It’s always a refreshing sign that spring is just around the corner when shops become awash with maritime influences.

The nautical but nice look is making big waves on the fashion radar, with red, white and blue among the key colours for spring.

Whether you want to buy into the trend in an understated way with a simple anchor necklace, or go all out with striped blazer and wide-legged trousers, there’s plenty to choose from on the high street.

NAUTICAL STRIPED BLAZER, £34.99, River Island.

Polka dot, striped and floral cropped blazers are a key buy for Spring – great with jeans or with a skirt in summer.

FOR INFO: 0208 991 4904.

DOMINIQUE BLAZER, £60, Monsoon.

Bridge the gap between last season’s boyfriend style and the maritime feel with this grey marl design adorned by sweet brass buttons.

FOR INFO: 0203 372 3000.

HEART AND ANCHOR MEDALLION NECKLACE, £16, Freedom at Topshop.

Freedom’s design stands out from a sea of anchor accessories with its contrasting chunky chain and heart pendant.

FOR INFO: 01277 844476.

ANCHOR PRINT BOW CAMI, £16, Next.

Next ticks three trend boxes for spring with a bright blue tone, anchor print and cutesy bow front.

FOR INFO: 0844 844 8911.

NW3 SAILOR HAT, £39, Hobbs.

Get ahead in spring by getting a hat. Hobbs has a beautifully kitsch range, including this bird embellished design.

FOR INFO: 0845 313 3130.

BE BEAU NAUTICAL SKIRT, £16, Matalan.

Subtle striping and a sweet gold bow buckle belt make this an understated way to wear the martime theme.

FOR INFO: 0845 330 3330.

OCEAN BUTTON SKIRT, £59.99, Fever.

A breezy, retro A-line skirt that would add a feminine edge to a cropped blazer, while being a safe investment for summer parties.

FOR INFO: 020 7636 6326.

GET ON THE WAVE SHOES, £35, Office.

Office never disappoints when it comes to unconventionally kooky designs.

FOR INFO: 0845 058 0777.

BLUE ‘ART DECO’ LEATHER BOWLING BAG, £285, Paul Smith at House of Fraser.

A quick – if not cheap – way to mark the winter-spring transition is a quality, colourful bag. Push the boat out for this Paul Smith beauty.

FOR INFO: 020 7003 4000.

Just arrived...

As the colours in our wardrobe begin to lighten up, so too can our perfumes. Fans of the DKNY fragrance family will welcome with open arms a new addition – pureDKNY, a floral scent with notes of lotus flower, rose and vanilla. Prices at The Perfume Shop start at £31.50.

FOR INFO: 01494 894149.