Our pick of the best spring dress trends

This year is all about the seventies, so sixties mini dresses are out and midi hemlines are back. An cornerstone of the 70s dress code, this length always falls just between the knee and the ankle. Creating a longer silhouette is an overarching trend, so pick out at least one mid length number to your collection. As well as the midi, maxi lengths are also big news.

An essential for clubs and parties is the glam 70s inspired party dress. Inspired by Studio 54 in its heyday you should look out for satins, silks and gold. These dresses were made to dance in, making them the perfect party dress. The key to this look is in the length. Keep the look 70s and stick to a hemline below the knee, and forget mini dresses. Key colours for this style are metallics and dark jewel tones.

Forget your LBD, now its time to shop for a little white dress instead. White is a big colour this spring. White is a really versatile shade. Keep to minimal dresses to create a striking shape. Alternatively go for a subtler, softer look and go for frillier, longer styles like the maxi. White gives an instantly crisp and clean look to an outfit, it is easy to accessorise with, and bronzed skin is accentuated too.

Thanks to the success of Natalie Portman in The Black Swan, one essential trend to add to your dress collection this season is the ballet trend. There is a range of tutu style dresses to choose from. Steer away from the platter style and look instead for a soft flowing romantic tutu or a slightly stiffer classical bell tutu shape. Whether you choose a classical bell or a romantic tutu make sure the hem falls below the knee.

If you are looking for a dress for work the major office dress trend is the trench. The trench dress is a combination of both a sleeveless trench coat with a sheath dress fit. Imagine a snugly fitting trench coat minus the arms. The clean lines of the trench dress make for a crisp, sharp silhouette, while details like trench coat buttons and tie belts give tailored structure. Alongside trench coat dresses, the trench inspired vest looks set to make waves this summer too.

Eve Whitfield is a freelance fashion editor who has had work experience at Chloe. She recommends House of Fraser for dresses for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.