Fashion: perfect pastels

British summer time has officially started so step out in the latest ice-cream shades

New season, new trends.

It’s time to put away the heavy black jumpers and winter boots and embrace pastels. Ice-cream shades dominated the S/S ‘12 catwalks and here in the UK, we’re finally getting the warmer weather to go with it. So throw on some new shoes (no more boots please!) and seek out the latest styles from skinny pastel jeans to pretty colour-block tops and pastel bags and accessories. It’s bye bye winter and hello to a great style season.

1. Neon Envelope Bag, £15.99, New Look, www.newlook.com
Colour block bags are in this season. This little clutch has gold detailing on the front. It can be teamed up with pretty much anything because of the neutral colours. It is the ultimate fashion statement and perfect for every day or special occasions.

2. Sequin Collar Sleeveless Blouse, £22, Bank, www.bankfashion.co.uk
This beautiful chiffon blouse is the perfect update for your wardrobe. It features a full gold sequin collar with a single chest pocket for detail. This blouse can be teamed up with a pair of pastel coloured jeans for a casual yet sophisticated look.

3. Floral Printed Denim Gilet, £19.99, New Look, www.newlook.com
Gilets are fashionable all year around, especially for festivals. This cropped style gilet is perfect for the spring and summer.

4. Colour Couture Cap Sleeve Stripe Shell Top, £20; Watermelon Skinny Jeans, £35, both A-wear, www.awear.com
A pop of colour perfect for casual weekends in the city. Striped tops are a must have this season and give look a relaxed, nautical feel.

5. Aldara Tailored Lace Pleat Dress, £24.99, Miss Guided, www.missguided.co.uk
This is a dress you will fall in love with the first time you try it on. The waist belt draws you in at the waist, instantly giving you a sleeker silhouette.

6. Crafted Skinny Panel Zip Jeans, £35, Republic, www.republic.co.uk
Pastel coloured skinny jeans are bang on trend at the moment. With these jeans you’re free to experiment with different colours. Wear with ballet flats in the daytime or team with a pair of heels for an instant, glam evening look.

7. Mint Tassel Duffle Bag, £12.99, New Look, www.newlook.com
Tassels were big on the A/W ‘11 catwalk and remain so in S/S ‘12 too. This bag has gorgeous cut-out detailing, making it great for special occasions as well as every-day spring style. An adjustable strap lets you wear it on one shoulder or across the body, satchel style.

8. Yellow Denim Shorts, £18, Next, www.next.co.uk
OK, we need the weather to really warm up – or a holiday abroad – for this style. Denim shorts are given a pastel makeover in 2012. Wear with a sleeveless, white pussy-bow blouse and heels for instant ’50s style glamour.

9. Sorbet Colour Block Vest £7 Matalan www.matalan.co.uk
A versatile vest at a price that won’t break the bank. This colour block top is great worn with shorts or skinny jeans.

10. Deco Diva M&S Jacket £49.50, Top £25, Trousers £35, Earrings £7.50, Belt £35, shoes £29.50 www.marksandspencer.com
If you shy away from skinnies, then these wide-leg trousers are a must! Just make sure your top half is fitted with a chic jacket like this one and you have instant colour to your work wardrobe!