With spring in the air, it's hardly surprising that floral designs have started to make an appearance - and this year the trend has really taken off, with most fashion houses offering floral prints and embroidery in a vast array of colours and fabrics.

The great thing about florals is that they can be worn for a variety of occasions - either during the day or into the evening. Long dresses in unusual fabrics are perfect for a formal outdoor party, with bold patterns making them stand out from the crowd or understated embroidery lending a subtle elegance, while smart, feminine separates consisting of a light jacket or blouse and a floaty skirt in watercolour-style prints are ideal for a summer wedding and are flattering for a range of ages.

Lightweight printed dresses look cute and carefree, a holiday essential if you want to look ultra-stylish while shopping and sightseeing or strolling along the sea front at sunset. Featuring floral designs in ladylike pastel shades or sassy tropical hues, these dresses will see you through to evening when they can be teamed with a shrug-style cardi or pashmina picking out one of the main colours. Bias cut and asymmetric shapes plus ruffles at the shoulders and hems add extra detail.

The versatility of florals allows you to mix and match and create several outfits from a couple of items - a floral skirt can be worn with a plain top, either in an accent colour or a neutral, perhaps in lace or broderie-anglaise for a soft bohemian feel, while a printed top or jacket looks great with smart jeans or crisp white trousers.

Available from most department stores.