Spring is (finally!) here, and with the new warm weather comes new fashion trends. Straight from the runways of the world's most fashionable cities like Paris and New York, most high concept fashion can be easily adapted to everyday wear. The results are in for 2012, and five clear trends have popped up over and over again. Read on for the top looks for this spring, as well as some suggestions on where to find them right here in Shanghai.

1) Pastels

This season it's all about pale pastels – think Easter egg colours here. Butter yellow, lavender, baby blue… the look is all about soothing and calming the eye. Designers like Calvin Klein usually paired a solid piece with contrasting white on the runway, keeping the “cutesy” factor refreshingly under the radar. If you're not a total fan of the candy-coated look (which – just a warning - may not look as good on shorter girls, as light colours tend to accentuate any extra weight you may be carrying more than it does for tall girls), go for pastel accessories like shoes, bags or jewellery.

William the BeekeeperView In Map
Add: 84 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市汾阳路84号, 近复兴路
Tel: 021 131 6724 3796
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 11:30-20:00; Mon, by appointment only

RoommateView In Map
Add: No.3, 205 Nanchang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市南昌路205弄3号, 近瑞金二路
Tel: 021 3424 0336
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-22:00

2) Detailed nail art

While the runway saw a rash of Lucite nails (usually showing clear tips with hand crafted lattice details), fashion gurus realise that it might not be the most practical look for those who, you know, don't work as fashion models for a living. So the trend here has been simplified to include any sort of detailed nail art. In addition to the above mentioned lattice work, think animal print, polka dots (another spring trend in its own right), and anything else that requires a steady hand and at least two different colours on each finger.

Helen's Nail SpaView In Map
Add: 120 Nanchang Lu, near Yandang Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市南昌路120号近雁荡路
Tel: 021) 5383 8957
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00

FrangipaniView In Map
Add: 204 Xinle Lu, near Donghu Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市新乐路204号, 近东湖路
Tel: 021 5403 0227
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00

3) Shocking lipstick

One of the more fun trends seen on the runway this season has been the playful (and often surprising) take on lipsticks. Forget your nudes and rose pinks – this stuff is getting craaaazy. We're talking neon yellow, electric blue and hot pink. While that kind of dedication is clearly not for the office, feel free to flirt with these wild colours when heading to the nightclubs. Not big on the neons? Try a pale pink that borders on white or a creamsicle orange for the same “wow” factor without all the head turning. Expect to see both matte and glossy finishes to give you plenty of options.

MACView In Map
Add: 918 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu (branch location), Shanghai
地址：上海市淮海中路918号，近陕西南路
Tel: 021 6415 5204
Open: Mon-Fri, 10:00am-22:00; Sat-Sun, 9:30-22:00

SephoraView In Map
Add: 629 HuaihaiZhong Lu, near Sinan Lu (branch location), Shanghai
地址：上海市淮海中路629号, 近思南路
Tel: 021 5306 6073
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs, 10:00-22:00; Fri-Sat, 10:00-23:00

4) Patterned Pants

This year appears to be all about the pants – specifically, patterned ones. It doesn't seem to matter what style of pants you decide to rock (with the exception of “mom jeans”… I think it's pretty safe to say those are never on the “must wear” lists) – skinny, cropped, flared, whatever, just as long as they have something going on. Birds in particular have proven popular, but expect to see everything from pastel plaids to bold florals to animal prints to retro stripes. This is one of the most flexible fashion choices around, so it's ideal for those who want to stay trendy but true to body type.

Lolo Love Vintage View In Map
Add: The First Door, 87 Wuyuan Lu, near Changshu Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市五原路87弄第一个门, 近常熟路
Tel: 137 0180 6644
Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, & Fri, 13:00-21:00

Helen LeeView In Map
Add: 172-1 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市福民路171-2号, 近巨鹿路
Tel: 021 5465 6618
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30-21:00

5) Wedge Heels

Wedge heels are here to stay for another season! Yay! These warm weather worthy (and thankfully comfortable!) heels have been a spring and summer must-have for years, and they remain on the top of the list for those wanting to look stylish without having to cram your feet into impractical torture devices (stilettos, anyone?). Taking a cue from other spring trends this season, expect to see bold, bright colours and funky patterns parading around. Just another reason to get your pedicures (preferably with detailed nail art!), ladies.

Pearl City View In Map
Add: 3721 Hongmei Lu, near Yan'an Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市虹梅路3721号, 近延安路
Tel: 021 6262 3851
Mr Billy's Handmade ShoesView In Map
Add: 1238 Changle Lu, near Huashan Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市静安区长乐路1238号近华山路
Tel: 021 6248 4881
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30-20:00

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Keywords: 2012 spring fashion Shanghai fashion looks Shanghai 2012 fashion trends shanghai