special for dress

Now that the autumn fashion shows are done and dusted, we can get back to the task at hand; namely, filling our wardrobes with fresh new season fashion.

And what an enjoyable assignment that is, since the SS15 catwalks delivered a strong crop of chic looks for inspiration.

From cool, retro-tinged suede and denim daywear, to bold stripes and pretty Oriental prints, spring brings a mix of bold instant-update buys, alongside more minimalist pieces that will last a lifetime.

Shopping lists at the ready, it's time for your seasonal trends synopsis...

Photo: short wedding dresses

THE VINTAGE VIBE: SEVENTIES

Following autumn's mod mood, the catwalk consensus has inched just one decade on, meaning spring is all about the Seventies.

Saint Laurent and Tom Ford sent out a parade of Studio 54 disco divas, complete with lurex turbans, A-line minis and daringly low-cut tops, while over at Tommy Hilfiger and Emilio Pucci, it was all about billowing Bohemian frocks.

That's not to say daywear is excluded from this retro run down, however. A snug cropped jacket and (what else?) indigo flares should be top of your shopping list, too.

THE REVAMPED TEXTILE: DENIM

The workaday fabric makes a high-end comeback for spring.

Denim was championed at Burberry, where classic jean jackets were shrunken and embellished with bright collars or feathers; it was patchworked at Tommy Hilfiger and even made an unlikely appearance at Dolce & Gabbana, encrusted with sparkling applique detailing.

Now, high street retailers are going double duty on denim, so it's high time you stocked up on essentials, like the perfect acid-wash denim shirt and a pair of jeans (or five).

THE PRINT: STRIKING STRIPES

Chanel's Breton cardigan, shorts and boots combo may not be very practical (or affordable), nor Louis Vuitton's leather bellboy dress, but they sure looked good on the catwalk.

DKNY's candy cane print dresses and Preen's pretty deckchair stripes, on the other hand, were highly appealing.

Follow suit in bright, bold colours, like red and white, and don't be afraid to mix and match different patterns on the same outfit - but keep the stripes irregular to avoid Where's Wally comparisons.

KEY PIECE: A stripy skirt and blouse coordinate set, like this black and white Textured Skirt, £28, and matching Sweater, £34 (www.next.co.uk)

THE LUXE FABRIC: SUEDE

It may be a by-product of the Seventies revolution that swept the catwalks, but suede got a lot more mileage than leather this season.

Gucci and Chanel were at the forefront, delivering cool coats in tawny hues, while skirts and slouchy shirts also got a look in at Chloe and Ralph Lauren.

A belted suede coat is a great investment buy that will see you through the last few chilly weeks of spring, and have longevity through seasons to come (if you treat it with care).

For more trend-led pieces, like fringed bags or platforms, there are some excellent imitation suede fabrics around at some very attractive price points.

THE CONTINENTAL TREND: ORIENT EXPRESS

Designers took two routes to the Orient for SS15: Japanese obi belts and shapes inspired by traditional Chinese cheongsam dress, were seen at Maison Martin Margiela and Marni, while cherry blossom blooms and china plate prints were prevalent elsewhere (including Lanvin and Gucci).

The high street has embraced this trend big time, with sleek judo jackets and silk kimonos ideal for both work and play.

Intricate prints can be tricky, so stick to one key piece, like a tunic dress or palazzo pants, and work around it.

Also see: http://www.sheindressau.com/wedding-dresses-melbourne