Five fashion trends for spring 2014

Updated
Alexander Wang spring 2014 collection
Alexander Wang spring 2014 collection

Pic: AFP/Getty

It might seem an age away, but spring is just around the corner, and for the fashion forward, it's time to get your 2014 wardrobe in order. Fear not, fashionistas - here are the top five trends for springtime.


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Pastel shades
Pastel shades were a big feature of the spring 2014 catwalks, with a range of pale mint greens, lilacs and baby blues found in abundance on the runways of Jason Wu, Rebecca Taylor and Prabal Gurung. Pretty in pink was a particular highlight at the big fashion shows, with feminine blush and ice hues everywhere from Balmain and Armani to Miu Miu and Isabel Marant. Invest in this on-trend colour wheel with whatever style suits and flatters your figure.

The shirt dress
Yes girls, shirt dresses are back, big time, and to really make the most of this boyfriend-borrowed style, contrasting collars that are buttoned down is the way to go. Crisp white-collar cotton shirt dresses were on show at Alexander Wang and Balenciaga, while colour contrast was particularly evident on Costello Tagliapietra's spring 2014 catwalk.

Wide-leg trousers
Ideal should the weather turn warm come springtime, wide-leg trousers can be dressed up or down. This chic but easy to wear trend was on show at Mulberry, Michael Kors, Paul Smith and Derek Lam, and everything from denim to white cotton was shown off in elegant style. If you're not blessed with a supermodel figure, look for the slightly less flared and higher-waisted variety.

The shift blouse
It's going to be all the rage this year, and the shift blouse is a versatile spring wardrobe staple for 2014. With elbow-length sleeves and a boxy silhouette, you can dress it up for work or play, and change it up by choosing varying neck lines, bold prints and a whole variety of fabrics and textures, as seen at Cynthia Rowley and Calvin Klein's shows.

Florals
Not just the pretty pastel kind, but everything from the delicately designed to the bold printed floral was on show on the springwear catwalks. Dresses emblazoned with 3D flowers and frills, as seen at Mary Katrantzou, toned down petals at Stella McCartney, to a more minimalist floral addition, as seen at Christian Dior, were hitting the runway, so it's up to you how much or how little you're prepared to put on.
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Pleats and fringes
As well as embellished items across the board, pleats and fringes are big news for spring 2014. Fringes varied in style from a simple neckline addition to full-on poncho styles, so there will be plenty of versatility in the trend when it hits the high street.

For more of a preppy look, micro pleats are the way to go, both in cute minis like at Nina Ricci and Salvatore Ferragamo to another of spring's top trends, the tea-length skirt, as seen at Proenza Schouler and Michael Kors, so whether you're a fan of your legs or not, there's a hemline to suit that's still bang on trend.

What spring trends will you be investing in this year? Leave your comments below...

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