PRETTY prints, hot colours and striking monochrome are just three of the sassiest trends for the new season.

And the good news is that you don’t have to be a spring chicken to make the most of the spring collections.

Long gone are the days when women were banished to a fashion wilderness on turning 40.

Today, fashion holds no age barriers, and mums and daughters swap clothes in the way teenage friends did a generation ago.

“Women aged 40 and older are wearing the new styles,” says Robyn Shackleton, of Browns department store in York.

“People sometimes opt for buying beige as they get older, but they shouldn’t be scared to try a pop of colour.”

Other big trends for them to dip their toes into, says Robyn, are prints and pastels.

As for top tips, she advises women to invest in some key pieces that can be worn time and again.

“Buy some essential pieces such as a blazer or some jeggings that you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe.”

And there’s more. “Don’t be afraid of prints. If you are, try something subtle at first, such as a scarf. Alternatively, you can clash prints, perhaps with a shirt and sweater combo. But the rule here is to keep things simpler on the bottom.”

Heels are an essential too, reckons Robyn. “But they don’t have to be killer heels. I love the ‘hidden heels’ in boots by Moda In Pelle; they look casual but still elongate the body by giving it a bit of a lift.” To prove her points, Robyn rustled up three fabulous and 40-something models for our photo shoot to show off some of the new arrivals at Browns.

Readers can see the latest trends for themselves during Browns’ Fashion And Beauty event, which will be running from March 6 to 16.

During the week, there will be various promotions and offers too.

Thanks to: Models: Katrina Campey, Julie Fawcett and Annie Allison
Styling: Robyn Shackleton at Browns, York
All clothes from Browns, York
Hair and make-up by Browns, York