It’s been a dismal winter so far, particularly for fashion retailers. However, spring 2012 promises to be brighter and bolder. Hilarie Stelfox takes a look ahead at the New Year trends

THE UNSEASONABLY warm winter and wet Christmas were something of a disaster for fashion retailers – and many pin their hopes at that time of year on sales of warm coats.

And there’s little doubt that the recession has affected demand for evening wear.

Huddersfield may also have lost out because the fact that the area’s roads weren’t covered in snow – as they were last winter – meant shoppers ventured further afield.

“The atrocious weather last winter kept people from going out of town,” says Sally Jones, senior sales manager for the House of Fraser store in Huddersfield’s Kingsgate.

“Smaller towns like ours benefited from the bad weather.”

Staff in the department store also noted that this Christmas shoppers were more reluctant to splash out on special occasion outfits.

“People were overheard saying that they would make last year’s party dress do, or wait for the sales,” added Sally.

However, in the world of fashion each new season offers a fresh opportunity and local retailers are now looking forward to better prospects with the spring collections.

Many of them focus on cheerful, bright colours and bold patterns.

Sally added: “Traditionally, spring is about more subdued colours but this year, for whatever reason, a lot of the collections are featuring bright prints and colours. There’s a lot of orange about.”

The floral patterns that proved so popular last spring and summer are also back in mainstream collections, as are vintage-inspired tea dresses.

“We found that our customers really liked the florals,” said Sally.

“I think that when you have a nice, bright top or dress on with a cheerful floral design it really lifts your mood and makes you feel happy.”