Denim Queen and boutique owner Donna Ida Thornton explains the must-try trends for Spring Summer 2012 and how to wear them.

1. Ice Cream Pastels

‘As seen on the catwalks of Mulberry and Maarten Van der Horst pastels are so fresh for Spring. From acid colours of sharp lemon, to pretty mint shades and soft candy tones, it’s time to embrace a sugary sweet palette head to toe. Team with blouses and pointed courts.’

2. Brights

‘There’s no escaping the rainbow of shades which will be hitting the Donna Ida boutiques in Spring. Hot pinks, cobalt blue and aquamarine are stunning in skinny jeans. Be brave and complete the look with a top in a similar shade or contrast with a metallic tee as seen on the catwalks of DKNY, Giles and Roksanda Ilincic.’

3. Crop it

‘If the new colour is LOTS of colour, then the new shape for Spring is the crop, as seen on the catwalks of Sportmax and Paul Smith. The look is mid rise, straight leg and ankle length - wear with crisp shirts for a clean and modern look.’

4. Summer Stripes

‘This year with stripes, anything goes! Contrast colours, try thick stripes or pin stripes, pile it on and have fun. The ‘pyjama look’ is the fashionista’s favourite, worn skinny and cropped for a fresh take on nautical. Fine stripe tees are a more subtle way to work this trend. Our catwalk inspiration is Jaegar London, DKNY and Fendi.’

5. Exotic Prints

‘Prints are key this season, from floral, to tropical to aquatic…as seen on the catwalks of Dolce and Gabbana and Sportsmax. Work this look into your wardrobe with printed tops - the more daring dressers will be wearing tropical print jeans.’

6. Tie Dye

‘To me tie dye is all about a relaxed, fun, hippy vibe and this season the colours are super vibrant as seen at Charlotte Ronson and Etro. Get beach chic with tie dye shorts and casual tees.’

7. Animal Prints

‘Leopard print is such a statement, as shown by DKNY and House of Holland in their runway shows for Spring/ Summer. In denim, this can be worn in faded pastel shades of mint, blue and rose with a subtle leopard or snake print for added wow-factor. Team these show-stopping jeans with a plain white tee and flats for daytime, or black vest and heels in the evening.’

8. Vintage Checks

‘Summer days and check fabrics go hand in hand and this season they have been spotted at Vivienne Westwood and House of Holland in the key seasonal colours of pink and blue. Jeans and shirts will be worn in a vintage style with softer shades of dusky pink and powder blue for that worn-in country feel.

9. Arts & Crafts

‘Fashion embraces a more ladylike feel with delicate lace and embellishments adorning the Dolce & Gabbana and Erdem catwalks. Work the trend by adding ethereal tops to your denim wardrobe with sequin details and lace collars.’

Feeling inspired? Shop these denim trends and more in our denim shopping guide, or try donnaida.com

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9 Denim Trends for Spring