Have you ever longed for the simpler days when there appeared to be only one trend for the season – or even the decade – and you either went with it or ignored it? You are not alone. These days there is a confusion of choice making it difficult to navigate your way through all the different ideas out there. It can make you feel as if you just want to give up and not bother, so I thought I would try to make the process more manageable and fun.

There are a lot of different trends out there this season, but you are not expected to follow them all. Some will work brilliantly with your shape (more about this next time) or you may be naturally drawn to a certain look. Trust your instinct to a certain extent on this, but don't be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone and try a trend you wouldn't usually consider. You just might find a fab new look for you. This is why personal shoppers and stylists are so useful – they can persuade you to try a new shape or colour "just to see what it is like, for fun".
And don't be afraid to mix the trends up a bit – a bold arty pattern with a bright piece, floral with romantic frills – it might work, try it on and if you don't like it then don't buy it. Shopping for clothes is supposed to be fun, not a frightening experience.
If you are still unsure then update your current look with accessories or one or two key pieces that will enhance your current wardrobe.

One major trend again this summer is the Nautical look. Basically, red, white and blue or just white and blue. Most people have white tops which are fine, or you could get a red and white or blue and white stripe top, add a bold red or white belt, wear over jeans or wide leg navy or white trousers and you are there. A big bag, navy piped blazer style jacket, a skirt in one of the colours or a scarf to go round your neck will give you several outfits. It is a crisp, clean look, very summery and very easy to put together.

Bold, bright crisp colours are another big trend this season, from cobalt, lime and tomato to fuchsia, yellow and vivid pink. There are colours to suit everyone…it is just a matter of finding the right one for you. If your favourite colours are not so keen on you, or you don't feel brave enough to embrace large blocks of colour, you can still wear this trend. Use the colour away from your face in trousers, skirts or near the hemline. You can get your fix of colour in accessories – bags, belts, shoes, necklaces and bangles. The bright colours work well with the trend for bold patterns and arty designs. You can wear a boldly patterned dress or skirt with a bright top or jacket, shoes or bag. And don't be afraid to mix the colours – a blue dress with red shoes is a great combination, or a boldly patterned dress with a lime jacket and orange shoes. Go on – be bold, be brave, be noticed!

Florals are back again – everything from big, bold designs to cute, country prints. You can wear them as maxi or short dresses, blouses or skirts. To keep the look this season team them with chunky accessories – wide leather belts, chunky shoes, bold necklaces – in this seasons brightest shades. Wear with denim jackets or waistcoats to give a current edge to the look. If you aren't keen on large areas of floral fabric, and it isn't to everyone's taste, then try a scarf, a bag or shoes in floral fabric to update your current look.

Then there is the romantic look in neutral shades or light florals. These use sheer, light, gauzy fabrics and have lots of ruffles, which not all shapes can wear well. If you don't think the look works for you but you still love it, try adding a ruffle corsage or a ribbon belt. Some of the lightly ruffled blouses, if fitted in at the waist may also work. But be sure to team the look with chunky sandals or shoes and a big clutch bag.

Safari chic is for those who prefer more muted shades and structured clothes. The key colours are muddy brown, khaki and beige in soft cottons and linen. The safari jacket, crisply tailored or soft, with a belt to cinch in the waist, is one of Nicky Hambleton Jones' 'must haves' for the season. I would suggest ditching the fabric belt that comes with it and investing in a wide canvas and leather belt to really work the look. Wooden necklaces and bangles are an inexpensive addition, along with this season's chunky wedge or stacked shoes or sandals. For those preferring flat shoes, the gladiator sandals also work well with this trend. Team with a large neutral coloured bag. If you only want to add a touch of this look to your existing wardrobe, then I suggest looking for accessories with texture such as bags, shoes and belts in canvas, plaited leather or straw with stone or wood detail.
You could add a touch of animal print to give more interest to this look in a zebra print mac, blouse or bag or faux snakeskin shoes, belt or bag.

The Global Traveller look mixes trends and themes from around the world. If you feel comfortable with this theme or have a collection of ethnic clothes bought on your travels, now is the moment to wear them. The theme embraces such diverse looks as native American embroidery, African tribal prints, Indian saris, ethnic scarves, bright kaftans and suede fringed bags and boots. They come in bright and muted shades, plain or bold designs, natural and synthetic fabrics. If you feel an affinity for a particular part of the world then now is the time to incorporate this into your style and make a bold statement about who you are.

Within all this bewildering choice there are some common elements to be found throughout. Wide leg and high waisted trousers are very 'now' and also very flattering to most body shapes.
The maxi dress – in bold, plain colours, floral print or tribal patterns is eternally versatile and will cover a multitude of sins throughout the summer.
Statement prints can be floral, arty, geometric, tribal and can be worn in coats, tops, dresses, shoes and bags.
Full and A-line skirts flatter many figures and the trench coat is back again – either as a full coat or a jacket, and in colour as well as neutral.

The easiest way to update your wardrobe quickly and cheaply is with accessories, so here are a few notes on these for the season.
• Bags are big – even the clutch bag has gone maxi and can be used to add a touch of any trend to your outfit.
• The waist is important and the wide belts cinch it in well. They can give the impression of a waist even when there isn't one.
• Shoes are chunky wedges and stacked platforms, which add height and elegance and flatter the fuller leg.

In some ways it feels as if we are going back to the early 70s, although the overall look is very different this time round. I really wish I had kept my enormous platform shoes, boots and wide leg jeans – they would be vintage by now and worth a fortune!

So pick a trend or two that you are comfortable with and just accessorise or buy a few key pieces to update your wardrobe and wear them often. With clever mixing and matching you can develop several key looks easily and cheaply. For example, a red bag, belt or shoes works for the bright and the nautical trend. A light floral top with a few ruffles works as a floral or romantic trend – and the red belt will give it an edge.

Next time I will share some ideas on how to revamp your wardrobe and which styles flatter different shapes. For now, remember you don't have to embrace all the trends, just play with the ones that work for you, and have fun.

Sue Courtney is a Personal Success Coach and Image Consultant and can be contacted on 01730 814439
or at: sue@successandimagecoach.co.uk