Today

London-based designer Lucy Macleod takes a look at spring and summer trends for 2005.

"Yes, spring is finally here. As we rub our eyes and wake up from our winter slumber, the first sign of a sunny day and we want to look good! When the sun comes out it releases vitamin D which we all know makes us feel naturally happier. This is the time to get lively with your wardrobe.…with a few wise choices this summer you can stay cool in the sun!

Cool colours

This season's cool colour is blue, the Marc Jacobs and Prada spring collections featured lots of it…think water shades like aqua and turquoise..... Green is also making a comeback, so the good news is you can drag those green items from last summer out of storage and wear them again.

Spring is traditionally a time for starting afresh and many designers were keeping it clean this spring with pure white playing a large part in the summer fashion shows. Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Chanel all featured a lot of white. This colour is ideal for when you are on holiday as it shows off your tan. But avoid getting over excited and wearing all white in the spring, as those April showers might steal your thunder-white tends to go transparent in the rain. White can also be teamed with navy blue to create the nautical look, sailor chic being another look for the season.

In the jungle, the mighty jungle.......

If purity isn't your game, try another trend. Designers went wild for the Africa look at the London shows. Stella McCartney's collection featured tribal prints whilst Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci and many others also carried the safari theme. The Africa fashion trend runs in tandem with the growing cultural interest in Africa. Morocco is an increasingly popular holiday destination and the choice of a-listers like Kate Moss and P.Diddy. 'Africa 05', a festival celebrating the best of African Arts can be enjoyed nationwide until October, The 'Tree of Life' exhibition at The British Museum being just one of the many events. To take the trend into all areas of your life, look out for 'Afro-disiacs' - handcrafted items and other native arts to decorate your house.

Boho

When it comes to accessories it's time to forget the bling bling, because boho is back and the handmade look is in. The Marni summer show featured long beads with tassels whilst Etro, Lanvin and many other collections also featured long strings of beads. So the good news is you can keep wearing last summer's gypsy skirt, you will just need to update your accessories. Jewellery has gone chunky this season and bangles are the must-have accessory.

The ever evolving boho style has now shifted towards bold abstract prints. For a subtle take on 'the Miu Miu look', go for a dash of large print in a scarf or handbag and you will avoid looking like a walking carpet. For cool coordination make sure parts of the pattern pick up the colours of your other clothes.

This season embraces natural lightweight fabrics like cottons and linens, which are light on the skin and suit all figures. The look is 'carefree' and low maintenance. All kinds of knitted textures could also be seen on the catwalks, anything goes- from lace to macrame as long as it's crafty.

Beauty

Spring is a time when we want to feel fresh, and there's nothing like exercise to add a healthy glow to your cheeks. The daylight shows up a lot more, so this is a good time to give your body a 'spring clean' and detox so when those sunny days arrive you can shine like the sun!

Now the clocks have gone forward, staying in has been replaced by staying out longer, so if your lifestyle means you burn the candle at both ends, fake it with light reflecting makeup and sheer eye shadow. Make up this season is pretty and feminine… this means less is more, so choose transparent styles. Match this season's blues and greens with a shimmering blue and green shades of eye shadow. Cheeks should be youthful and healthy looking, so use peach and pink blushers. The look this summer is relaxed and casual, so stay cool Sarah Jessica Parker style with this season's trend, a ponytail.

As nature is filling the spring air with fragrance, now is the time to invest in a new scent. Spring perfumes should be lighter than your winter fragrance. Many classic fragrances bring out a summer version, so you may still be able to keep your signature scent but with a slight twist.

It's the temptation to bare all at the first sign of sun, but that bright sunlight can cast an ugly glow on skin that's been covered all winter. Instead of risking a white flesh shocker, why not opt for one of this seasons light feminine cotton tops in a floral pattern."