1 SPRING STYLING

Alexa Chung Contrary to popular belief, come springtime, you do not have to relegate your winter coat to the back of the wardrobe. Instead, make like Alexa and team it with a summer dress and bare legs for a transitional look that straddles the seasons perfectly.

Sienna Miller Keen to get into her florals early, Sienna has taken the boho approach to the coming season. She wears her floaty frock with a leather jacket, for warmth and a tough edge, and stomping boots to keep it all from looking too beachlike.

Rachel Bilson A real mismatch that nevertheless works. Rachel has teamed her winter cowboy boots and cosy woollen blazer with a folksy summer skirt and summer tee. This shows what’s best about spring dressing — it’s the one time of year when your whole wardrobe applies. (Minus the opaques, of course.)

2 THE MAC

Forget novelty wellies and brollies, the only way to keep stylish and dry is with a mac. For a simple classic, head to Gap, but for a more feminine silhouette, try Comptoir des Cotonniers. If you’re tempted by colour, steer clear of pastels (they are the clothing equivalent of pink wellies — bad). Instead, give a navy trenchcoat a whirl. It’s a great alternative to beige and goes well with summer prints.

3 THE BAG

Take one bright bag, add to a winter outfit, et voilà! You have a spring look.

4 NAUTICAL

Sailor stripes are one of spring’s signature trends. Wear a dress with a leather jacket for down-time daywear or team a T-shirt with white jeans for instant gallic chic. Lay off stripy bottoms, though — trousers, tights or leggings. Less is most definitely more with this look.

5 THE CROP

Turn to cropped or high-waisted trousers, or make like Katie Holmes with casual rolled-up boyfriend jeans. Either way, get your heels and ankles out for an easy instant update.

6 THE JACKET

When warmth is an issue, opt for leather. It makes flimsy dresses seem less inappropriate.

Or try a trusty boyfriend blazer. Layer it up with a cashmere cardie, and then ruche up your sleeves for a bit of Miami Vice chic when the weather hots up.

7 THE JEWELS

Earrings are big this year, in every sense of the word. And the new jewellery website www.theearring boutique.com has several that are perfect for adding a touch of granny chic. Wear with T-shirts for day and dresses for night. Who said bling should only come out after dark?

8 THE SHADES

Don’t be shy of colour and statement shapes. Luella’s are cheeky — and even a little bit Dame Edna. Mango has gone sparkly with its daytime glitter, while vintage Dior oozes 1970s glamour. And all of them say, “Summer is coming.”

9 THE SHOES

It’s time to show off that pedi. Finish off cropped trousers with strappy heels. These lace-ups are halfway between a court and a sandal, and a nod to hot weather

10 FLORALS

You can’t get through spring without florals. Go for more graphic prints this year — they give a clean, modern look. Start with a skirt (team with knits now and vests later), then proceed to shorts.

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