Top designers have been outdoing each other in the outrageous stakes with their haute couture collections in Paris, but what will we hot from the high street this spring? MAXINE GORDON finds out

EXCRUCIATINGLY tight corsets, puffball skirts made of netting and tweedy twinsets minus the midriff have been some of the more extreme looks wowing fashion followers at the catwalk collections in Paris. And over the next few weeks, the trends emerging from the top designers will be hitting the high street. But will they be weaving their way into our wardrobes?

While we may gasp - or more likely giggle - at some of the wackier looks from the top of the fashion world, the reality is many of us will end up wearing similar styles, albeit in a tamer form.

Designers for high street stores are quick to pick up on the key themes emerging from the top fashion houses. Their job is to translate these trends into a look which is up-to-the-minute, yet wearable and affordable.

A survey of the couture collections and a peek at some of the spring ranges heading for high streets stores confirms that there will be a strong set of key looks for spring and summer. Here's our guide to what they are:

Fe-male chic

Eighties style began a revival last year and will get stronger in 2001. Suits, shirts and even ties and braces will be all the rage, but worn with spiky heels to give that feminine edge. Think Annie Lennox is her androgynous Eurthymics days. And remember to push up those jacket sleeves.

As you stripe it

It might still be winter outside, but we can dream of the seaside. Candy-coloured stripes will be appearing on tops, shirts, skirts and trousers in time for the warmer weather, offering a fun twist for casual wear this summer.

Petal power

Big and bold and in every colour you can imagine: flowers will be growing all over the fashion scene in 2001. Geometric prints emerged last year as a trend, but will be overtaken by giant floral displays for this spring. Look out too for the ultimate accessory: silk flowers on brooches and chokers.

Two-tone twist

Black and white are a classic combination, but will shoot to the top of the colour tree this spring. But don't worry, there's no risk of looking like a penguin or waiting staff as the combinations are funkier than ever. Expect to see black and white appear in a variety of combinations: pinstripe, dogtooth, horizontal stripe, zebra print and checkerboard.

Disco diva

The Eighties influence makes itself felt again in party wear, with slashed necklines, puffed sleeves, waists and skirts, halterneck tops and the accessory of accessories: the belt.

Fifties flair

Another decade embarking on a style revival - so get those waists into shape now! Full skirts, clinched belts, and even bobby sox are on the way back. For an authentic look, it might pay to hunt out some original Fifties wear from vintage and second-hand clothes stores.

Army dreaming

Military style has been on the march for a while now, but this season, army attire will push its way to the fashion front. Look out for shirts with pockets, epaulettes - and especially shirt dresses, which will be making a strong statement this spring.