With so many varied themes this year it is possible to give a nod to a number of them in one fell swoop, without immersing yourself totally in a particular trend.

Take a pair of wide-legged navy sailor pants and a ruffly white shirt, team it with a metallic bag and some flashy flats, add a touch of color with a patchwork scarf and off you go!

From summer whites to patchwork prints, nautical stripes and ruffles aplenty, the best of the spring/summer runway trends are now available in the high-street.

Multi Colors and Patchworks

Forget pastel spring-like florals. Dramatic reds, corals, tangerines and hot pinks are the order of the day. Wear multicolors that are brash and clash. These bold fashion-forward palettes dominated the season's runway collections of many designers, including Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Jill Sander and Lanvin.

Taking this year's floral trends one step further, clashing colors are worked into many-patterned, multicolored patchworks, an up-and-coming trend. London Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter 2008 included a number of patchwork creations including a patchwork maxi, also giving a nod to the continuation of the maxi trend. Candy Pratt’s “The Shopper:Patchwork” on Style.com features a number of “must-have items of the moment” in bold multicolors, including the stylish Betsyville “Patch me if you can Hobo” by Betsy Johnson.

Nautical Theme

The nautical theme has emerged as the dark-horse of the runways. Whilst initially not big on the catwalks, the high-street stores have gone overboard for this chic, classic look, in a sea of nautical stripes and sailor pants. Add a nautical motif or print to anything navy, white or red and some ocean inspired jewelry such as a delicate anchor chain or a naval buckled belt. Finish off your outfit with a nautical inspired handbag or a pair stripy sandals.

Great White Shirts

White is fast emerging as the most versatile shade of the season. Once a classic wardrobe staple, now an edgy trendsetter, the great white shirt has become the new canvas to express your personality. With big sleeves, ruffled collars, pussy bows, pleated bibs, lace and beads, the great white shirt will never be the same again.

Wide-legged Pants

A big hit this year is the high-waisted wide-legged pant and jean. A throw back to the 1950s, chic and very Audrey Hepburn, a fashion icon who oozes style. Feminine and elegant, fluid trousers are likely to transcend a number of seasons, so invest in a pair. From slouchy grays, whites and blacks to nautical navy sailor-styles, wear them with wedges or platforms.

Ruffles

Ruffles are everywhere from skirts to shirts to smock tunic tops and mini and maxi dresses. Whether it is a ruffly blouse or a ruffled tiered skirt, don’t overdo the bling. Keep accessories simple and let the ruffles do the talking.

Ruffled dresses add shape and femininity to a petite or boyish figure, but if you are closer to an apple shape (big bust and stomach) then do ruffles in moderation. If you are pear-shaped, then concentrate the ruffles on your top half to draw attention away from your bottom and hips.

Cool Metallics

Metallics still rule the runways, even after several seasons, whether it’s a dress, skirt, swimsuit, bag or belt. When it comes to summer shoes, cool metallics elongate the legs better than solid black, and metallic flats are a pretty and practical way to stick to a smart, casual dress code. Giorgio Armani’s Silver Embroidered Silk T-Strap Flat epitomizes elegance; wear it with a printed maxi or a crisp white cotton dress. Bagaholics may be tempted with Stella McCartney’s metal clutch, a real trend-setter for the season. Says Shop Til You Drop magazine, November 2007 edition. “Accentuate metallics with whites, creams and neutrals for a crisp clean look.”