tops

Festival season is upon us and what better way to dress for the occasion than with a tie dye top! The hippy style print is perfect for sunny days spent lounging in the park or at a festival watching bands. It first re-appeared on our fashion radar last year under the disguise of 'ombre', and it's still here – even forming part of Kate Moss' Topshop collection.

I particularly like the contrast on this jersey top (£28) which would look great with skinny jeans or cut offs. The bright colours of Dorothy Perkins take on the trend are also quite appealing. What do you think of this retro print?

The French have got it all. They have great wine, good food, haute couture, art and above all – bags of style! Knowing this, it's hardly surprising that the printed t-shirt is this Summer paying hommage to the country.

I have noticed many printed tees featuring the flag colours, funky French slogans, and imagery. My personal favourite is New Look's Bon Soir top (£8) which would look cute with jeans or a plain miniskirt. Topshop's Vieux Paris (£22) t-shirt would be great with leggings, skinny jeans or cut offs.

Most of my style influences come from people I spot out and about and this weekend I saw a girl wearing a denim shirt with leggings looking very '80s – in a good way! This left me rooting through my Mother's wardrobe looking for a vintage shirt but failing, however, it's ok as there are plenty available on the High Street!

The retro pieces already contributing to this trend revival include denim leggings, and crop tops. A jean shirt, like the previous two items, is easy to work in to an ensemble without it being overbearing. Make sure to team with other, possibly softer fabrics, and get it in a larger style to avoid looking like an extra from a Western movie! See below for some available now.

A striped t-shirt is a wardrobe essential. It's a great item to throw on with jeans for a casual day but equally so could be dressed up with a skirt and a pair of heels. You could pick one up at a second hand shop for an individual look or there are plenty of different styles available on the High Street.

A striped tee looks great with a pair of high waisted trousers or jeans for a sailor chic ensemble! The swing shape of this Warehouse top (£28) helps avoid the 'muffin top' faux-pas so you could wear it with skinny jeans or leggings.

If you want to make the look a little smarter then wear a blazer over it with a row of pearls. If money is no object then Stella McCartney's summer top (£485) is perfect for days at the seaside! Do your bit for charity with a Fashion Targets Breast Cancer tee at Warehouse (£20) as 30% of the cost goes to Breakthrough breast cancer. See below for more breton stripes!

From Katharine Hamnett to Henry Holland, the statement tee has a place every season and Spring '09 is no exception. It adds a punky touch to any casual outfit and is really easy to wear. Either just team with jeans for a relaxed daytime ensemble or with wetlook leggings and killer heels for a night out.

They've had a bit of a vintage makeover this season as the text is faded and simple colour schemes are used. I'm a particularly big fan of the "Je t'aime Paris' top (£12) which would look great with denim shorts, thick black tights and ankle boots. See below for more examples.

Whilst researching for Earth Day yesterday I came across many eco t-shirts raising money for a variety of causes. A lot of them feature funky prints on a plain background which is perfect for Spring/Summer with similar styles featuring at Luella and Alexander McQueen.

I already told you about the Luella for Tonic Gen tees but there are also organic cotton tops and a fair trade 'Serene in green' t-shirt from Topshop's fairtrade collection. Team with a pretty floral skirt for the ultimate contrast, alternatively wear with jeans and a long cardigan. I love this peacock print version (£22 from fashion-conscience) but see below for further examples.