Lifestyle

Does the prospect of finally ditching the baggy jumpers and cardigans which have seen you through the long, cold winter for the summer dress you've been yearning for fill you with elation? You are not alone.

It seems the big freeze has had a considerable impact on our fashion options with many women feeling cocooned rather than ready for couture. Furthermore over half of British women say they will be working harder than ever to get in shape for their summer clothes as the winter frump effect has delayed their best laid plans. Of those who have said they have started to get in shape already the average woman is 36 days (5 weeks 1 day) behind in her normal plans.

On the upside our living for the summer mentality is encouraging us to invest in ourselves more. Over a quarter of women are planning to reward themselves with a summer dress this year and say out of all their summer clothes this is the item they are most looking forward to wearing again. Moreover, 1 in 3 UK women are planning on taking more mini breaks with over half desperate to see some sunshine.

39% of the 2000 women surveyed by Special K suggested the thing they're most looking forward to about the summer is the opportunity to wear more feminine clothes again. 

But with so many choices, how can you ensure you look fabulous without necessarily blowing the budget? The answer is capsule dressing.

Whether it's dressing from work place to evening or packing for a short break – one key piece and on trend accessorizing could be the route to success.

Zoe Lem has a great deal of experience styling celebrities including Cat Deeley and Robbie Williams but maintains that whether working with high profile celebrities or real people her approach is not about slavishly following fashion but about inspiring people with ideas and finding the style that's right for them.

And in addition to advice on summer staples, with 37% of women saying their summer wardrobe is already inspiring them to lose the winter pounds how can we maintain our motivation? Myspecialk.co.uk offers you the opportunity to personalise your own shape plan as well as support forums and meal advice to ensure you succeed and step into spring/summer with confidence. And a new dress!

For more information on shaping up for summer visit http://www.myspecialk.co.uk