Chuck out everything that doesn't fit or is too last season (although chuck it in the direction of Ebay or the nearest charity shop, mind; recycled fashion is THE biggest trend for 2008).

Once you have some space, and your bank account is healthy enough, hit the shops and embrace some long-awaited, spring looks.

The season's key trends are pretty varied, which means there's one to suit everyone's fancy and figure.

Strong personalities will want to get ship-shape in the new take on nautical.

The colour palette is crisp and bright; red, white, navy and daintier shades of blue all come together, or can be worn for a solo high seas adventure.

Girls who did hippy-chic and loved the Kate Moss Boho look will find the Global Traveller look right up their street.

It's all about taking influences from far-flung destinations and making them your own. Neat freaks will love the neat, lightly-pressed look of Safari Chic – and the easy to wear, easy to mix neutral colours, while eternal romantics will find the spring fashion rails blossoming with dainty frocks in stunning floral prints and frills galore.
Style butterflies can, of course, dip into them all!
Here's the low-down on looks for spring '08...

Natty nauticals
Nautical may be revived every summer, but this classic trend has come back as fresh as sea air.

It's all about red, white and blue, but with a retro twist.

Think movie stars in Cannes and you're on the right lines. The bolder the stripes, the better. Vertical, horizontal or diagonal, Nicole Farhi, Biba and Jean Paul Gaultier all paraded zebra crossing-style bands down the S/S runway.

Give the look an unexpected American flag twist by pairing stripes with clashing star prints.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Bold striped tee/dress, sailor-style wide-leg trousers, nautical swishy skirt, navy piped blazer.

GET THE LOOK AT: Topshop, Primark and Freemans.

Global traveller
Native-American embroidery, African tribal prints, Indian saris... designers took their style cue from global travel.
Brit designer Matthew Williamson delighted the London Fashion Week crowd with his collection dubbed 'global fashion-gypsy'.
The high street has followed suit with a fabulous clash of bright colour, print, and embroidery.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Ethnic scarf, tribal print dress, bright kaftan, suede fringe bag or boots.
GET THE LOOK AT: Monsoon, Warehouse, Red Herring at Debenhams, and Per Una at Marks & Spencer.

Safari chic
Stock up on safari style gear by the jeep-load.
This classic look is made for fans of neutrals – the colour palette is of muddy brown, khaki and beige.

Safari chic swept down the catwalks at Versace, Donna Karan, Jasper Conran and Michael Kors.

Forget about bulky shoulder pads and stiff linen, though – this season's safari has a definite softness, with body-skimming belted jackets mixed with silks and chiffons.

It's more A-list African holiday than a walk on the wild side.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Belted jacket, tailored linen essentials, tan leather belt, wooden bangles.

GET THE LOOK AT: Designers at Debenhams, Matalan, Principles, and Dorothy Perkins.

Floral fever
Poppies, daisies, peonies and roses... this isn't a scene from Chelsea Flower Show but our summer wardrobes in full bloom.

It's a mixed bouquet this season – from spriggy florals to super-bold blossoms, there's a bloom for you.

Flowers spread like wildfire over the catwalks at Gucci, Aquascutum, Luella and Stella McCartney to name just a few.

McCartney said of her floral-clad collection: "I didn't want to do a cutesy, girly floral print.
"I knew from day one that I wanted it to be strong, energetic and striking."

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Floral dress, floral corsage, chunky accessories to provide contrast.

GET THE LOOK AT: Oasis, Linea at House of Fraser, Topshop, Fever at John Lewis and French Connection.

Romantic liaisons
Fall head-over-heels with this season's romantic trend.

Designers such as Chloe, Giles, Prada and Alberta Ferretti all sent frothy layered creations down the catwalks that looked as light as air.
Expect ruffles, ribbons and corsage detailing on light gauzy fabrics.
But don't panic!

Sheer, barely-there clothing doesn't have to mean exposing all – the right undergarments are key to carrying off the look.

Protect your modesty and toughen up the uber feminine look by layering with a different coloured top or bodysuit.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Ruffle blouse, sheer dress, chic undergarments.

GET THE LOOK AT: ASOS, Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins, River Island, House of Fraser and Wallis.


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