Bright and breezy

Topshop Juno Soft Glove Shoes. Photo: PA Photo/Handout

Now that it’s finally warm enough (just), a shopping spree is in order, to stock up on the clothes that will carry you through spring and into summer.

The high street is brimming with killer catwalk-inspired looks, but you’d better be quick, because the trendiest pieces will get snapped up in no time.

Here’s your essential spring-chic checklist...

PICK OF THE CROP

Not quite cropped trousers, but too long to be called shorts, mid-calf culottes are hard to categorise but supremely easy to wear, taking you from laid-back (with trainers and denim jacket) to luxe (add heels and a blazer) with ease.

V by Very Lace Floral Lace Top, £37; Longer Length Culotte Trouser £27, Glamorous Glitter Clutch Bag, £32 (Very.co.uk)

SEW COOL

The coolest kind of trophy jacket, this season’s bomber goes back to its vintage roots, when American GI’s in Japan in World War II took their regulation uniforms to be embroidered by local tailors. You won’t have to go that far, though, as bright, shiny copycat coats are all over the shops right now.

Topshop Two-in-one Reversible Sateen Bomber Jacket, £85 (www.topshop.com)

LOVE YOUR BODY

There’s a reason they were so popular in the Eighties - there’s no better way to get a really sleek silhouette than with a body top. Whether press stud-fastened or pull-on, a stretchy body tucked into high-waisted jeans or a skirt means ruching or bunching are a thing of the past.

New Look Ribbed Bardot Neck Bodysuit, £14.99 (www.newlook.com)

WALLPAPER PACE

The standout Gucci SS16 collection is responsible for a whole heap of spring trends, not least the return of what can only be described as wallpaper prints. Shirt dresses in chintzy florals, bird and animal motifs suddenly look fresh again, especially when buttoned up primly and paired with mannish brogues.

East Silk Hope Maxi Shirt Dress, £149 (www.east.co.uk)

ALL TIED UP

Traditional lace takes a back seat for spring in favour of a tougher kind of sex-appeal: lace-up detailing, a la the always seductive Balmain collection. Look for criss-cross ties on necklines, but for daywear keep cuts loose - think safari not skintight.

Lipsy Love Michelle Keegan Lace Up Blouse, £38 (www.lipsy.co.uk)

GLOVE STORY

Originating on the Celine catwalk last spring, the squishy glove shoe was, somewhat surprisingly, a massive hit with the fashion pack, and now the ballet-meets-block-heeled style has hit the high street. Still not convinced? Topshop’s six colourways - including gold, shiny red and giraffe print - will grow on you.

Topshop Juno Soft Glove Shoes, £59 (www.topshop.com)

PLEATS TO MEET YOU

Whether midi or maxi, this season’s hero skirt sits snugly on the waist, its sunray pleats splaying at the hem. Another just-blame-Gucci trend, style it with a pussy-bow blouse or Bardot top for fiercely feminine allure.

Yumi by Lilah Crochet Lace Funnel Neck Top, £45, and Gold Stripe Print Pleated Midi Skirt, £55 (www.yumi.co.uk)

SPRING SHOE-IN

Acne, Chloe, and (yet again) Gucci have decreed: cross-front mules are the shoes to be seen in now, and luckily, there are affordable copies everywhere. The new mule rules? They must have a huge block heel, flat sole (no platforms) and really chunky crossovers. From matte to metallic, the colour and fabric are up to you.

Office Assume Square Toe Cross Strap Mules, £48 (www.office.co.uk)

GIVE IT THE SLIP

Slip dresses have been creeping into shops since last winter, but now you can really go to town in zingy, summer-ready maxis. Try bright barcode stripes for an instant no-accessories-required outfit.

New Look Multicoloured Stripe Slip Maxi Dress, £17.99 (www.newlook.com)

SADDLE UP

A hippy-inspired hit last summer in brown leather and suede, the saddle bag has graduated into evening territory, thanks to Chloe’s sleek, compact versions. Think shiny golden clasps, chain details and pastel colours, for a cocktail party-ready handbag.

Fiorelli Huxley Small Crossbody in Rose Pink, £45 (www.fiorelli.com)