Fashion forecast.

Byline: Liz Hands

Temperatures below freezing may make the warmer weather seem a long way off, but it's only a matter of time before the Spring/Summer 09 collections hit the shops. Liz Hands speaks to designers, buyers, stylists and fashion experts from around the region to get their predictions on what we'll all be wearing next season.

FASHION DESIGNER EMMA BELL

JUDGING by the designer showcases seen on the catwalk for Spring/Summer 09, we are set for an exciting and colourful summer in the fashion stakes.

Key trends include the all-in-one, Tribal, 80s revival and an amazing spectrum of colour from interesting pastel neons to bold hues of green and orange.

My personal favourite for the upcoming summer is the jumpsuit. Last summer, the high street brought us tiny, all-in-one 50s beachwear-inspired playsuits, but this season I predict we will be seeing slouchy, more loose fitting pieces with a boyish, slightly sporty feel.

Tribal is another key trend that can be expected to sneak into your wardrobe in the form of over sized jewellery from bangles to huge earrings and bold Tribal-esque prints, still following on with a touch of the Leopard print trend that has been lurking for several seasons.

Other trends that I expect we will be rocking when the sun comes out are: 80s in the form of big, structured shoulders with a space-age twist, block colours if the Tribal direction doesn't float your boat and you're not a fan of prints - wear them either contrasting or in clever combinations - and Harem pants - I'm especially excited about this one as I just stocked up on several pairs on holiday in preparation for the upcoming summer.

Emma Bell, originally from Kingston Park, Newcastle, is a fashion designer known for her outlandish candy-coloured creations. Her new collection is due out in February.

ETHICAL BOUTIQUE OWNER JILL ANDERSON

EXPECT bright colours and bold prints to lift your spirits out of the short winter days and long credit crunch. Pantone, the global authority on colour, has named 'Mimosa' (yellow) as its colour of 2009, but expect an array of other colours too.

The return of the nautical trend puts red, white and blue to the fore along with pink hues, vibrant greens, juicy tangerine and splashes of purple.

Seventies and eighties influence will be everywhere. 1980s sports wear and tech fabrics will be massive. Absolutely invest in a sports jacket, they're set to be big news.

Scour vintage shops for original 70s print dresses. On the high street look out for Liberty prints or ethnic patterns. Florals, animal print and checks are also on trend. Look out for 80s 'shoulders' and make sure you pick up a boyfriend cardi.

If you live in trousers or jeans you'll be spoilt for choice. The skinny look stays with us, but the wider leg is coming back, so dig out those flares.

For those on a budget and looking to carry over trends from autumn/winter, or bag a bargain in the sales, then hold on to those leggins as they should carry over nicely; along with black and white stripes, checks, drapes and a sprinkling of gold.

IMAGE CONSULTANT CLAIRE TAPERELL

THIS is the time to look ahead and find out what will appear in the coming year. The trends can be adapted for all ages and each shop will add their own twist, making it easy for everyone to look stylish.

Here are my Top 10 must-haves:

1. Great strides

Harem pants are going to be big this year and jodhpurs will be making a comeback. There are some wacky pants for the brave and some classic shapes for the less adventurous.

2. Comfort dressing

Boho is back and it's cool to be comfortable so dig out your slouchy bags and floaty dresses.

3. A cut above - and below

The cut of jeans varies from season to season and although the skinny is not dead and buried, this year will see the return of high waists and flared bottoms.

4. Bandage gear

The key item to have in your wardrobe this year is the bandage dress which is styled on Herve Leger's legendary minidress .

5. Jump to it

Jumpsuits are going to be big this year. Whether they are short or long, doesn't matter as long as they're all-in-one.

6. The future's bright

The colour to be seen in this year is orange. If this is too bright, adapt it to your own personal style by wearing orange accessories.

Purple, however, refuses to be pushed to one side and periwinkle and raspberry added a fresh twist.

7. Fringe benefit

Whether they were silk and feminine, modern and sleek or simply showgirl burlesque, the perfect party dress could be found with a fringe.

8. Off the shoulder

Asymmetrical neck and hemlines have been hanging around for a few seasons now and will continue into 2009 with the one shoulder dress and top becoming popular.

9. Best foot forward

High, sexy, glamorous and completely impractical shoes will be big this year. Platforms are still going to be around and if all else fails, decorated flat styles will glam up any outfit.

10. One love

Investment dressing is the new way forward so go buy that one key item that will see you through for the full year. The sales provide a great opportunity to get great quality clothing at a great price.

Claire Taperell runs Medburn-based Chrysalis Image Consultancy, near Ponteland.

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FASHION DESIGNER LISA GERMANEY

THERE is a broad spectrum of trends for spring summer 09.

Asymmetric necklines and skirts of different shapes and lengths, fringing, feathers, jumpsuits, harem pants, ballerina, do it yourself. My favourites are ballerina and DIY.

For the ballerina look, fabrics are broderie anglais, tulle, silk, lace, ribbon and sheers in nudes and sherbet shades. DIY is anything goes really.

PROFESSOR DOUG MILLER, CHAIR OF ETHICAL FASHION AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF DESIGN

AS much as it pains me to say it, because the livelihoods of many retail workers are at stake, the current shakeout in fashion retail has been probably long overdue. We have massive over-consumption in the sector. We could all do with a bit of 'slow' fashion. As shoppers tighten their belts I expect the 'Pradamark' effect to continue as middle class shoppers aim to look good for a bargain - so much of the same exploitation as far as the workers in the discounter's supply chains are concerned, but a hardening of conditions for those workers supplying some of our more ethically-minded stores as they seek to turn a profit in these difficult trading conditions. Expect this year to see fashionistas engaging in more sharing of clothes and raiding of second hand clothing and vintage stores.

HEAD OF PRESS FOR CRUISE, LIZ PARKER

THE major trends we've bought into include Grecian, Nautical and Glamazon plus Nudes and Colour.

Grecian comes through from brands including Lanvin, Hugo Boss, Sportmax and Anglomania, who showed very flattering, feminine, draped pieces. Typically one-shouldered with fabrics including light cottons and silks in nude soft colours.

Colour is a major story, the brighter the better. Colours should be worn together - not with black - and preferably to clash. A perfect antidote to the mood of the moment.

Whilst not strictly a trend, the maxi dress will continue to be huge throughout 2009.

A mini trend we have spotted is a move on from last year's safari, which in 2009 returns in a more vamped up, glamorous incarnation.

Accessories include decadent, but light as a feather, ruffled shoes and attitudinal glamazon styles.

The classic Nautical returns again this year but with a modern twist. Less retro and more contemporary, classic red white and blue is seen at DVF, Girbaud and D&G with modern shapes including knotted necklines, cropped jackets and peg trousers .

METROCENTRE SHOPPING ANGELS, GAIL LITTLE AND BELINDA ALEXANDER

THIS year is another good one! The key looks forecast are: Artistic - Really for those who like to mix their colour palette - oranges with purple, fabulous conical heels in bright colours.

Bright pink is also going to be popular. Short skirts will be around for those who can wear them.

Clear - Cool in every way.

Some linen again, it's always popular with everyone who can cope with linen. Clear is also opting for few patterns - no flowers, no frills, but that's not to say you can't wear chiffon.

This look is uncluttered.

Colours to look for include yellow, pink, dark taupe, purple and white .

Natural - This is keeping in line with the outdoors, so slightly jungle inspired with khaki and yes, yellow, even flowery tones to mix.

Strict - This is a look you could bring together with a few new pieces and a few from your existing wardrobe.

It's fitted, with a belted jacket or shirt over tight trousers. We are likely to get the houndstooth check again, but don't pull out an old one with shoulder pads all boxy and wide - this season it will be slimmer and longer. There is also a hint of a summer 'biker' look, tight trousers with a short fitted jacket.

JANINE MUNSLOW, HEAD OF FASHION, NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF

THERE is a famous glitch in any method of predicting trends - the Black Swan Theory. The theory is that the unpredictable black swan creates the rogue scenario, and the current economic situation is a perfect example.

Last year I looked at trend forecasting aimed two years ahead. It contained trends based on a different economic climate from the one we are in.

For those who can afford luxury, it is a time to buy timeless items. Harsh times are renowned for creating demand for 'small indulgences' such as shoes.

WARDROBE MISTRESS KRISTA PURANEN

BACK to 80s. Yes, there will be shoulder pads and there will be jumpsuits.

Spring brings back Harem pants, even as shorts. In one extreme, fainted & ripped jeans are part of this season's look.

You may want to invest in classic pieces to get a sophisticated backbone for your wardrobe - a well-fitting blazer in black or navy blue, men's crisp white shirt, khaki shorts and pair of wedges. If you are into vintage, now is time to look for accessories - men's watches on women, leather handbags, bangles (loads!) and 70s & 80s sunglasses are hot-hot-hot!

LOUISE COOPER, PERSONAL SHOPPER, HOUSE OF FRASER - METROCENTRE

THE Rich Hippy vibe is in full flow as Linea's new range hits down for spring/summer. 1970sinspired space dyed knits look chic on a slinky viscose base.

The knitted dress becomes the season's hottest item and Boho prints make a return, looking best on maxi dresses.

Pretty wrap and drape-style dresses create an air of vintage glamour. Elegant and refined, Episode does occasion dressing in style. The collection has a neutral colour palette of cream, beige, black and white featuring short sleeved coats and shift dresses.

FIONA RAESIDE- ELLIOTT PROGRAMME LEADER, BA(HONS) FASHION MARKETING AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL OF DESIGN

THE bargain hunters among us have been bombarded with the word 'sale' from well before Christmas and in the current economic climate will expect much more of the same.

The words 'credit crunch' will resonate with some more than others, and companies who maintain their prices and send out a message of confidence will attract the more affluent consumer.

The 'up' side for consumers to the current economic climate? - the opportunity for a real bargain, but can we really bear another year of adverts for sofa sales?