Top Spring/Summer 2012 Trends

It is not necessary for us to determine our key Spring/Summer look this year by colour or number just trust in the letter 'p': paisley, pastels, pyjamas, platform wedge, print clash and plain white.

Jil Sander S/S 2012

Paisley is the new floral for fans of a summer print. It works best as a separate rather than an all over look. Think more along the lines of Megan in Mad Men, a trend that represents freedom of expression and elegance rather than dismiss it as a seventies interior faux pas. Be economical; invest in a paisley pyjama trouser which can be styled up smart with a shirt or styled down to a casual look teamed with your new favourite high tops.

Philip Lim S/S 2012

Wear pastels on your lip and your hip. The candy colour suit is a ladylike alternative to the pencil skirt. It can be an overtly feminine trend however tailoring will give it a more modest and understated look. Soft peach, pink and violet shades will now be featuring in your work wardrobe.

Isabel Marant

Trainers are huge this season; literally. At last we can breathe a sign of relief by wearing a platform that will not leave our feet throbbing at the end of the day. I am not sure whether it is the Olympics that has had an influence over the new footwear choices but I am liking the comfort it brings. If you have not purchased a pair already, Italian designer, Ash are the new byword in high tops and do the best Isabel Marant copy.

Giambattista Valli S/S 2012

White does not necessarily mean boring or plain and it can be as flattering on your summer silhouette as black is in winter. Nor do you need to have a St. Tropez tan. This year's white for summer is about minimal effort. Best to opt for a classic or cult piece that you can wear for more than one year. A dress or sheer top will enhance your choice of basics.

Mary Katrantzou S/S 2012

Mary Katrantzou is queen of the print clash and the way she has earned that reputation is by doing it well. Print clash does not necessarily mean that you look messy or that you lack understanding in basic fashion rules; it is about choosing a theme. Try to pick out the same colours in your top and trouser that will compliment each other or prints that are not world's apart. For example a tribal and polka dot clash would be a no - no yet a busy floral with a busy paisley just might work.