Don't get distracted by wedge boots and peasant skirts there are ten trends on sale now that will do you proud for spring/summer.

Molly Mangan edits the sale rails

short shift dress

Why? Sixties styles are big news next season; the short shift is the epitome.

How to wear it With tights until it's warm enough for bare legs.

Spring/summer inspiration Beige and gold mini-shift by Michael Kors.

On the sale rails Green shift dress (above) with gold-leaf print by Topshop (0845 121 4519). Was Pounds 60, now Pounds 30.

NUDE

Why? Dior's entire spring/summer collection is in the barely- there colour.

How to wear it A slightly different shade to your skin (you don't want to look naked).

Spring/summer inspiration Dior lace-detail cropped jacket.

On the sale rails Nicola Fennetti sequin-detail top (above) at Coco Ribbon (020 7730 8555). Was Pounds 198, now Pounds 138.60.

HOODIE

Why? The humble hoodie has had bad press; it's time to bring them back.

How to wear it Wear sweatshirt styles off-duty, or slinky silk hoodies with pencil skirts.

Not to be worn in shopping centres or multiplexes.

Spring/summer inspiration Hooded zip-up by Gwen Stefani's label L.A.M.B.

On the sale rails Pink knitted zip-up hoodie (above) by Gap (0800 427 789).

Was Pounds 44, now Pounds 22.

BELTED TRENCH

Why? A spring classic that's handy year in, year out.

How to wear it Belted up.

Spring/summer inspiration Aquascutum's stone, threequarter- length sleeves version.

On the sale rails Beige mackintosh (above) by Joseph (020 7590 6200).

Was Pounds 629, now Pounds 440.

WHITE

Why? The antithesis to winter black, summer white seems so appealing.

How to wear it Clean and pristine, with skin that isn't too suntanned.

Spring/summer inspiration Coat and trousers by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.

On the sale rails Lace-detail shirt (above) by Karen Millen (0870 160 1830).

Was Pounds 84.95, now Pounds 54.95.

SATIN

Why? A fabric not valued since the Sixties, but it can look so chic.

How to wear it Make a show of your satin mix skirts and tops in the fabric.

Spring/summer inspiration Yellow satin top and skirt by Giles.

On the sale rails Galibardy plum satin camisole (above) by Miss La La's Boudoir (020 7483 1888). Was Pounds 56, now Pounds 30.

KNEE-LENGTH DAY DRESS

Why? Shifts, blouse dresses, shirt dresses and belted dresses make being ladylike easy. Throw one on and look fabulous.

How to wear it With heels or ballet pumps.

Shoulders back.

Spring/summer inspiration Black and white dress by Miu Miu.

On the sale rails Betty Jackson chiffon dress (left) at Anna (020 7731 7300).

Was Pounds 345, now Pounds 242.

EMPIRE LINE

Why? A line below the bust is both flattering and ladylike.

How to wear it In fun fabrics, just keep the shape simple.

Spring/summer inspiration Blue dress with ribbon empire line by Martin Grant.

On the sale rails Floor-length purple dress (left) by HM (020 7323 2211). Was Pounds 24.99, now Pounds 19.99.

BOWS

Why? Bows make pretty outfit adornments, as seen in Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps.

How to wear it Big and bold, don't hide your bow under a bushel.

Spring/summer inspiration Big black bow belt on polka-dot Karen Walker dress.

On the sale rails Blossom blouse with bow tie (above) by LK Bennett (020 7637 6731).

Was Pounds 59, now Pounds 39.

SHORTS

Why? A carry-through trend from winter, we'll all be wearing them come summer.

How to wear them High-waisted and not too short.

Spring/summer inspiration Tailored shorts at Betty Jackson.

On the sale rails Tweed shorts (below) by Warehouse (0870 122 8813).

Were Pounds 35, now Pounds 22.50.

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