The A-Z of Spring fashion: A guide so awesome you'll want to print it out
A: Athletic
Blame it on the London Olympics: this season you can expect to see lots of athletic-inspired clothing - from bomber jackets to digital watches - hitting stores.
Buy it now: Two-tone watch $19.95 Sportsgirl, Cocoon Racer Back Dress $99.95 Witchery, Stella McCartney running jacket by Adidas $85 Topshop.
B: Black & White
One of the easiest trends from the spring catwalks is black & white, it’s always chic and you probably have plenty of black and white clothes already hanging in your wardrobe! Add a neon accessory to brighten it up and update your old pieces.
Buy it now: Contrast Peplum Pencil Dress $66.00 Topshop.
C: Coloured denim
No doubt the biggest trend this season is coloured denim and with all the chain stores -from Kmart to Target - jumping on board, you’ve got no excuse not to add some brights into your closet!
Buy it now: Insight High N Mighty $109.95 The Iconic.
D: Delicate heels
Gone are the robotic, chunky shoes of last season to make way for more delicate, strappy heels - and it’s a change we’re welcoming! Remember to hang onto them at the end of the season - as they’re likely to go out and come back into fashion again.
Buy it now: Tony Bianco Alamo $169.95 The Iconic.
E: Espadrilles
Nothing says casual (read: French Riveria) like a pair of espadrilles - and this striped pair from Soludos is no exception. Ultra comfy and easy to throw on, they are perfect for weekends and school runs.
Buy it now: Soludos Miro espadrilles $21.50 The Iconic.
F: Florals
Rather than the usual floral dress, make this spring’s floral purchase an unexpected piece, like Watson x Watson’s floral bomber jacket. Brave fashionistas can sport the jacket with vividly hued denim (yellow or green will work best), but it’s just as pretty with neutral pants or jeans.
Get it now: Watson x Watson Hyper Floral Bomber jacket, $449 at The Iconic.
G: Gold cuffs
Channel your inner She-ra and go gold with these warrior-inspired cuffs.
Buy it now: Gold glam set of cuffs $19.99 Diva.
H: Hot pants & short shorts
Schedule in that waxing and tanning appointment now if you're going to take part in this trend: this spring, shorts are going to be huge (and teeny tiny).
Buy it now: Shakuhachi scarf print short $150 The Iconic.
I: Ice cream sorbet shades
Pastel colours make a nice change from all the neon that’s possibly invading your wardrobe and dresser right now!
Buy it now: 5 Pocket Colour Crop pants $99.00 Country Road.
J: Jazz Age
1920s flapper fashion hits the big screen and stores thanks to The Great Gatsby movie adaptation.
Buy it now: Premium Oval Sequin Vest $55.00 Topshop.
Killer clutches
Make a statement with a printed, metallic, neon or beaded clutch.
Buy it now: Fun Neon Yellow Purse Clutch $24.95 The Iconic.
L: Leather
Leather is certainly not a new trend but this season's approach is more fun with flirty pleats and tonal colours.
Buy it now: VIPARO Black Pleated Stretch Waist Leather Skirt $189.95 eBay.
M: Metallics
Make a statement and get the party started with metallics - from brocade dresses to gold and silver separates - they are poised to become a spring partywear staple for 2012.
Buy it now: Gold jacquard dress $149.95 Sportsgirl.
N: Neon
It's no secret we are neon fans here at iVillage - check out our 29 ways to wear neon gallery if you are a little timid of this bright trend!
Buy it now: Fluoro Skinny Belt $9.76 ASOS.
O: Orange
Pantone named Tangerine the colour of the year and we have to agree - this bright and vivid orange hue is the freshest way to inject some colour into your spring wardrobe. To make it work in the office, tone down the 'zing' by pairing it back with black and white.
Buy it now: Aqua Floyd Dress Structured Skater with Metal Section Belt $187.05 ASOS.
P: Peplums
You probably thought you left peplums behind at your 80s school disco, but they're definitely back for spring! If a full-blown peplum party dress makes you shudder, check out the very wearable 'high street' top options at Asos and Topshop (if you don't want to invest big in this trend).
Buy it now: Petite Rib Peplum Top $42 Topshop.
R: Round shoulders
The rounded shoulder silhouette is a welcoming one for those of us who don't have Michelle Obama's toned triceps!
Buy it now: Premium Panel Tee $55 Topshop.
S: Statement pants
Consider printed pants to be your statement buy for spring (and summer) - they won't be going away any time soon!
Buy it now: Ruby Track Pants $139 Maurie & Eve.
T: Tribal necklaces
Whether it's an oversize statement collar or layered beads, a tribal necklace is the perfect way to top off a simple shift dress or add some edge to a casual t-shirt and jeans outfit.
Buy it now: Orange Pop Statement Collar $34.99 Diva.
U: Uber sneakers
Okay so we cheated for this one! But whether or not you love or loathe wedge sneakers, they are going to be everywhere come springtime. You'll find them in black, patent, suede, floral and printed versions and this Topshop pair is our fave.
Buy it now: Athlete Drum Wedge Trainers $122 Topshop.
V: Vibrant Hues
Whether it’s a pair of pants or a pretty pedicure, designers are practically begging us to add a pop of colour to our spring wardrobes. For an instant pick-me-up, wrap a bright scarf, like this one from Bay & Fyfe, around your neck.
Buy it now: Pastel Zoo Horse Print Scarf by Bay & Fyfe $249 Grand Social.
W: Wedges
A girl's best friend, wedges add height without crippling the toes of the wearer. Strap them on for spring weddings, the races or anywhere where soft ground or grass is likely to be involved!
Buy it now: Sole Society Mira Wedge $129 Market HQ.
X: X-posed Shoulders
Forget décolletage, fashion’s new erogenous zone is the shoulder. Cutout blouses and asymmetrical tops are taking over the racks, allowing you to reveal skin without feeling overexposed. This top from Topshop features an embellished sequin design -- another big theme for 2012.
Buy it now: Knitted Ombre Sequin Top $44 Topshop.
Y: Yellow
Top designers, including Oscar de la Renta and Derek Lam, showcased yellow in their collections; think of it as a ray of light after winter’s black and grey.
Buy it now: Camilla & Marc Silk Hansel Skirt $299 The Iconic.
Z: Zips
One of the easiest trends to wear this spring - literally - is the zipper down blouse. Go for a black long-line one you can wear over skinny jeans and leather leggings, like this one from Staple.
Buy it now: Rose Gold Zip Blouse $99 Staple the Label.
Next Up: 29 ways to wear neon
BY NICKY CHAMP Want to know the forecast for Spring? It's going to be bright.
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