Earlier we posted about another Ocean themed Spring Trend: Aquatic Blue,  however another key spring trend that has been influenced by the sea is the Mermaid trend.

This trend takes inspriation not only from colours, but from textures and styling. The trend is influenced by pleats, sequins and flowing lines.

Givency SS 12 – note the use of sequins and shape detailing around the hips

Paco Rabnne SS12 – flowing lines as part of the Mermaid trend

Giorgio Armani – aquatic colours and flowing detailing around the waist

Don’t be afraid of the Mermaid trend, as like with all our trend posts we will explain how you can wear this to suit your style, by attacking the trend head on, or by updating elements of your outfit to incorporate the trend.

Dresses and skirts are the easiest products to spot that have been influenced by the mermaid trend, for example, this Reiss skirt is a great, spoft approach ot the trend. The shaped hem is quite bold, but plain fabric makes it quite a safe bet, and you can always wear it with tights if you’re worried about exposing too much leg.

Reiss; £110

If you want to embrace the sequin element of the Mermaid trend, then why not try a dress like this TFNC one below. The sequin detail and pleated skirt make this a prime example of the mermaid trend. The neautral colours are also great for those of you who don’t want to make too much of an impression. You could pair this with statement heels or understated pumps for a more glam or casual look – depending on what you’re looking for.

TFNC, via ASOS; £45

Finally, if yoy want to play it really safe, look for mermaid inspired accessories. Metallic accessories are a great way to add the meramid trend to your look, without having to fully embrace sequins or flowing dresses. These shoes from Marc by Marc Jacobs are practical and on trend. The thin ankle strap is delicate and feminine, the silver metalic colour is fitting to the mermiad trend, making them a great option if you’re looking to break into the Mermaid trend easily!

Marc by Marc Jacobs via My Wardobe; £244

So, is the mermaid trend for you? Let us know your thoughts. Remember you can always post questions on our facebook page if you’re looking for styling advice, shopping tips or more!

Another popular trend on the catwalks for Spring / Summer 2012 was Geometric prints, this trend was displayed on a range of designer’s catwalks and was all presented with slightly different twists. Some designers combined this trend with the neon trend, creating very vibrant patterns, others added it to key shapes such as the 1920s straight cut dress.

Alexandra Wang adding neon elements to his Geometric Print

Lacoste Geometric Print dress

This is a very versatile trend and can be done big and boldly, or subtle and delicately, depending on what suits you most. The print can be subtle by only using a couple of colours, or even a black and white print could have a strong impact but without being too dominant. You could pair a geometric print top with a full length skirt to enhance the femininity of the look, or wear with a simple pair of jeans to create a more casual look.

Here are a couple of geometric print items currently available on the highstreet to give you some inspiration!

This a great spring dress from ASOS and at £28 a great budget buy, however if this a bit too bold for you try…

This print top from Topshop; £34. The colours in this item a a bit more mute and could be paired with black jeans for a smarter / dinner date look, or with blue denim jeans for a more casual look.

Or finally there is this dress from REISS, £139 which is a much softer approach to the geometric print trend, the use of only two colours gives the dress a more forgiving look, and the blurred lines in the pattern design makes the dress on trend without being too overpowering.

Have you tried the Geometric print trend already? Tweet us your pictures to @mslizzieedwards or share your stories on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lizzieedwardsstyleconsultancy

One of the more feminine spring trends that we saw over the catwalks was the full skirt. This was apparent on several catwalks including D&G, Moschino and Prada, the full skirt can be part of a dress or worn as an individual skirt with separate top. It is a great item for the warmer months if you’re not keen on showing too much leg, the longer, fuller skirt can have great impact without being too revealing.

D&G SS12

 Giles Deacon SS12

You could team full skirts with the floral trend and have a combination look, or if the fullness of the skirt is statement enough, then go for a plainer skirt and team with a delicate blouse or plain tank top for a more casual look.

Don’t be afraid to try full skirts, they can suit all so long as you find the right length that suits you. Pairing the skirt with simple ballet pumps can help soften the look or pair with classic court shoes to enhance your legs.

Here are some of my high street favourites:

This Oasis skirt via ASOS would be a great piece to add to your working wardrobe, or a comfortable item to wear out shopping! £45

Carven via Net-a-porter £335 – this is a lovely day / evening dress that could be dressed up or down to suit multiple occasions.

By Zoe via John Lewis £160 – great to wear to the races or a summer garden party – a hair piece would compliment this dress perfectly.

Remember, to keep up to date with all the trends and how to wear them, subscribe to this blog or sign up to my newsletter (form on let hand side) to get up to date news, my services, offers and more! Mother’s day is coming up, if you think your mum would enjoy a styling session with myself, why not order one of my gift vouchers and I’d be happy to help.