Despite the economic outlook being decidedly gloomy, we can always rely on the long awaited sunshine to make us feel better about things.

It’s been a long, dull, wet winter and we’re now starting to see temperatures nudging up to 20°C. It’s now that we fling open the wardrobe doors and excitedly look for something to reflect our new found vitality and optimism…more often than not it’s a bit of a let down, but we are determined and decide to hit the high street.

Some years produce a fashionable item that just everyone has to have, but for the past two years this has not been the case, mind you this might be just as well because where is that tie-dye, crinkle, pull on skirt that you bought in 2006? What a fashion faux pas that was!

This year is very much a case of anything and everything goes. Relaxed dressing is very much the order of the day and accessories are the way to show your individuality or flamboyant style.

Black or white linen with accent colours of red or aqua and floral linen prints are key fabrics. Jackets with three quarter or short sleeves are popular and you can cinch in at the waist with a wide patent belt for an up to the minute look.

In occasion wear, sheer elegance rules, with subtle muted shades accentuated with trims or appliqués.

As with the diverse options on clothing, the same can be said of that most important of accessories…SHOES! Apparently the average wardrobe is home to 23 pairs of shoes and the pick of this seasons crop include wedges, roman sandals and Mary Janes.

Photo: In the pink, from Precis at Atkinsons