Spring 2007 promised us an explosion of bright colours. While we’ve seen smatterings of yellow, cobalt, coral and green clothing, there’s still a fortune of black, white, brown and beige around. A substantial part of the colour for Spring in American retail stores is represented by accessories rather than clothing.

As a lover of bright colours, I’ve felt a dash disappointed. After two back-to-back strong Black & White seasons (Spring and Winter 2006), my clients and I have been champing at the bit for anything that’s not a neutral. US retailers J. Crew and Macy’s have been colour leaders this season along with Spanish stores Zara and Mango; but I still feel that Spring could have been more colourful.

I spoke to a few major chain stores about my disappointment. Their feedback was unanimous: American retailers have often “overdone” bright clothing in the past and reams of rainbow coloured items have found themselves on markdown rails as the result of poor sales. So fashion buyers are cautious this time around. Still, the likes of Ann Taylor, The Loft,  Nordstrom, The Gap, Banana Republic, The Limited and Express reassured me that brights like red, turquoise, yellow, blue, green and pink would surface in May.

Part of my shopping faith was restored at Express yesterday as rails of brightly coloured walk shorts, blousy tops and camisoles were being unpacked.  Hold on to your fashion dollars for a week or two if it’s colours that you’re after. Brights are on the way in May.

Wide-legged pants and jeans are trendy this season, but you need to coordinate them with the right tops and shoes for the most flattering effect.

• Voluminous tops need to be soft and cinched in at the waist because “volume on top of volume” makes for a shapeless silhouette.
• Form-fitting tops automatically balance out roomier bottom proportions and are the best choice.

When it comes to shoes, heels look best with wide-legged pants even if it’s just an inch of lift. Flattering, leg-lengthening height balances out the width of the pants. Remember to sport the right pant length with whatever shoe you choose.

The shapeless bubble top (left) is trendy, but not as flattering over wide-legged pants as the form-fitting option of a tailored shirt and jacket (right).

Dermatologists will tell you that there is no such thing as a safe tan: any hint of colour is a sign of sun damage. This in turn causes freckles, moles, wrinkles and, potentially, skin cancer. Foundations and facial powders generally contain low doses of SPF (between 4 and 15), but whether this is sufficient protection for your skin type is something only your dermatologiest will know for sure.

But being fair-skinned, I know that I’m particularly prone to harmful UV rays which is why I top up with a strong sunscreen every day. It took a while to find a couple of options that aren’t sticky. They are expensive, but I’ve been thrilled with them for years. Both products are smooth, odourless, long lasting and oil free (you won’t notice that you have them on).

• Clarins: UV Plus protective sun screen with SPF 40
• Shiseido: Ultimate sun protection lotion with SPF 55

I can’t think of a better cosmetic invesment than effective sunscreen. Remember to also apply liberally to your neck and the back of your hands, because other than your face, this is where aging is most visible.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion ($37) and Clarins UV Plus ($38) are available at Sephora and most department stores.

Alongside yellow, cobalt and coral this season, we’ve got green. Rich shades of emerald, avocado, lime, bottle, apple, chartreuse, neon and shamrock bring a fresh flavour to any outfit. When the weather is warm, I like green best with other greens, white, blue or yellow. It’s also a nice nautical statement with a hint of red. Most shades of green are fabulous with denim and you don’t need to be Irish or a redhead to wear them. If green clothing isn’t for you, sport a green accessory instead. I’m extra happy when I wear something bright green (that’s probably why it’s my favourite colour).