With each new season comes a great new selection of must-have items. By choosing the items that you love from each season, it’s possible to have a whole closet of items that you love as well as being fashion forward with anything that you choose. Follow these 10 trends to keep you fashion forward this season, then add them to your closet to choose from for years to come.

1) White on White

All White outfits are one of the hottest trends for the spring and summer. Not only does it give you a clean, crisp look; it also helps keep you cool. By choosing easy to wear and easy to wash white items to add to your closet, you can have a great white on white look this season and mix and match the pieces for seasons to come.

2)Bright Bangles

Bangles are always a big hit in the warmer months, but choosing an enamel or metallic bangle with a great, colorful, geometric print is a great way to stay in fashion this season and stand out among the crowd. You can wear one bangle that matches your outfit, or mix it up by wearing several bangles together and creating a look all your own.

4)Large Handbags

Whether you have kids or you just want to keep everything you need at arm’s reach, a large handbag will allow you to do it in style. Whether you are looking for a basic tote for your beach gear or you are looking for a great leather bag to use for years to come, this summer is a great time to invest in one that you love and be fashion forward well into fall.

5) Bold Prints

There are a number of different prints being shown this season, so choosing a bold print that you love is easy. Whether you like the free-spirit of a batik print or tie-die or you like animal print, there are a bevy of choices for you. Not only can you be fashion forward this summer, but you can mix the animal print into your wardrobe and give your outfit a lift for seasons to come.

6)The Color Orange

As with most fashion seasons, one color seems to jump to the forefront. This season is no different, and this summer that color is orange. With so many different items being made in the color of the season, it’s easy to choose an orange item that will go with your coloring and your wardrobe. Choosing an orange blouse or skirt is a great way to add the color of the season while mixing in items that you already own to create a look all your own.

7) Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses continue to be very popular, not only for their ability to transcend trends, but because they are comfortable as well. Maxi dresses are available in a number of popular prints like batik, tie-die, and bold prints. This allows you to follow several trends at once an be completely in style and be comfortable as well.

8) Peplum Outfits

Another great trend for summer 2012 is peplum or clothes that are cut with a short skirt attached to the bottom of a jacket. It’s a great fashion forward way to show off your curves and will make you stand out among the crowd. Peplum outfits have been all the rage from runways to shopping districts so get in on one of the hottest trends available this season.

9) Colorblocking

Although colorblocking was popular in 2011, it’s back again in 2011. This gives you a chance to pull out any of the fashion-forward pieces that you picked up last year and give them new life this summer. Color blocking is a great trend for summer and moving into fall, so pick up a few items that you can mix and match with your wardrobe and be in fashion all season long.

10) Polka Dots

Polka dots are making a comeback in everything from capris to blouses and it’s a great summery trend to follow this year. It’s now easy to find items with polka dots of nearly any size and color, so you’re sure to be able to find one that you love and will enjoy for years to come.

11) Ethnic prints

Batik and colorful ethnic prints are also a great trend this year. Whether you are inspired by the safari look and the materials of local ethnic tribes or whether you prefer a more free-flowing batik print, it’s surprisingly easy to get in on this trend this year. Pick up a dramatic ethnic print dress for a statement or choose pieces that you can add to your closet that will make a statement for years to come.

Author Bio: Ellie Banks is a New York bred fashionista. Whether she’s consignment shopping or hitting her favorite stores in New York City, she loves fashion. However, Ellie isn’t just about spending money; she loves to save as well so when she needed a better deal on her health insurance, she went to grouphealthinsurance.org