PICKS OF THE WEEK

I don't know about you but I have found the weather this week a challenge. In fact, I've seen elements of all four seasons on my travels around the country. I'm definetly ready for spring.

My three picks of this week reflect my clothing battle against the elements over the past seven days.

This double breasted beauty from Zara is a great jacket for spring. We're often lured into a false sense of a heat wave when the sun comes out but this bright yellow jacket will protect you against the reality of spring.

I'm always looking for different types of shorts to wear in the summer, from printed to coloured and everything in between. I love the detail at the bottom of these shorts. It gives them a worker edge beyond your average chino short.

This blazer from Republic is a real bargain. Navy is great for the current nautical look but can also work with varsity prints. It's a great day to night jacket.

FIVE WAYS TO WEAR COLOURED CHINOS

I often get asked for help and advice on Twitter about everything from summer footwear to current trends. Yesterday I received this call for help and I think it's something that a lot of you will be able to relate to.

Coloured chinos and jeans are a big look on the high st right now. Whilst its easy to pick a colour or style of trousers that suits you, the challenge comes with finding something to wear with them. Some of you will have a natural eye for what colours work well together, so wearing coloured chinos will be a walk in the park. For those who've struggled to think of more than one outfit to pair with your trousers, hopefully my five outfit suggestions using the same chinos will help you!

I've based every outfit around these red chinos from Burton.

NAUTICAL

Ahoy matey! The nautical trend is back!

The launch of spring collections wouldn't be complete without the fresh, blue, red and white colour palette of the nautical trend. The look has become somewhat of a tradition on the high st as year after year we see all things nautical filling the shops in the run up to spring.

We have all seen this look many times before so you know that anchors, boat shoes, stripes and anything with a boat on will keep you on trend. Although as we're still in deep winter, dealing with freezing temperatures and snow, I'm going to try a more rugged fisherman look rather than spring sailor.

Cable knit jumpers and fisherman jackets will give the look a harder edge. Also, wear your trousers turned up to reveal thick wool socks worn with deck boots, this will keep you warm and on trend. Deeper shades of the colour palette such as navy will allow your look an easier transition into the brighter tones of spring.