While we in the South are celebrating the sun coming out for spring, our friends in the North are starting to pull out their winter woollies. For us down under, a sneak preview of what’s to come in summer fashion can be made with a glance at the street and catwalk fashion of Europe and the States in the 2006/7 Summer. Those trashy Gossip magazines with Celebrity stories aplenty provide an insight into what we can expect to see on the racks in the coming months, with the stylish likes of Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, Siena Millar and Mischa Barton inspiring our Southern trends for Summer 2007/8. 

While we will definitely be adding our own Antipodean twist to the mix, there are some hot and surprising new facets to this season’s fashion palette influenced by the trends of the northern summer. Of course, in bringing in the new, we also have to say adieu to a few of the old – some which we hope will never return!

WHAT'S IN

Parachute Dress/Maxi Dress
The hemlines are going to extremes this season, with the 1950’s inspired parachute dresses climbing the thighs, while the mighty maxi dress drops to ground level – [of course we predicted that trend way back in winter]. The parachute dress draws attention to the bust, with a cinched or tied bust-line and a quirky billowing skirt. Expect bold primary colours and retro floral prints.
 
Volume Sleeves
Forget wiling your day away trying to achieve pencil thin arms – the volume sleeve is [literally] huge this season. The bell and puff shaped designs give that eighties-style emphasis to the shoulders. A small caution to any lass who does not want to look like a grid-iron player: this may not be a good look for the broad shouldered.

Peasant Chic
The floaty feminine look is still charging through fashion, with the peasant blouse and short boho smock comfortable staples of this season. Crochet and embroidery give needed detail to these form-flattering shapes             

White
Watch out Dirty girls – white and cream are taking over the racks this season, emphasising ideas of freshness and simplicity. The white dress evokes ideas about Saturday drinks in the sun, or picnics in the park. Make sure the sun-savvy fake tan is applied many hours before. Nothing worse then orange patches….

Yellow
Big, bright, buttery yellow is forcing its way into your wardrobe. A homage to Homer Simpson perhaps, this bold yellow may not look great on everyone, but I’m sure it will flatter more people than that horrid mustard yellow hanging around this winter. 

Metallics
You may not have much silver and gold in your jewellery box, but it should be all over your wardrobe by next autumn. Especially in accessories, such as chunky bangles and Grecian/gladiator sandals, buff metallic shades are also popping up in satiny dresses and shirts.

Statement Tees
Word is out that slogans are big for 2008 – Make your feelings known with a sentence or two on your chest. At least this will give the lads an excuse for breast inspecting…

WHAT'S OUT

Bubble Skirt
Thank goodness, only Donald and Daisy Duck will be sad to see the back of this unflattering fad.

Midriffs
High waists and billowing dresses say bye-bye to bared midriffs and low-riding jeans. Those who like muffin tops only as dessert will be relieved.

Pointy-toes
Shoe shape is definitely all about a rounded toe this season, with chunkier heels and a peep toe design stomping all over the uncomfortable witch toe.

We will definitely still see those cute short shorts around this season, with an emphasis on tailored designs and masculine structure. Word is out on the pinafore, while crop jackets seem to be on the out as well. Pockets are being replaced by ribbon and ties while purple might be coming out as a major player. Of course, those classic and creative fashionistas among us will cry "who cares?" as they continue their own unique style missions. To the rest of you style slaves, Happy Shopping!