There's a fresh, clean look to the latest spring collection from Betty Barclay, with hints of a hot summer ahead. The classic feminine silhouette, a major feature in the label's recent collections, is enlivened with a more quirky feel through unusual fabric combinations and the concept of 'broken' outfits, where floaty skirts and wide trousers can be teamed with the sharper lines of short jackets, and delicate chiffon is combined with coarse cotton.

A romantic tiered skirt in mille-fleurs design is sportily combined with a tailored jean jacket with a little stand-up collar and salmon coloured top.

Betty Barclay incorporates a 1970s retro vibe with gypsy-wave and peasant-style garments that continue the romantic bohemian trend of the last few seasons. Full skirts in plain or printed fabrics are a must-have item - for the full effect, wear with wedge heels, large sunglasses and 'flicked-out' hair, or team with a jacket or fitted cotton cardi to create a contemporary twist.

For the warmer weather, skirts are in lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or crinkle cotton lawn, often decorated with ethnic motifs and handicraft embroidery along the hem. Meanwhile, crochet tops, wooden beads and floaty tunics are also important elements of the gypsy look.

Another aspect of the spring-summer collection takes inspiration from Africa for an elegant colonial style encompassing various peasant influences. Natural shades such as papyrus, mocha and khaki provide the basic palette for an updated and feminine take on the safari suit, in relaxed linen with patch pockets and extra stitched details. White, ivory and warm burnt shades of cayenne and orange are also used for this collection, while abstract African prints make an ideal accompaniment to wide trousers or flared skirts.

Throughout the collection, fresh pool colours such as aqua and pacific or rich apple green set accents, as do pastels like vanilla, mint and rose. With the skirt in every shape taking centre stage this season, the whole adds up to a relaxed blend of clean elements and decorative details.

This casual linen trouser suit in khaki is in colonial style,

with details such as patch pockets with gussets and hand

stitching, worn with a bead-embroidered top.

Call 020 7411 0322 or see www.bettybarclay.co.uk to find your nearest stockist.

A casual and elegant safari look is achieved with a jacket in papyrus with a stand-up collar, patch pockets and self-tie belt, green top with open chiffon borders and a full skirt with a floral print.

A khaki jacket with a belted waist is teamed with silk trousers in a subtle check design and a sand coloured top to give a chic city look.

This full skirt in an expressive batik flower design looks really feminine with a close-fitting twin set in gentle rose.

Tunics are a summer must-have, here made of airy chiffon in a warm red with embroidered dcollet and teamed with trendy cropped trousers in nougat.