Fashion zone: It Ain't Calf Hot Mum.

STORE TRAWLERS

This week AMBER GRAAFLAND, right, and ERICA DAVIES celebrate the arrival of three-quarter pants, applaud the revival of the bum-bag and reveal how you can get a head start by wearing a hat

FORGET the maxi-skirt. Bury the mini-skirt in your bottom drawer. Skirt hemlines don't matter anymore.

This ppring heralds the arrival of the "three-quarter pant". The length of your trousers are what matter and if they ain't short, they ain't cool.

While legs had to be perfect and hips narrow to wear last Summer's clam diggers, trousers this season can be cut anywhere between the knee and the ankle. So whatever your leg shape, you can choose the length to suit you while remaining effortlessly chic.

The myth is that cropped trousers require a certain amount of confidence, youth and a sylph-like figure. Wrong.

We are living proof, having completely different body shapes. We've selected some of the best trousers from our trawl this week. Amber's size 10 frame perfectly suits this style of trouser as the cut is narrow and fitted.

But, even if you are larger, the three-quarter pant is a flattering option which doesn't shorten the leg like clam diggers would.

There are several styles to choose from. Whether they be wide or fitted, they've got to be cropped. Shoe-wise, it depends on the trouser. Amber teamed hers with the best wedge mules we've seen so far - from Bally, although you can go for trainers or heels.

We know there are a few girls out there who are self-conscious about their hip area. Erica is one of them. As long as there's a long jacket or top to cover the offending area then she's happy. But the jacket is only one of the good things about this little ensemble from River Island. The cropped trousers are the perfect length for shorter girlies as they don't make your legs look too short. For maximum height team them with killer heels like Erica has, to give you extra style savvy.

NO HOLDS BARRED ..

HERE'S a fashion revival that we welcome with open arms. The bum bag, regarded by most as an eighties faux pas, is back. But no one really considered how brilliant they are. Designers such as Prada all opted for innovation in bags, strapping them in an assortment of ways to the body.

Why didn't anyone think of this sooner - no hands shopping. This white across-the-shoulder body bag is pounds 55 from Dollargrand. White has been everywhere and the icy trend looks set to continue. For a fashionable slant on the bag lady theme, try wearing it across your body - 0171 794 3028, available February.

If you are a sucker for urban-streetwear clobber, this black multi-pocket shoulder bag from H&M will suit you down to the ground. Made from heavy- duty nylon, this bag will add a street-style edge to your outfit - pounds 4.99, 0171 255 2031.

It's Amber's dream to own a set of Louis Vuitton luggage. Unfortunately, it will ONLY happen in her dreams. But what a luxury if you can afford the latest addition to the range, this camel leather belt bag - from pounds 120, 0171 399 4050.

GET A HEAD START

IF YOU want to get ahead, get a hat.

And while the weather is a little on the nippy side it's wise to keep your extremities under cover. Erica is a bit of a sucker for a furry hat and as white is the favoured colour of fashionable folk, this Kangol hat is just the job.

White furry hat, pounds 31 from Kangol. 0171 487 4888.