FASHION: CATHERINE CONDELLputs together a useful mix match of stripes and a cheerful gatherum of bright colours, from M&S, to help put winter firmly behind you.

EARN YOUR STRIPES this spring and let jaunty colours lift the mood. Breton stripes have a seaside air, and with colour blocking the season’s hottest trend, it’s ahoy to flashy reds, the sea blues and all shades in between. Sonia Rykiel and Jean Paul Gaultier made their names with those signature graphic lines; blame Prada for reigniting the fashion fuse.

For a carefree look, take a tip from the French and toss a colourful sweater over the shoulders or sling it around the waist urban style. A Carmen Miranda skirt with a little shrug of red revamps a familiar flamboyant style.

Brights look great with black and in Paris recently it was neon bags and fluorescent scarves, those dashes of acidity that freshened up accessories and gave wintry combinations a blast of summer. Fashion’s spring awakening means a playful Crayola palette, mixing solid colours in modern ways and letting in the light.

Dublin’s recently opened Gibson Hotel near the O2 arena, with its vibrant contemporary decor and great views over Dublin’s harbour, provided a perfect backdrop for the season’s sweetie mix from Marks & Spencer, from rainbow sweaters to a summery combo of white flares and stripes with a dash of blue for extra energy and dash.

MAKE-UP:Christine Lucignano HAIR:Solenn Guillerm for Reds, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 MODEL:Blathnaid McKenna at Assets Shot at the Gibson Hotel, Point Village, Dublin 1. See thegibsonhotel.ie