Romance is in the air…with gossamer fabrics, a spectrum of hues and lush, delicious accessories. Beachwear makes a comeback, while the erogenous neck beckons adornment…work the look with body-skimming essentials and add a smidgen of eccentricity - let springtime go sultry!

THE MOOD: ROMANTIC

Soft, mellow days welcome an aura of romance…lacy frocks, peep-toe espadrilles, fragrant bouquets and 'barely there' make-up complement this flirty disposition.

HOW TO

Romantic overtures are crucially dependent on the perfect setting. The slashed, georgette, siren-red number will make a heart thumping impact when ensconced in a scene replenished with scented floating candles, tumblers of potpourri, a gourmet meal and liqueur chocolates.

Smudgy eyes (use charcoal shadow with touches of pale pink pencil), blotted lips (try shades of mauve or soft tomato), mussed up hair (scrunch some mousse into semi-wet tresses) and accentuated, doll-like cheeks (Romance fashion close-up page with Rina Dhaka hat) make for a great prelude to the sensual ensemble to follow.

There is no restriction on colour and print for Spring/Summer 2005 - be wild and crazy with a hotchpotch of sunflower yellow, apricot, turquoise and silver; opt for basic black that lovingly caresses your curves or be traditionally feminine in flowery pastels….

Paradoxical twists heighten the illusion of mystery; borrow your other half's boxy brown jacket and haphazardly roll up the sleeves, wear above a lingerie-inspired chemise in dove grey, pair with a slinky peppermint ghaghra, pull on a shell belt and slip into polka-dotted heels.

Go for it: Diana Hayden, Sonali Bendre, Indrani Dasgupta.

Collections: Malini Ramani, Wendell Rodricks, Stella McCartney, Christian Lacroix.

THE FUN FACTOR: BEACHY DETAILS

An early salute to summer augurs loungewear and separates, ideal for a day on sunny sands. Let the ultra-casual team up with an incredibly luxe piece or two and be fashionably contradictory.

HOW TO

Pompoms and tassels made a play for the big stakes at shows like Christian Dior and YSL Rive Gauche…hang them from gigantic totes, paste them onto rubber flip-flops or edge your crochet poncho with them - be the pretty, girly romantic to the hilt.

Hats are another huge draw this season, look to Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Onassis (the glamour of yore never fades) for inspiration. Huge, floppy hats; fitted skull caps (Romance fashion: Malini Ramani outfit page); even fringed bandanas will suffice, as long as customary elements of romance are fitted in - a long trail of satin ribbons, brooches pinned on, embroidered borders, a trimming of pearls…

Settle for leheriya and batik prints in layered gypsy skirts and neutral tones in shorts - another best seller for Spring 2005; make them swanky with a sexy, evening top and some twinkling trinkets (Jewellery fashion: Rehane top and Ananya skirt page).

Stock up on diamanté-studded sunglasses, sequined bikinis and inch-thick braided stoles so that you are ripe and ready for the sweltering months to come.

Go for it: Pooja Bedi, Laila Lamba, Anupama Verma.

Collections: Anshu Arora Sen, Ranna Gill, Diane von Furstenberg, Ungaro.

THE MUST-HAVES: ETERNAL UPLIFTERS

Keep the flame of love burning infinitely, the romance in your life steadfast forever. Some essential items to cherish for life…

HOW TO

Chinese fans (Romance fashion with Rehane saris and chinese fan), a delicate waist chain with tinkling bells (or, a beaded anklet to dress up dainty ankles), a velvet tie and a men's white shirt (the effect of this duo is electrifying…see cover story), brocade cholis or backless kurtis with drawstrings, perfumed stationary, a diamond bezel timepiece, a cuddly cashmere cardigan smothered with feathers, an enamelled hand-mirror…each one spells ethereal romance.

Tubs of body shimmer lining your dressing table are always a good idea as they can help highlight glistening skin while hiding unwanted blemishes. Use sparingly and experiment with shades of copper, gold and tinges of rust.

Trends for this year indicate that animal prints (Dolce & Gabbana) will still be strong runners; purses with unusual prints or shapes (Emilio Pucci for the former and Missoni with their fruity apple and pear clutches for the latter) will create a new rage and candy coloured shoes (Louis Vuitton) will stride confidently into 2005. All could possibly make for popular vintage finds in the future.

Go for it: Aditi Govitrikar, Sheetal Mafatlal, Gauri Khan.

Collections: Shantanu and Nikhil, Raghavendra Rathore, Prada, Donna Karan.

THE JEWELS: NECKLACES

In all lengths and sizes, in diamonds and precious stones or beads and threads, in every avatar…the necklace hits the spot as the new jewel du jour. Mix and match existing ornaments to create a fantasy story all of your own.

HOW TO

Club together numerous strands of faux and real pearls, charm lockets on silver chains, chunky bracelets that would fit the neck and strings of garnets, citrines and opals…pair with a high collar, puff shoulder, figure hugging, raw silk blouse and transport yourself to an era of age-old charm.

Colour is important. Clashing your neckpieces with the outfit is even more important. Make a statement with turquoise and ruby collars worn over a printed mosaic tunic of geometric neons.

Nothing is as evocative as classic jadau. Have a couple of your smaller and rarely worn hand-me-downs strung together to make for one stunning individualistic jewel.

Large pendants looped through thick roped threads or silken stoles act as perfect partners to a swan-like neck. Watch your man drool!

For some truly zany looks, experiment with buttons in various sizes glued to pastel suede strips, a feather stole pinned with cartoon character badges and gathered tightly on your nape, or some malleable wires, twisted ad hoc till your waist, festooned with spray-painted leaves and satin tape.

Go for it: Aishwarya Rai, Neetu Kapoor, Sangita Kathiwada.

Collections: Rohit Bal, Rocky S, Chanel, Christian Dior.