Florals

If you're bored of bright coloured tights, or if lace tights just aren't for you, maybe you're ready for the next challenge — floral tights. I've had a pair sitting at home for a while, but have been too nervous to try them on. Now that I've warmed to them, I thought I'd give them a shot and see what you think. The style is currently available all over the High Street from River Island to Dorothy Perkins, but my pair are by Celeste Stein (£12).

They're not quite as bright as the picture suggests (a relief), but I still want to break up the pattern. My advice is to keep it simple. Pairing them with stripes, dots or tartan would be more of an advanced complicated look to pull off.

They looked great with a short black dress as they added a shot of colour for Spring and over the knee boots helped to stop the pattern being overwhelming. If you're not comfortable with such a short skirt then try a longer length with heels that just reveals a hint of the pattern.

Last week I was lucky enough to get a preview of the Spring collection by Alice Temperley. The British designer returned to London Fashion Week in September and has since given birth to a baby boy. Her celebrity fans include Mischa Barton and Tess Daly who wore a dress from the Spring 2009 line to the NTA's last week.

To find out about the inspiration behind the collection and to see more images just read more

There's a buzz of excitement in the fashion world right now as Jane Shepherdson embarks on her biggest project since leaving Topshop. She shaped what we wore for many years and placed Topshop firmly on the fashion map so we can't wait to see what she is going to do at Whistles.

Despite once being a hot shop for fashion fans it slumped slightly throughout the nineties but all that's about to change. This Posey Bouquet Dress (£140) is my current personal favourite item at Whistles.

The fifties style tea dress is perfect for Autumn. It takes the floral palette but makes it slightly darker. This month's Vogue sees the dress teamed with grey ribbed knee high socks for an edgier, younger look.

Apparently Summer is in full swing (hard to believe at times) so it's the perfect time to show off that floral look. Florals are going to be here for a while with darker shades taking over for the winter months.

Sugar reader makiwacky knows that you can dress up a floral dress or dress it down. She teams it with brown accessories here for a great Summer day look.

Here's what she's wearing:

• Dress, Bangles: a dry goods market in Bali
• Sandals: Coconut
• Woven leather purse: Nine West

One of the things I really like about Mischa Barton is that she's not afraid to try something different, even if it is a little bit risky. She attended the Candie's Foundation Event to Prevent Benefit earlier in the week sporting a pair of high waisted chinos. She nodded to this season's penchant for florals with a pretty camisole and then dressed up the look with brown chunky heels. See below to get the look for less.

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Now that you already have your floral dress, and miniskirt why not complete your floral wardrobe with a pair of floral shoes? The trend has now hit footwear where Stella McCartney reigns supreme with her cork etched wedges (pictured) which appeared on her Spring catwalk.

I would not recommend wearing head to toe floral but when you're wearing trousers why not hint at the trend with pretty flats or funky heels. Stella McCartney's designs are more subtle so are the perfect addition to a floral dress. See below for more examples.

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Ever since Jaime Winstone was spotted out partying in a Luella floral skirt, we've been lusting after the Spring collection. Pop UK already has her tiered Luella skirt but now the line is finally available online! Hoorah!

As always, Luella has produced a must-have printed t-shirt that will be a dressed down favourite of everybody from Lily Allen to Alexa Chung. This season it features a waving batman (£55) or an unidentified superhero (£55). There are also lots of florals from this funky prom dress (£325) to the Mary Jane collar blouse (£175). If only I could have it all!

You'd have to have been on another planet to miss this Spring trend which has already made an enormous impact on the High Street. Floral prints were big news on the Spring/Summer catwalks appearing at Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney (pictured left) and Prada to name but a few, and as the Autumn/Winter shows go on it seems it will be big news for another season to come.

The floral trend is a great excuse to indulge your inner femininity by stocking up on pretty floaty summer dresses. If you're not feeling that girly then hint at the trend with bold print accessories such as silk scarves, jewellery and printed totes. See below for some of the floral items currently on offer.

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