SPRING is here - and in the high street which is bursting with clothes for the warmer weather. This season sees the ladylike look staying strong.

THE dress continues to reign supreme and any feminine shape goes. Delicate babydoll dresses are popular, along with safari-influenced shirt dresses and 1950s-style shift dresses.

Draped toga-style dresses that fall in folds are going to be a summer favourite, best worn with flat shoes.

This season, sailors are the hottest profession to steal style ideas from. The colour scheme is red, white and navy blue, and stripes are an essential.

White and floaty fabrics are always winners during the sunnier months and 2006 is no exception.

Feminine materials such as lace, broderie anglaise and sheer chiffon are used on everything from petticoats and camisoles, to smocks and corsets. Think lacy camisoles and lace-trim silk and satin slip dresses, or go for flounces and ruffles.

Leaves, flowers and vegetables are summer's hottest prints, but for the less botanically-minded, there are classic spots, stripes and gingham. Don't be surprised to see sheer chiffon patterned with everything from stripes to spots to pop-art prints - which work best on summer dresses and skirts.

The latest palette is going to dazzle in a rainbow of rich blazing hues, from glistening gold and burnt orange to a rich variety of reds.

Those who don't want to make a statement can choose muted tones instead, such as tan, beige, slate and grey through to easy-to-wear soft greens.

River Island floral chiffon blouse, £29.99 and lemon denim shorts, £19.99.

Reds are very much part of the season's palette. Angora cardigan, £70, herringbone trousers, £90, and chain and orange pearl necklace, £32. Minosa collection. Stockist: 01845 573120

Dip dye metallic thread maxi dress with tie belt detail. £54.99. Purple and green beaded necklace, £14.99. From Next.

White is always popular, whatever the season. Top, £60 skirt, £105,

from Stills (Chadd's Hereford).

Jumper, £22, wide leg crop denim trouser £29.50, hat £5, gold strappy sandals, £35. From Marks and Spencer.