When the heavy, swirling dusts of August settle and September rolls around, ladies relish the thought of dropping heavy winter wear in favour of lightweight fabric, softer textures and warmer colours.

There are two schools of thought for spring fashion – more skin and showing off. But one does not exist without the other.

Spring Fashion Going International

This spring, fashion trends are the same as they’ve always been, although a global feel, much like a wanderluster, pervades the choice of clothes and styles that rule the runway.

A trend already biting at the heels of young fashionistas is the multi-layered skirt or the plume-trimmed skirt. Worn just above the knee, in a choice of light netted fabrics, faux feathers or light burberry cloth, it exudes a touch of 80s with all the glamour of the noughties when paired with uber stilettos.

The Fold-over Neckline

I never thought I’d see this come around again, but as we all know fashion is history falling over itself and dusting itself off, the fold-over neckline makes a comeback. Not quite the V neckline, but very similar this stunning addition is an ideal way to show off your neck and graceful shoulders or a stunning piece of jewellery.

Neutral Tones and Pastel Colours

Cherry blossoms along with flowering buds and neat green lawns excite our need for colour during spring and, yet, in addition to beautiful pastel colours, neutral colours like beige, khaki, camel and grey make their way into spring fashion. Not all colours work for all skin tones, but you know yourself best so work your way through a range and settle for what fits you. Remember the monotone look is also in this spring so dressing from head to toe in shades of one colour can only make you look gorgeous and get heads turning your way.

Taking Back the Tailored Vest

In the early 90s when everyone wanted to be like Aaliyah and we wore our underwear over our baggy jeans, we also copied R. Kelly and tried to work waistcoats the way he could. Well, he’s gone on to make a billion and this spring we’re stuck with the tailored vest, which has been likened to the cardigan of spring. Worn over a T-shirt can be scarily reminiscent of a decade ago, but worn in conjunction with a dress it adds a breath of fresh air.

The Belt Craze

Michelle Obama did the belt thing and everyone went crazy, but no one could pull it off quite the way she did it. Spring fashion gives us another go at a continuing trend. Spring fashion is all about femininity and embracing the curves, so taking the drapey mini and cinching it with a belt can work for both the office and evening social circles.

Printing It All Over

Print it! Print it! Print it! People either love it or hate it as they either do it well or like hell. This spring, to make things easier, designers created a multi-print fashion item that can be combined with a monotone accessory or jacket for greater focus, suiting all styles.

In addition, there is the polka dot trend that still continues to shine on dresses, off-the-shoulder tops, multi-strapped dress or the T-shirt worn over sexy leggings and iced with a pair of heels.

Socks and the Military

Further afield is the tribal collection of prints that add a touch of ferocity to urban wear. Or you can have fun with the military touches – from lightweight jackets, studded bracelets and cropped pants to hot pants and khaki socks worn with heels.  Winter might be over, but socks worn just above the ankle or above the knee with a pair of shorts or mini will make you look and feel amazing.

Remember fashion is not about looking like everyone else. What makes spring fashion so exciting is you’re opening the door to creating your own unique look that exudes the essential you. There’s an array of choices ranging from flat sandals for daywear to tie-dyed cocktail dresses for evening wear.

Spring Fashion and Rebirth

Play with stripes and prints and colour when you wear the jump or play suit, but also match it or play it against the colour you paint your toe and fingernails. Spring fashion, truly, is the chance to bare your soul with a lighter haircut, different hair colour and sensual lip colours.

In fact, white is a beautiful colour embracing all of spring and, contrary to popular misunderstanding, it isn’t a colour but an inclusion of all colours. So bring on the little white dress, the white shorts, the white off-the-shoulder T-shirt or the white ruffled skirt. With white you can add any other colour and make it spring.

Add to that the classic looking lace for that fine sheer look and you’re well on your way to defining spring fashion. Friendship bracelets have also made their way back this spring and as far as accessories go they add colour and volume to any outfit, but if you’re really looking for the minimalist look then sort through the effervescent khaki.