Rid yourself of those winter blues with colourful denim

Lucy green cropped jeans, £45, Monsoon

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Fashion's favourite basic has gone colourful this spring. Lisa Haynes reveals a spectrum of denim delights

Begone January blues, the outlook for spring denim is looking bright, with traditional indigos, navies and stonewash jean hues making way for pastels, prints and eye-popping colour.

The big denim makeover comes at a time when it's revealed 75% of British women wear less than a quarter of the jeans in their wardrobe regularly. The findings, by fashion advice site Miss High Street (www.misshighstreet.com) indicate an average ownership of 10 pairs of jeans, leaving at least seven pairs lying neglected in the denim drawer.

Time for a new trend-led spree? Hannah Buckley, founder of Miss High Street, recommends a frugal fashion approach: "Don't splurge on trend jeans because their appeal might be short-lived.

"Coloured skinnies are huge this season but opt for some of the cheaper versions on the high street."

Dive into the denim rainbow revolution with our jean-ius guide.

CANDY COLOURED

Dolly mixture-inspired shades will be difficult to resist this spring. Whereas last winter was all about leather-look dark and moody jeans, this season is pale and interesting.

Denim boutique owner, Donna Ida Thornton (www.donnaida.com) says: "As seen on the catwalks, pastels are so fresh for spring.

"From acid colours of sharp lemon to pretty mint shades and soft candy tones, it's time to embrace a sugary sweet denim palette."

HOW TO WEAR THEM: Think chic and team them with blouses and pointed courts.

PRINT PARADE

Made for exhibitionists, eye-catching prints have made their mark on denim.

"Prints are key to this season's denim, from floral to tropical and aquatic for the adventurous," says Thornton.

"Animal print is such a statement, too, which can be worn in faded pastel denim shades of mint, blue or rose, featuring a subtle leopard or snake print for added wow factor."

HOW TO WEAR THEM: Let these show-stopping jeans do all the work by throwing on a plain white tee and flats for daytime, or black vest and heels in the evening.

BRIGHT BRIGADE

The block brights that dazzled throughout 2011 are going nowhere fast. Red jeans are practically vying with traditional blues as a denim staple.

Thornton says: "There's no escaping the rainbow of shades which will be hitting the denim boutiques in spring.

"Hot pinks, cobalt blues and aquamarine look stunning in skinny jeans."

HOW TO WEAR THEM: Be brave and complete the colour block look with a top in a similar shade, or contrast with a metallic tee.

SUMMER STRIPES

Hello instant leg lengtheners! Pyjamas are a big catwalk trend for spring/summer but stripy denim is the more wearable way to work stripes on the streets.

"This season anything goes with stripes - contrast colours, thick stripes or pinstripes," Thornton suggests.

"The 'pyjama look' is the fashionista favourite, worn skinny and cropped for a fresh take on nautical."

HOW TO WEAR THEM: Keep the look fresh and maritime-inspired with washed-out colours like creams, pale blues and faded reds.

CROPPED CAPERS

If you can't bare to be parted from your blues, step into summer with a pair of cropped jeans.

Shoe addicts will adore these for their feet-baring qualities, which make them perfect for teaming with ballet pumps and ankle boots alike.

Thornton says: "If the new denim hue is colour, colour, colour, then the new shape for spring is the crop.

"The look is mid-rise, straight leg and ankle length."

HOW TO WEAR THEM: Pair with a crisp shirt for a clean and modern look.

FANATICAL ABOUT THE FIT

Whether you're crazy about this season's new shades or a denim traditionalist, it's the fit that will stand the test of time. A flattering cut is even more important if you're planning to work pale, bright or print jeans.

Avoid denim dilemmas with these top tips:

:: Staple jeans aren't something to splurge on without a serious test run. Jean sizes can vary between brands and stores, so hit the changing rooms.

:: Decide if you want to wear your new jeans with heels or flats (or both) and take them with you to get the length just right.

:: If you're buying online, look to a site like www.sojeans.co.uk, which has a SoSelect application to find the best brands to suit your shape.

:: Back pocket placement is all-important for flattering your behind, so check out those mirrors. Pockets set wide apart can add width. Pockets set close can create the illusion of a compact bum and pockets that tilt outward can create curves.

:: A bootcut hem can balance out big hips and thighs. Pair with towering platforms to create the illusion of supermodel pins.

:: Opt for a Seventies-style crease if you want to draw attention away from your hips and lengthen your legs.

:: If you have a petite or boyish shape, straight-leg jeans will give you a more defined outline.

:: Mid to high-rise (measurement from waist to crotch) are usually the most flattering cuts for skinny jeans. Steer clear of low-rise where you can end up exposing your underwear.