Spring is in the air and flowers are blooming and that's just in the high street.

Last year's studded rock chick look has been replaced by the flounces and frills of a gypsy princess, in an array of pretty colours and floral patterns guaranteed to brighten even the darkest winter wardrobe.

Described by deputy fashion editor at Company magazine Eleanor Strauss as less harsh, and more girly, this season's look has been largely inspired by the Bo-Ho gypsy look currently sweeping the catwalks.

So what's on offer?

Dorothy Perkins has a floral patchwork gypsy top inspired by the designer Sportmax for £28, while for a more English Rose look, French Connection has a silk sleeveless dress for £70 and drawstring neck top for £50 in cream with a pink and green floral pattern.

A black skirt (£65) or dress (£75) with a bright multi-coloured floral trim gives a more mature edge to the pretty look.

And in light of the current trends, Laura Ashley is making a comeback.

Using inspiration from its 70s heyday, the original floral designer is mixing bold modern prints.

Annette Browne, fashion director at Laura Ashley, said they were offering up-to-the-minute ranges which reflected their heritage and signature style.

A pink floral 50s skirt will cost £40 and a blue trini-print floral skirt, £50.

The store's floral collection includes a short frilly dress in black and white for £60 and a rose print halter-neck dress for £45.

If floral prints are too much, embroidered flowers offer a more subtle look.

There is plenty of floral embroidery on cowboy boots and belts at the moment, inspired by designer Louis Vuitton's embroidered boots.

You can also mix and match to tone down the really girly prints, combining pretty florals with distressed denims to give a more cowgirl than fairy princess look.

At Asda, George floral camisole tops with frill cost £12 while dirty denim jeans will set you back £18.

Alternatively, a black floral print angel sleeve top for £17 looks great with a lace-up long denim skirt for £26, both available from Abound directory.

Ms Strauss' warning is Don't go overboard.

Team a floral skirt with a plain vintage top, she said. Keep it delicate rather than full-on flower power. You don't want to look like a hedge.

The girly look can still be sexy with the Victorian look of last season being cast off to reveal bare shoulders and layers of colour.

There has been a backlash after the restrictions of buttoned up Victoriana but it has also inspired the new look with lace and petticoats, she said.

Off-the-shoulder is the new shape, but don't get it muddled with asymmetrical one shoulder tops, they're decidedly last summer.

Strauss explains. "It's the wanton gypsy look. I think a little bit of shoulder is far sexier than a load of cleavage.

Dorothy Perkins has a black with red flowers off-the-shoulder gypsy top for £22 while Morgan has an off-the-shoulder white rose print top for £39.99.

Feminine, frilly shapes with lots of chiffon are perfect for night-time wear.

Dorothy Perkins has a reversible ruffled dress for £35, so you can wear it as deep pink or black, depending on your mood.

Kookai has a black split dress with pink flowers for £49.

Evening wear takes its inspiration from flowers with delicate petal-like fabrics and pretty camisoles.

Kookai has a white camisole with blue flowers for £25.

Lace or crochet is the new material for spring. But it's difficult to get it right, not too tacky, not too granny. Morgan has a long sleeve lace sheer tunic top for £49.99.

"A little bit of lace adorns even the plainest look," says Ms Strauss. "The secret is to keep it dainty, a little lace top with a pretty bra or little top."

If you're worried about catching a chill, don't worry, spring has arrived early in the UK with unusually mild temperatures and the fashion forecast is also looking bright. To revive your winter wardrobe wear bold spring colours.

"In terms of colour, don't go too multi-coloured. White and creams are in so you can counterbalance hectic floral prints and make bright colours stand out," suggests Ms Strauss.

"Block bright colours rather than mixing them as you don't want to look like a rainbow."

The Dorothy Perkins Cuban range has colourful sleeveless tops for £12 and wide-legged trousers for £25 to bring on the summer.

This spring, footwear gets laid back and peasant-like. Team pretty, layered outfits with wedge heeled espadrilles. Look out for the classic Roman centurion styles which tie up the leg. They look great with tiered skirts, jeans and floor-sweeping denim skirts. And they don't cost much either. Office has striped or plain-heeled espadrilles for £20 and flat strawberry print espadrilles for £25.

As for accessories, flower-like corsages and false flowers are available in most high street shops. Or even better, a daisy chain in the hair or a fresh flower is the perfect compliment to your pretty springtime look.