Summer Fashion: Less Isn't More Anymore

Just because the sun has finally got its hat on doesn't mean that everyone will be taking theirs off... As spring has already provided glorious bank holiday weekends and the UK prepares for what is predicted to be a warm summer; trends and fashions haven't compromised by lightening the load, just simple changes of cut and style to adapt to the welcome warmer climes.

Shorts are set to make a welcome return this spring and summer for both men and women, with many designers joining in. For the men, the forecast is smart chino style pieces in heavy cotton, while women can bare their legs in cropped styles reminiscent of hotpants in chunky knits, leathers and denim. High waisted sailor shorts with a slightly longer leg will have a big role to play too, whether in cord, suede, jacquard or thick cotton.

The nautical theme will be continued in tops, but nature will also be a big influence with animal prints prevailing and snakeskin patterns aplenty. Festival chic will see the welcome return of the psychedelic 70s with colourful and bold designs too. Neon brights will be another reason to whip out the shades as colour blocking makes a big return, and plenty of clashing patterns and prints battle it out with the sun to be the brightest, in a style best displayed in the Spring/Summer collection by Prada. While their fun, oversized and swirl patterned straw hats looked most at home on the beach, it was no doubt their fox fur stole which took the limelight and quickly became the season's hottest accessory with its bold stripes and eye-catching tones.

Fur hasn't lost any of its popularity and younger designers are more keen than ever to try their had at working with the material. This has meant that the industry has seen a huge range of new cuts and trends which have allowed fur to become a wearable fabric all year around, and no longer only suitable for the colder months. Styles for this time of year include stoles and boleros, perfect to accompany formal attire for Summer weddings, balls and garden parties, or for a more casual look gillets and light jackets can be paired with skinny jeans, t-shirts and shorts for day wear.

You can expect to see a range of oversized hats too as royal wedding fever permeates the country, paired with layered styles and offering shade from the sun. Retro styled sunglasses such as the Wayfarer are back too, seen in collections by Ray Ban and Sunpocket II, but we'll also be seeing a range of lighter, round styles as demonstrated by Victoria Beckham and The Row.

You can put your best foot forward this season, with summer styles in footwear for both men and women turning to more garish designs on the old favourite: the flip-flop. Gladiator sandals continue to be popular in women's ranges, along with variations on ballerina flats and European styled wooden clogs, while men can enjoy ankle boots in hard leather or suede, or softer boat soles and plimsolls in thick cotton.