Soon all the January sales will have finished and our favourite stores will suddenly be awash with new collections.

However, it is sometimes hard to know exactly what and what we should be looking out for in the forthcoming season.

Thankfully, help is at hand as MFL is here to end all your trend-forecasting woes. Here are top five spring trends- they are the ones we love, the ones we will be following and the ones you should too!

PASTELS

If there is one trend see in abundance on the catwalk at the last fashion weeks, it was creamy pastels. Pale lemon, mint green, candy pink and baby blue all featured heavily. Take the icy pastel blues at Christopher Kane and the ultra pale lemons at Carolina Herrera for inspiration. Ease yourself into the trend by adding a pastel piece to your wardrobe- a pale pink sweater or mint green bag for example.

FLORALS

Yes they pop up every year, but this time round florals are bigger than ever. Erdem’s classic blue florals drew admiring glances all round, while Valentino’s monochrome blooms took a fresh approach to the trend. It is a simple trend to wear and might even be one you have in your wardrobe. Pair that floral tea dress with a candy coloured cardigan for ultimate fashion kudos.

VINTAGE AMERICANA

One of our absolute favourite trends this season was the Vintage Americana look which steamrolled in at the last shows. We mean, did you see Prada’s cute a quirky car print motifs?! Jil Sander also followed suit with retro blue and white gingham. One of the more daring trends but that’s part of the appeal!

BOLD PRINTS

If you are going to do prints this season, make sure they are big, bold and brash! Take a look at Derek Lam’s huge geometric patterns and Joseph Altuzarra’s vibrant multi-coloured prints for inspiration. This is a look which is going to run all year so get in early with a vividly patterned blouse or geometric print dress.

PEPLUMS

2012 is definitely the year of the peplum. Seen on dresses, skirts and shirts alike, it is an instant way to update your look. They featured on the bottom of sleeveless blouses at both Rodarte and Thakoon. Wear now for instant ladylike styling.

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Jewel Tones

Deeply exotic gemstone hues replace last season’s bold fixation. Christopher Kane neon’s; seriously citrus and cerise hues and intense colour blocking have matured into glamorous, deep set jewel tones. With an emphasis on unadulterated opulence, varying textures beautifully contrasted in emerald at Emilio Pucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. Garnet garnered serious attention at Celine and Marc Jacobs, whilst citrine set the scene for the months ahead at Bottega Veneta and Valentino. Judging by this palette, it’s unsurprising then that the perennial LBD may just be sidelined in favour of its mystery evoking, colourful counterpart.

Print & Pattern

If you thought Prada and Stella McCartney’s madcap prints were the ghosts of season past, think again. Prints continued their haunting this season, minus the monkey business. The autumn/winter catwalks painted a sumptuous display of ornate artistry and a nod to ceramics, as designers took inspiration from precious objects of art. With an leaning towards wearable luxury – a continuing theme this season – swirls, motifs and tapestry-infused prints took centre stage at Etro, Mary Katrantzou and Viktor & Rolf, with a rather grown-up take on an unusual favourite: spots, as played out at Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs.  Last season’s ditsy florals have bloomed and are even more impactful as seen at Paul Smith and Jil Sander. The key to this trend: be as decorative as you dare.

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Spring is the time for new beginnings, and in the same way you clear out your wardrobe for new summer clothes, it’s a good time to think about revamping your hair.

After a dull and dark winter, chances are your hair may be looking the same, and since spring’s throwing out some pretty sweet hairstyles, we’re feeling more than ready to try our favourites out.

We’ve picked the hottest hair trends for summer which will definitely satisfy your need for change and make you feel suitably fresh in the process.

Whether it’s a new colour or a simple change of up ‘do, find some inspiration below from the spring hair trends we can’t wait to try out…

Ombre hair

Unless you’ve been asleep for the last six months, chances are you’ll have noticed that highlights are looking a little different these days. The hottest trend right now – well, since last autumn, actually – is ombre highlights, a new lightening technique where colour is haphazardly applied through the bottom layers of your hair to create outgrown roots and sunkissed ends. Perfect for when the sun starts shining, this season’s ombre is less extreme, but it’s still there in creamy caramels, bronzed browns and honey blondes for a softer, spring-friendly approach.

Red hair

When two of the most famous blondes on the planet dyed their hair recently, we knew we were in for a red hot trend. Carrying on from winter through to the summer, shades of burgundy have turned to copper and they’re sizzling into the limelight. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Home dying kits are far more sophisticated than they used to be so throw on a temporary dye to try out the trend if you’re anxious.

Ballerina bun

Ever since Black Swan hit the cinemas, the world’s gone a bit ballerina barmy. Proven by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in their roles in their hit thriller, nowadays there is no other way to wear your hair up than in a top knot – and the fash pack have been sporting it for a good few seasons. Still fresh for spring, it’s just as strong a look for the day or the evening, whether you’ve slung it up with an elastic band or spent hours smoothing and pinning it. And the greatest thing? There are no rules, you can wear it as high, as neat, as big or as small as you want.

Braided up-do’s

The prettiest way to wear your hair this season is with a halo of braids, like Rachel McAdams and Nicole Richie, and as seen on the runway at Erdem. Whether you weave it into a side plait or pin plaited pigtails over the top of your head, braids can be done on unwashed hair making it a cute and convenient update.

Big hair

Big hair is big news again. OK, so Cheryl Cole and Sarah Jessica Parker’s foray into hairspray may not be the best example of how fabulous big hair can be, but trust us, backcombing and hairspray are about to become your new best friends. Tong your hair into loose curls and then get backcombing at the crown for big, bouffant hair.

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This season is all about bright colours. Rainbow shades have exploded everywhere in fashion, and they’ve continued to make a splash in the beauty world, too. 

If you prefer to make a subtle style statement, we totally get why you might not be rushing to wear violets and turquoises, but don’t rule it out of your beauty regime.

A slick of blue eyeliner or a swipe of yellow nail varnish is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to try out some acid brights with absolutely no committment – and it might just be the best thing you do all season.

But hey, there’s plenty more for you to get your teeth stuck into where that came from. Take a look below at our guide to of spring’s hottest beauty trends that we can’t wait to try…

Bright nails

It’s official: nail varnish has become an accessory as important as handbags and shoes. Chanel – the champion of the hottest nail colours – has released a canary yellow shade called ‘Mimosa’ for spring, and just like the mint green and greige of previous seasons, it’s sparked off a new hot trend. A quick and inexpensive update – and a great way to nod to spring’s colour blocking trend – painting your nails a bright colour is a must-try this season. The hottest shades to look out for? Aqua blue, tangerine, yellow and vibrant violets.

Jewel tone eyeshadow

Rihanna is certainly never one to shy away from bold trends, especially when they involve colour (her red hair being a perfect example). Wearing bright coloured eyeshadow or eyeliner may seem like a rather risque prospect, but jewel tones – that’s greens, blues and purples – are all great ways of making your eyes pop. Don’t go mad – a simple swipe along either lash line is all you need for a quick update.

Neon lips

Ever since the models at Prada, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander paraded down the runway with neon lips, every beauty company has rushed to create crayola coloured lipsticks. Punchy pink and fiery orange are the hottest hues to be seen in – Rachel McAdams rocked the trend in a pale peachy pigment, ideal for a softer approach – but don’t be frightened, there’s a shade for everyone.

No mascara

After years of worshipping false eyelashes (and, frankly, getting a bit carried away with the bigger-is-better double lash sets now available), barely-there eyes are a refreshing new trend. The spring catwalks were awash with flawless skin paired with un-mascared eyes, and it’s a great match for the bright lips above, too. It might sound terrifying, but with well-bronzed skin (try a good tinted moisturiser), it feels super fresh. Go au naturale on your lashes, you’ll be surprised at how liberating it feels.

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We haven’t even started wearing our spring strings yet and already everyone’s talking about autumn – we don’t blame them, though, good things are coming to a closet near you next season.

If you want to stay ahead of the frolic (and let’s face it, it’s no fun coming last), we’ve rounded up the hottest trends from the autumn/winter 2011 runways that you won’t want to miss.

Stay psyched, we’ll be wearing them sooner than we’d like to admit…

Spots

Marc Jacobs, David Koma, Stella McCartney

Go dotty, literally, for spots and circles next autumn as anything round rules the runway – perennial polkas and Dalmatian drops included. Marc Jacobs layered spotted separates and accessories, David Koma couldn’t resist adding pom poms and Stella McCartney’s laser-cut circles became infectious.

Colour

Jaeger, Roksanda Ilincic, Jonathan Saunders

Good news if you’re a partial to a colour pop, the autumn runways picked up where spring stopped and sent a riot of colour to rival a rainbow. Reds add a contemporary edge to classic camels while vivid primary pops break up black and brighten warm autumnal shades.

Monochrome

Julien Macdonald, Giles, Louis Vuitton

Not braving the bold? Try black and white, instead. When colour wasn’t clattering the catwalk, monochrome was making just as much of an impact, especially at Julien Macdonald where signature jewel shades were swapped for gothic blacks and at Giles and Louis Vuitton where bondage-style straps took the darkside to the depths of dominatrix.

Texture

Marni, Aquascutum, Fendi

If you’re partial to sequins, suede and fur, here’s your chance to wear it all at once. Texture is all or nothing next season and more, as they say, is more. Sumptuous silks, soft fur, lace and leather team together for a luxe look, tweeds and knits offer a smattering of the countryside, and sequins, pom poms and plastic add a fun edge – throw it all together for touch-me texture next season.

Heritage handicraft

Christopher Kane, House of Holland, Rodarte

Not had enough texture? Heritage fabrics and handicrafts mix– think tweed with the occasional fringing or blanket-stitched crochet are adding an original edge to autumn’s collections thanks to thanks to Christopher Kane and House of Holland.

Past-time pleasures

Miu Miu, Gucci, Mulberry

If spring was all about the Seventies, try knocking it back a decade – or three – for autumn. From Miu Miu’s Sixties styling to Prada’s Forties approach, fashion’s feeling nostalgic next season.

Victoriana

Meadham Kirchhoff, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Temperley London

Want to step back even further? Try the Victorian era. Meadham Kirchhoff sent sombre models in Victoriana pinafore dresses, while at Vivienne Westwood and Temperley, blouses were prim and proper.

Photographic prints

Jonathan Saunders, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou

Baroque, bird cages, flowers, feathers, and digital skylines – prints are digital, photographic and, at times, hallucinogenic next autumn. Jonathan Saunders sent baroque prints alongside trippy tropical patterns, Erdem fused spring-like florals with watercolour washes, and Mary Katrantzou’s regal prints looked positively tangible.

Androgyny

Stella McCartney, Celine, Balenciaga

Bored of being girly? Take your cue from the boys – Stella McCartney, Celine and Balenciaga all sent suits and oversized, masculine tailoring and down the runway (and some chose boys to wear it, too).

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It’s Friday, and we’re in love. Yes, we do happen to be listening to the Cure, but Robert Smith’s not the only romantic round here – where spring’s concerned, romance is rife.

To mark the last day in our SS11 trend recaps, we’re embracing next season’s ethereal edge and looking to pretty ballerina-inspired pleats and lashings of peek-a-boo lace to get us through the afternoon with sheer sweet delight.

Plisse pleats

L-R: Chloe, Lanvin, Richard Nicoll

From skater to box to plisse, pleats rule the roost this spring. The perfect lightweight finish to full, floaty skirts, look for flippy shapes that skim the knee, mid-lengths that swing at your calves, or long lines that sweep the floor for full-on romance . Take sartorial inspiration from Chloe‘s soft ballet-inspired skirts, Lanvin‘s billowing leg-flashers and Richard Nicoll‘s pretty pleated playsuits.

Sheer lace delight

L-R: Erdem, Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher Kane

If it’s worth seeing next spring, it’s worth seeing through. Lace is back for SS11, but its delight this time around is in its sheer diversity – quite literally. From frilly white shirt dresses at Erdem to stunning floor-sweeping wedding cast-offs at Dolce & Gabbana, lace embraces next season’s luxe romantic feel with an etheral edge. Looking to offset the girliness? Get your direction from Christopher Kane, who balanced feminine shapes with popping acid neons.

[Images: Style.com]

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If all these powerful prints and vibrant shades are too much for your wardrobe to handle, you’ll be pleased to know SS11 is no stranger to nudes and easy-wearing denim.

Following on from yesterday’s lesson in lady-like dressing and retro throwbacks, take time to indulge in something softer on the palette next season and look to these two trends as your spring style saviour.

New-season nudes

L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chloe, Richard Nicoll

Next season’s chaotic colours seem to have had an adverse affect on some designers, who opted to simplify and pare-down their palettes for spring in favour of something decidely more delicate – and autumn’s camel fans will be pleased. From soft shades of sand at 3.1 Phillip Lim to fleshy tones at Chloe and fresh, high-gloss finishes at Richard Nicoll, second-skin stains make a subtle style statement. Want a tip? Try teaming with sweeps of black for a more directional approach.

Every-occasion denim

L-R: Derek Lam, Mulberry, Stella McCartney

Forget your fail-safe shorts (though not entirely, of course), spring’s got new ideas for denim next season – and it’ll crop up in just about every form imaginable. From chambray shirts to slack skirts via pinafore dresses and super-fine flares in between, spring’s denim is lightweight, luxe and ever-versatile. Take your cue from Derek Lam and double up, go frilly and feminine a la Mulberry, or swap stiff for slouchy like Stella McCartney – there’s a denim for every occasion next season. And, for extra points, work your denim with neutral tobacco tones for a cool, contemporary colour combination.

[Images: Style.com]

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