With more record temperatures predicted, this season is one of extremes - blacks step out with white, neutrals with vivid primary shades. A million miles from the Boho look, the collections are classical but contemporary with a reassuring longevity that promises you'll wear them for years

Colours
Antique creams, brilliant whites, pearls, nudes and almond tones make up the creamy palette of the season, with white giving black a real run for its money this spring.

Clean, simple and pure, mix up the creamiest colours, or strike fashion gold by becoming picture perfect in your very own black and white snapshot. With almost every collection of the season featuring chequerboard colours there's never been more proof that opposites really do attract attention.

If you're hoping for even more flair, Celine's sizzling statements in red and yellow will fire up your imagination, whilst elsewhere mustard is a staple of the season. Worn with nudes as seen within Christian Dior's flesh coloured collections or browns in Christian Lacroix's darker visions, it's just the accompaniment to put some spring into the more neutral tones of the moment.

As 2006 hots up, colours take a primary turn and make bolder, brighter statements. Black and white still hold the limelight, but go ahead and throw a few splashes of red, yellow, blue and pink into the equation and you'll have just the dose of sunshine you'll need to see the summer through.

When night falls it's a very different story. Sliver, blues and golds emerge in chiffons, lace and satins. From catwalk to high street, Nina Ricci to Marks and Spencers this season's creations will make sure you shimmer through those summer nights.

Patterns and prints
Stripes are back in extremes. On one hand there's bold Alice in Wonderland exaggeration - on the other a subtle affair of finer widths and nautical shades.

If you're looking for florals, forget the garden. This year's inspiration is straight from the pages of Elle Decoration and the great indoors. Banish flock; think trendy wallpaper and elegant flowery prints and you'll be spot on.

Shapes and Styles

By day
Smooth tailored lines matched with blousy tunic tops will get you noticed this summer. From cropped mini coats to knee length styles it's time to give jackets prime position in your wardrobe.

Trousers everywhere are crying out to be suited or worn with a mismatched jacket. Look for styles that taper just short of your ankle or fall wide into turned up slouch pants.

Having made a tentative play last summer, shorts return bolder than ever. A-line culottes find their way in wools, while pedal pushers emerge from under skirts to be worn bravely in their own right (as in Chanel's circulation stopping collection). Lovers of shorter shorts needn't panic though - they may have taken a back seat, but they're silkier and shinier than ever and can still make a cheerful appearance over tights, socks or boots.

Last but not least, skirts and dresses, pleated and tulip shaped sit suggestively above the knee or if you're a big fan of Alexander McQueen, as high as you dare!

By night
Shimmer through spring and summer's sunsets in fairy weight chiffons, lace and silks. Soft and glimmering the look is feminine, subtle and anything but simple. Twisted, panelled, scrunched or pleated, materials are mixed, moulded and sculptured into bold new dimensions. Add a touch of luxury with a satin belt to walk the hottest catwalk walk.

Accessories
Look out for boxer style belts - Alexander Mc Queen, Chanel, Givenchy and Valentino all have their money on the new shape that's bound to hit the high street come summer. Or for something all together different add a fake fur cuff to your favourite boots or wear one tied around your ankle over heels, shoes or ankle boots. As for sandals, they're super-strappy - the more the merrier is the theme this year so don't go for half measures there.

Must buys
Black and white are first and must buys this season. A basic foundation, they'll go with any other shade you throw at them. Just one splash of Technicolor later, via belt, jacket or those all-important pedal pushers and you'll have mastered the look of this year.