It's that time of year again when the shops are full of this season's new clothes and the dilemma that women have to face every now and then rears its head again - I haven't got a thing to wear! Your wardrobe could be fit to burst but everything just seems so last year and unexciting.

But before you go splashing out on clothes that will go out of date quicker than you can say Donatella Versace take a look at what you've already got to wear and plan so that with a few careful purchases you can reinvigorate your wardrobe and look completely of the moment. This season the only way is up, as hemlines continue to rise. Shapes are youthful and sweet little, loose mini dresses are going to be seen everywhere. If you find these pretty dresses irresistible go to a reliable high street chain that will have them in abundance and they won't cost a fortune. Just enjoy wearing it as much as you can, day or night. It's not something that will work well with the rest of your wardrobe and by next summer it might look a bit outdated.

Metallics are also really hot this year. Perhaps you could choose your flirty mini dress in a glistening fabric for evening, or if not look out for a shimmering scarf or wrap to keep up with one of this seasons' big trends. The catwalks were full of really futuristic space odyssey fashion which is probably too extreme for most of us, but it does hint that shimmer and shine is here for a few seasons to come.

If you want to splash on a bit of colour this season, yellow will be in every shop window and will add dazzle to your wardrobe. Buy a sexy little top in this glorious acid colour and wear it with jeans and you'll be as hot as the sun on a summer's night. For everyday-wear, layered clothes look right and are easy for most of us to wear. Pale neutrals in sand, rose and khaki are particularly fashionable right now and loose, gentle tops worn with wide-legged and slouchy trousers or cigarette pants - two of the keys shapes now - work well together.

Accessories are perhaps the quickest and least expensive way to update your wardrobe and there are a couple of important things to look out for here too. If you are planning on buying a new bag make it a big one! Huge totes and outside bags are what every fashionable young lady should be seen with this summer and be careful how you go with all the very high wedges which we're all supposed to totter around on too. Not very practical, but great fun and perhaps best left for evenings out.

A wardrobe of clothes that mixes and matches together will help you make the most out of every piece you buy, saving you money and time. If you have a solid foundation of clothes that suits you and makes you feel good you can simply add four or five key pieces each season to keep you up to date. So whether you plump for a cute mini dress, some wide-legged trousers or a softly tailored khaki jacket remember the buzz phrase this spring is 'modern pretty' and you'll be ready to paint the town red - or should that be bright yellow!