IN A WEEK, it'll be a brand new year, and it's just the right time to update your wardrobe. There is no need to change it all, just update it.

Here are five items you should get and you'll be on trend for at least half a year.

Long's the new short

Long skirts have swept catwalks worldwide, and it seems this look will be with us for a while.

The inspiration is the '70s and the maxi-skirt craze. The hem should graze the ankles and there should be some swing to your outfit.

This dress from local label Two Of Us (available at Egg3 Mandarin Gallery for $429) keeps up with another fashion trend: the colour yellow. Yellow, along with spring colours such as peach, pink and a palette of pastels, will be the hot colours of 2011.

White's right

Speaking of colour, the hottest for the season is white.

The femme fatale has moved aside for her more genteel sister.

The look is feminine and soft, like those pristine ladies who lunch.

White is not an easy colour to upkeep, so if you tend to be careless while lunching, please don't spend a bomb on this.

Rules rule

Another look that should rule the fashion scene is the evergreen stripes. Prada, Jil Sander, Gianfranco Ferre, Celine – they have all featured stripes on their runways.

Thick or thin, these stripes offer some semblance of colour and pattern, and is youthful enough to be worn by womenof all ages.

It's in the jeans

Some trends never die. It doesn't matter what year this is or which season the clothes are for.

The classic of classics is a good pair of jeans. Nothing beats them for comfort and durability.

A pair can be dressed up to add flair or dressed down if you want to blend right in.

There are many brands out there but the reliable go-to brand is Levi's. It has a new butt measuring system to ensure a better fit, which will help make your bottom look even better.

I don't understand the appeal of baggy jeans – unless you are a size 0 and your legs are up to your armpits – so a slim pair of jeans works best for everyone.

Room to bloom

Adding to next year's strong feminine allure, everything's coming up flowers.

Floral prints seem to be making a comeback. They can look grandmother-ish, but wear them with attitude and you'll do well.

Yves Saint Laurent unveiled a flowery collection, as did the houses of Dries Van Noten, Emanuel Ungaro,D&G and Louis Vuitton.

Wear it dainty if you are tiny, but everyone else can go bold.

This article was first published in The New Paper.