, and yes, with perseverance you can find it on the high street. Zara and Whistles are very good places to start.

7 The Maxi
I will never love the maxi as a daytime option anywhere other than the beach — and even there, why would you? But I do rate it at night, when it comes as a ravishing skirt and makes a refreshing change from little cocktail dresses. As it’s such a statement piece, especially in a strong shade, you can go really casual on top and with your shoes, thereby looking like one of those irritatingly stylish women who never really try.

8 The Tunic
First reintroduced last winter, gaining ground this spring and set to last well into next year and beyond, the tunic, in silk, cotton, canvas or anything stiff enough to hold an A-line shape, is a nifty way to look smart without resorting to a jacket. Works best with slim trousers. Let us know if you find a way to do the zip at the back all the way to the top.

9 The Slightly Mismatched Trouser Suit
The no-fuss way to look smart and contemporary. Go for same-colour pieces, in different textures, as here at MaxMara, toning shades or the full-on clash. Whatever you wear beneath should be simple and bold — show some skin or make a statement with a contrasting top. The same logic applies to shoes, whether heels or brogues: a flash of ankle keeps it feminine.

10 White Lace
From lime to crimson, lace roared on to the catwalks. Despite all the challenging colours, black seemed the chic-est, sanest option initially. Gradually, however, opinion has shifted — call it romance, call it sentimentality, call it age awareness (black seems so very harsh these days), but white lace says fresh and chic, viz this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana dress. What better choice for an elegant, grown-up wedding dress?

If getting married doesn’t fit with your schedule, don’t feel you have to miss out. White lace looks terrific worn sparingly with something harder, such as denim, or J Brand’s skinny black Agnes jeans with mock-leather patches.