Must have trends

One of the most exciting times of the year for everyone who loves fashion is when the new season's collections first hit the stores and everyone gets to refresh their wardrobe for Spring 2012. Here are the must-have items and trends at H&M, for both women and men.

WOMEN

THE WHITE SUIT - Start the year with a clean slate with a sharp white suit for women. Sold separately as a blazer and trousers, it looks great with a soft jersey vest underneath and a pair of loafers.

THE KIMONO - Simple, soft lines inspired by the classic kimono are updated here into the modern shape of a T-shirt dress, with a drape and pattern that adds a sense of tradition to a 21st century shape.

MINI-SKIRTS - This Spring staple makes nostalgia modern, with a chic 60's feel brought to the present day in this season's accent colours. Whatever the shade, mini-skirts look perfect when worn with Spring's must-have white sunglasses.

MEN

THE COTTON BLAZER - It's the centrepiece of the male spring wardrobe, either single-breasted or double-breasted, and in different shades for different moods. In navy, it can be nautical, and perfect for dressing up or down. Make a statement in a blazer that's berry pink, or tone it down in muted shades of khaki.

THE STRIPED TOP - As the boundaries between work and leisure cross, the nautical striped top becomes the perfect piece. Stripes come in so many varieties, such as on a nautical sweater or a striped polo shirt.

WHITE CHINOS - A modern menswear classic, white chinos are the perfect alternative to jeans, creating a smarter, yet still casual look.

Source: H&M