After autumn's Sixties fixation, designers inched forward for spring, landing squarely in the era of bell-bottoms, platforms and feathered hairdos (and that's just the men).

The collective conscious may have been focused firmly on the Seventies, but this is actually a pleasingly diverse trend, running the gamut from Gucci's laid-back daytime looks through to Cavalli's bohemian babes, and the coolest incarnation, Saint Laurent's glitzy disco threads.

It's a fun, free-spirited vibe that draws on some of the decade's best-dressed stars, so choose your style icon and get ready to step into the Seventies...

DOWNTOWN DAYS

Tap into the leisurely side of the Seventies, as seen at Gucci and Chanel, where subdued tones, matte textures and collared jackets recalled actress Jacqueline Bisset's off-duty style.

It's time to put away those skinny jeans and embrace the kick-flare or wide-leg trouser, pairing with a floaty blouse and topping off with a suede cropped jacket.

Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, like a tile print palazzo pant and a paisley peasant top. As long as you keep the colour palette muted and the fabrics soft, it won't look overdone.

A chunky high heel will balance the wider trouser proportions, so invest now in platform sandals or wedges that will see you through summer.

The finishing touch? A floppy brimmed felt hat adds an air of Seventies glam.

:: Limited Edition Floral Panelled Blouse, £35; Indigo Collection Flared Leg Jeans, £29.50; Leather Clog Mule Sandals, £45; Necklace (available April), £18 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: LK Jumpsuit, £55 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

:: Paisley Non Iron Shirt, £39.95 (www.landsend.co.uk)

:: Printed Palazzo Trousers, £67 (available April; www.qvcuk.com)

HIPPY TRIP

Over at Valentino and Cavalli, the haute hippy renaissance was in full swing as models floated down the runway in flowing floral gowns, while Tommy Hilfiger's groupie girls rocked star print frocks and cool suede boots.

The carefree boho babe vibe - reminiscent of Stevie Nicks during her Fleetwood Mac heyday - is easy to emulate and adaptable from spring to summer.

Centre your look around a longsleeved retro print minidress, wearing with tights and boots now, then switch it up with strappy platforms and a denim jacket or kimono once the sun comes out.

For evening, go all-out in a tie-dye or mosaic print halter maxidress, adding stacks of bangles and a long pendant necklace.

Day or night, you'll also be needing a fringed suede bag to complete your hippy princess transformation.

:: Barneys Beige Suede Biker Jacket, £89; Alice&You Pussybow Chiffon Maxi Dress, £42; Alice&You Metal Trim Ankle Strap Heels, £27 (www.stylistpick.com)

:: Love Label Printed Shift Dress, £32 (www.very.co.uk)

:: Joe Browns Raffia Heels, £40 (www.kaleidoscope.co.uk)

DISCO NIGHTS

Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger were the obvious muses at Saint Laurent, where the show space was transformed into a Studio 54-esque nightclub and models stomped down the runway in skimpy skirts, slouchy jumpsuits and gold peep-toe platforms.

The label's head honcho Hedi Slimane is always instrumental in setting the seasonal style agenda, and sure enough, the brazen parade of dangerously low necklines, brash florals and oodles of lurex was somehow still supremely covetable.

Your key purchase if you want to join the discotheque set? Make it a suede or leather mini, belted high on the waist with a wide belt.

Wear with a V-neck singlet or gauzy blouse (unbuttoned of course), 10 denier black tights and the highest platforms you can manage.

For a more toned-down take, try a wide leg strappy jumpsuit or a jewel-toned cocktail dress, and top with a turban for disco-era authenticity. The platforms are still a must - and a rock star husband is an optional accessory.

:: Bershka Suede Skirt, currently reduced from £25.99 to £15.99 (www.bershka.com)

:: Biba Teal Fringed Dress, £149 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Embellished Jumpsuit, £59 (available April; www.very.co.uk)

:: Topshop Lena Metallic Platform Sandals, £56 (www.topshop.com)

GET THE LOOK

All eyes may be on the Duchess of Cambridge of late, but actress Jodie Whittaker gave Kate a run for her money in the pregnancy style stakes at the Royal Television Society Awards. The Broadchurch star, who is due to give birth at the end of April, chose the gorgeously bright Tabitha Webb Purple Tulip Shift Dress, £335 (www.tabithawebb.co.uk), pairing it will electric blue heels and a cool printed clutch.

BUY IT NOW

Plus-size clothing often seeks to conceal the curves, but the latest Boohoo Plus capsule collection does nothing of the sort. Designed in collaboration with American blogger Nadia Aboulhosn, the size 16-24 collection is full of figure-hugging fabrics, seductive shapes and even a couple of crop tops. We love the zip-up Nadia Tuxedo Dress, £25, an on-trend update on the classic (www.boohoo.com).

FASHION FLASH

:: LONG LIVE MCQUEEN

The opening of the highly-anticipated Alexander McQueen show at London's Victoria and Albert Museum to rave reviews has sparked a surge in sales of McQueen merchandise, and not just in the V&A gift shop. In just one week since the start of the exhibition, eBay reports that sales of the famous McQueen skull print scarves have risen by more than 200%, while rings have soared by 257%.

:: POSH PURCHASES

Spring may finally be here, but sales of slippers are on the rise, and apparently we've got Victoria Beckham to thank. After the posh one posted photos on Instagram of the fluffy yellow slip-ons she wore on a private jet flight to China, JD Williams reported that sales of slippers rose by 27%. No word yet on whether sales of Learjets also rose as a result...

:: STYLE STEAL

A slinky silk scarf adds a suitably Seventies flourish to any outfit (and provides an element of security if you're going for a breezy low-cut top). Bonmarche has more than 20 prints and colours of its Classic Plain Satin Stripe Scarf to choose from, at the bargain price of £4 each (www.bonmarche.co.uk).