I love that fashion has become more colourful, comfortable, practical and flexible over the years. We have the freedom to cherry pick from the trends, and wear them in ways that reflect our personal style. Gone are the days that there is only one way to look stylish. 

It’s time for the seasonal must haves list now that Spring collections have hit stores and warmer weather is on the horizon. Three points upfront: 

1. The best merchandise is available at the start and in the middle of a season. We are heading into the middle of Spring 2015 retail, which is why I am publishing this now. 
2. Spring and Summer merchandise becomes breezier, skimpier, more sheer and more casual deeper into the season. Make sure you shop early for Summer toppers, tops with more coverage, tops made of thicker fabrications, and dressier pieces. 
3. Colours that flatter your complexion and make you happy are always in style. Pastels, mid-tones, shades of orange, and all shades of blue are trending at the moment, but wear all brights, muted tones, earth tones, jewel tones and neutrals if that’s more your thing. It’s all good.

With a nod to the warm weather trends for 2015, here’s the list that works for all body types, lifestyles, ages and budgets. Find the version of the trend that works best for you and wear it your way. 

1. Fluid Fits

Wearing your clothes a little looser all over is as fashionable as ever. These fits are roomier than tailored, but not as big as the oversized look. The visual effect is slimming, relaxed, casual and forgiving. Oversized fits are trickier, but very wearable when a little structure is added to the outfit. And it bears repeating that petites and plus sizes can wear fluid and oversized fits with the best of them. 

Think boyfriend jeans, relaxed skinnies, wide cropped tops, slouchy pants, high-low hemlines, cocoon silhouettes, sack dresses, shift dresses, asymmetry, round shoulders, dropped shoulder seams, boyfriend shirts and blouses, big tees, boxy jackets and trapeze blouses. 

2. Tailored Silhouettes  

This is the BIG change this season, and for seasons to come by the looks of what came down the runway for Fall 2015. Tailored fits that define the waistline or follow the contour of the body are just as trendy as slouchier looks. Belt the natural waist, wear shirt dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, belted toppers, and tuck tops into high-waisted bottoms. Wear skinnies and straight legs. Wear tailored jackets, peplum tops, peplum jackets and fitted dresses. 

Do not confuse tailored fits with body con, which is tighter than a tailored fit and usually made of stretchy fabric to make a very snug garment more comfortable. Tailored fits skim the contours of the body, thereby showcasing your shape. The structure of these pieces is usually achieved with darts, princess seams, and panelling techniques to create a close fit. They do not rely on stretchy fabric to fit the curves of your body. 

3. ’70s Inspiration 

There are two ways to incorporate a ‘70s integrity into your style. Boho Chic is hippy inspired, maximal and casual. Sensual Glam is structured, feminine, dressy and quite simple. 

• Boho Chic means bell sleeves, embroidered and smocked detailing, kimono sleeves, fringe, bucket bags, hobos, high-waisted flared jeans, kaftans, tunics, peasant tops, handkerchief hems, weathered leather, drawstring necklines, lots of gathers, suede booties, textured cottons, cork heels, textured knitwear, pendant necklaces, floppy felt hats, wooden jewellery, and empire cuts.

• Sensual Glam means silky jumpsuits, flared trousers, fitted trouser suits with flared hems, flared pleated midi skirts, ruffled tops, culottes, fitted blazers worn over fitted shirts, fitted button-down shirts with pointy collars, pussy bow blouses, belted A-line coats and jackets, wrap dresses, flouncy blouses, bootcuts, A-line denim skirts, midi dresses and plunging V-necklines.

4. Cropped Pants 

All styles of pant and jeans are available in cropped lengths these days with either a high or low waist fit, and in patterns or solids. So think cropped cigarette styles, skinnies, wide legs (which are culottes), clamdiggers, leggings, slouchies, harem pants and cross-over styles. 

5. Knitwear

Summer knitwear (or sweaters) in cotton, silk, rayon and linen blends are fashionable to pair with bottoms both as a layering piece or stand-alone item. Think loose knits with lots of holes in both chunky and fine gauges. Wear them fluid and oversized instead of T-shirts.  

6. Sporty Luxe

There is no stopping this HUGE mainstream trend. In terms of clothing, think bomber jackets, trackpants (or joggers), upscale anoraks, hoodies, upscale sweatshirts, cricket jerseys, rugby jerseys, baseball shorts, baseball tops and haute polo shirts. There are fashionable backpacks, haute baseball caps, mesh insets, perforated textures, colour blocking and plenty of neon. And heeled or flat sneakers make up the largest component of the Sporty Luxe trend.

7. White

I say this every season because nothing makes an outfit look quite as fresh and Summery than wearing white. Think white jeans, culottes, cropped pants, shorts, dresses, tees, knitwear, shirts, skirts, blouses, vests, jackets, footwear, bags, belts and hats. Sport white-out if that tickles your fancy. 

8. On Trend Footwear 

Adding trendy footwear to an outfit is an effective way of making it look extra modern. Think espadrilles, loafers, d’Orsay flats, pointy toe pumps and flats, ankle strap sandals and pumps, gladiators, flat and heeled booties, casual wedged platforms, Birkenstocks, flatforms, upscale sneakers, closed-toe sandals, slip-on sneakers (round and pointy toed), chunky wide strap sandals, oxfords, slipper flats, peep-toe booties, sandal booties, platform sandals and caged heels. 

High-vamped Summer footwear is very fashionable, but low-vamped pointy toe ballet flats and pumps don’t look dated either. In fact, to my eye, pointy toe low-vamped ballet flats look quite fresh which is why I added a pair to my wardrobe last week. 

9. Wild Card

Add an item to your wardrobe that is atypical for your style persona, but that speaks to you in some way. This is one way to evolve your style, making it feel extra refreshed for the season. Wild cards can be new colours or styles of clothing, footwear and accessories. Or a new way that you wear your hair, or put together your outfits. 

Not making the main list but also notable are ‘90s footwear styles, menswear inspired looks, wearing skirts and dresses over jeans and trousers, two-piece dresses, skater skirts, moto jackets, moto vests, high-waisted jeans and cropped pants, torn denim, short boxy jackets, long shorts, gingham, floral pants, overalls, neon, front vented skirts, shift blouses, pattern mixing, obi belts, abstract patterns, chain handle bags, bucket bags, mini satchels, mini crossbody bags, sharp shoulders, belt bags, socks with sandals and pumps, D-ring bags, sheer panelling, cold shoulders, one-shouldered styles and Asian patterns. 

Remember that conventionally flattering outfits are always in style, but an unconventional, but “just flattering enough” juxtaposition of items is extra current. Most of all, have fun with fashion.