Trend #1 Everyday dresses

Catwalk Inspiration: FENDI

Why: How can you not love a dress that will take you from day to night, from casual to dressy just by swopping a few accessories? From shifts to sheaths, 1960s-style tunics to pretty babydolls, wrap dresses that cinch to summery frocks that rock, there is a style for everyone.

What's new: Last fall's jersey dress gets downplayed this season, to be replaced with workhorse fabrics like heavier cottons and linen.

Bottomline: It's a no fuss, no muss outfit, and you will find a cut to complement every figure type.

Fashion tip #1:
Splurge on the dress – it’s the key item that you will build upon this season. So the lace, draping or other detailing is well worth the dough. Spend less on accessories or just buy chunky costume baubles, like a big cocktail ring or a big jewelled cuff.

Trend #2 Sports Illustrated

Catwalk Inspiration: DKNY

Why: Utilitarian without being shabby or overtly tomboy - welcome a new era of sporty cool. Conventional gym gear has been given a sprucing so it no longer looks asexual but feminine, modern and, darn it, pretty chic.

What's new: Windbreakers and sweats that don't look grungy - think couture meets performance sports. Also, think leggings worn under chiffon skirts and ballerina tops or tuxedo-inspired sweaters.

Bottomline: It's clothes you can move in - go from office to the gym or straight to drinks. Perfect for dress-down Fridays where you want to be comfy and casual but still ready to swing a meeting if need be.

Fashion tip:
The clothes might look sporty, but unless they are geared for action like Stella McCartney’s line for adidas, save them for lounging, not pounding the pavements.

Trend #3 Jacket Accent

Catwalk Inspiration: LOUIS VUITTON

Why: Because a jacket helps anchor floaty dresses, makes sportswear look even snazzier and, unlike cardigans, doesn't look slouchy on droopy shoulders.

What's new: Billowy sleeves, detailed lapels, high-shine fabrics, futuristic shapes - the new jacket is anything but boxy.

Bottomline: A cover-up should not only keep you warm, but it should also take your outfit to the next level in hipdom.

Fashion tip:
What’s flattering for all figure types is the cropped and swingy jacket, a la Vera Wang. Despite a softer silhouette, it still retains a definitive form so you look feminine, not sloppy.

Trend #4 Skinny pants

Catwalk Inspiration: DONNA KARAN

Why: It's the new power dressing: The figure is instantly streamlined, making you look taller.

What's new: Wear it right down to the ankle for a dash of grown-up sophistication, or pick capri styles with more detail - it's a tailored look you're after. Also look for narrow pants in textured fabrics like suede, silk, washed linen or metallics. Always team skinny bottoms with exaggerated platform pumps or stilettos.

Bottomline: Skinny jeans might be hip, but they lose out to sharp and smart stovepipe pants or capris when it comes to power-suiting.

Fashion tip:
Even bigger girls can get skinny. Look for fabrics with a slight stretch, such as cotton-elastane blends. Try Marina Rinaldi at Forum, Marks & Spencer at Paragon or WH at Great World City for larger sizes. Pair narrow bottoms with a tunic or flowy top to hide bulges. Do pick shirts with more detail at the top so it draws the eye away from problem areas. A funky necklace will also have the same effect.

Mb>Trend #5 Purple Reign

Catwalk Inspiration: YVES SAINT LAURENT

Why: Purple is the new black and the hue can be pretty and muted or bold and dramatic.

What's new: Everything - the fashion world has fallen hard for the shade and splashed it on everything from dresses and shoes to wallets and bags.

Bottomline: It's an easy, versatile colour that everyone can wear. Team it with cream to make a classy statement or pair it with other strong colours like orange, green or fuchsia for a Mondrian retro flashback. Even on its own, it can be royally powerful.

Fashion tip:
Not used to the flash of colour? Start with purple accessories and graduate to full suits of plum, lilac or aubergine which are all haute shades now.

Fair women can wear all shades of the colour, violets flatter tanned skin best while bright purples or silvery lilacs show well on darker skins.

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