Mirroring the extreme weather this winter, fashion trends took a cold and moody turn.

The catwalks delivered dark palettes, lashings of leather and gothic-inspired lace, so it's no surprise designers have done a 180 and lightened up for spring.

It's nothing but a sunny outlook for the new season. Rejoice in sugary sweet pastels, fresh-as-a-daisy florals and rainbow metallics that will transform your wardrobe from drab to delightful.

If the weather isn't putting a spring in your step, then shopping for the high street's new hits will.

CANDY SWEET

Easter is coming but you can get your sugar fix from the array of delectable shades fashion has to offer.

Pick 'n' mix from the prettiest of pastel tones, ranging from peppermint green through to parma violet.

For maximum impact, parade your pastels top-to-toe. These shades work so well together you can mix and match different ice-cream colours with ease like a knickerbocker glory.

Avoid looking sickly sweet by keeping your silhouette super-sleek and minimal with structured pieces. Try sweetening up your office look for spring with pastel suiting in powdery blue or pale pink.

Update your jeans drawer with pastel hues - the easiest way to access the look without looking like you have a sugar addiction.

FASHION FLORISTRY

The perennial print is blooming all over the high street once again like a wild meadow.

Florals were big news for the autumn/winter season but this time they've lost their moody, dark palette for a fresh and bright bouquet.

Blooms range from traditional ditsy petals to futuristic florals and single eye-catching buds.

Matchy-matchy floral suiting is a versatile buy for the new season. Wear together for a statement arrangement that will turn heads or tame the print, wearing your blazer and bottoms separately with plain colours.

Once high summer has landed, go botanical with this season's bunch of wild and bright tropical florals.

RAINBOW METALLICS

The 2012 Olympics have been and gone and the gold, silver and bronze medal inspirations shelved in favour of something brighter.

Metallics have turned colourful for the summer of 2013. Think Quality Street wrapper-inspired jewel tones you might find glistening in the tin - green, purple, blue and orange.

Avoid head-to-toe creations and keep this lustrous clothing as one show-stopping piece. Leather is a cool fabric to pull off the trend and the matte texture will counteract the shine.

If you're not brave enough to attempt coloured metallic, get your gloss fix with accessories. Bags and shoes have also undergone bright metallic makeovers for a variation on traditional precious metals.

STRIPE CHIC

Horizontal or vertical, walk the line this season - polka dots are out and stripes are in.

The bigger the stripe, the bigger the impact and a fail-safe monochrome combo of black and white guarantees the wow effect. Think Beetlejuice for inspiration.

If monochrome isn't your thing, then look to stripes in varying shades of brights, pastels or neon. The timeless nautical trio of red, white and blue will never date, especially when it comes to holiday wardrobes.

There's no shortage of linear options, whether you want to show off your stripes in a Sixties-esque shift dress or keep things simple with a top or shirt.

Keep your body shape in mind when you're choosing the direction of your stripes for a streamlined look.

NEON NUANCE

Forget the Eighties, neon is back with a thoroughly modern twist - and it's not just for teenagers.

Eye-popping yellow, pinks and greens are the easiest way to inject a bright kick into your look. You don't even have to wear a full-on fluoro creation because blazers, dresses and tops come with surprise neon trims.

Topping the colour chart is acid yellow, which is just about everywhere this season. If plain block colours feel OTT then soften the look with lace or florals to give your neon a feminine touch.

Counteract the effect of the uber-bright shade with an understated outfit and neutral shades for a wearable take on the Day-Glo trend.

POWER PRINTS

Print aficionados will be spoilt for choice with the high street transforming into a virtual art gallery of arresting designs.

Bold graphic prints pack a punch if you favour clean, minimalist lines. Diverting from the stripes craze, super-sized zig-zags and checks are also hot property on the high street.

Look to abstract watercolours if you want a print with less restraint, seeking out graduated colours in your favourite hues.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, try mixing your print mediums. Pick out one common colour from each pattern to keep the look cohesive and you'll be looking print perfect.

GET THE LOOK

Rihanna's cheeky side split dress has best-seller written all over it after the singer chose to wear it to her recent clothing launch. Bag the Rihanna for River Island knitted maxi right now for £60 in stores and online at www.riverisland.com