The biggest trends for spring/summer 2019 may surprise you, but these are the new styles and looks you should try this coming season.

It's time to peel off those coats and jackets people, because it's warming up! With the new weather comes a whole new season of fashion and a stack of new trends to try.

This year there are a few expected looks in vogue but there are a whole bunch of trends that have caught us completely by surprise. From the milkmaid look to the return of bike shorts, we've scoured the runways, high street stores, Pinterest and Instagram to find the biggest and hottest trends for the summer season.

Read on to see the trends and trending colours you should try this season.

Milkmaid tops and dresses

The milkmaid look has been slowly creeping into retailers everywhere and we're already calling it as this seasons hottest trend. Putting an old school twist on your favourite summer looks, the adorable tops and dresses have features like puff sleeves, bow ties and square necks. They also tend to be incredibly versatile, with the dresses able to be dressed up with heels or paired with sneakers for a casual look. The tops can meanwhile be worn with everything from a slip skirt to your favourite pair of jeans.

Slip skirts

If you're a fan of slip dresses, then you'll love this trend. This season, your 90s slip dress has a little sister, the slip skirt. A little less revealing than the ultra-tight midi skirt trends from the last few years, this skirt skims your figure in a flattering way, showing just enough. Team it with a T-shirt and boots to grunge it up or look poised and pair it with a plain bandeau and heels.

Matching sets

One of the biggest trends from winter, the check-print set, is carrying over into summer. It's never been cooler to be matchy-matchy. This summer will see pencil skirts with matching crops and cute pants and top sets. There are still a few printed sets floating around but we're mostly seeing brightly coloured co-ords emerge as the warmer weather rolls in.

Forest Green

Jewel tones are out in force this spring and summer. Ruby-reds, garnet-burgundy, topaz-yellow and aquamarine-blue are everywhere. But probably the biggest jewel-tone trend is emerald (or forest) green. Green is not always the most popular colour because it can be hard to wear but this earthy incarnation suits just about everyone. Whether your skin is chocolate, porcelain or caramel coloured, this colour will look great on you.

Belt bags

Belt bags (or bum bags) are a surprising trend that just keeps getting bigger. Whether you love or hate this look, you can't deny that these are actually pretty darn convenient. Especially if you get sick of carrying around a handbag. For any haters out there, why not give this trend a try ahead of a festival or concert? Not having to worry about where you put your shoulder bag is a nice break.

Colour pop shoes

This trend is an easy one to try. Just swap your black boots or black heels for a brightly coloured pair. This is a great transition trend for anyone who isn't confident enough to go all the way to a bright red shirt or a bright blue coat. Bright red shoes are a good place to start, but this season there are green, purple, blue and even bright yellow shoes to choose from. Pair these with your favourite pair of jeans or add them to an LBD to jazz up your regular outfits.

Rope sandals

A little bit beachy and a whole lot cool, these are the new summer sandal trend we're seeing all over Instagram. Simple, neutral and ultra-comfortable, this is a great trend to try if you're someone that doesn't like too much fuss. Wear them to the beach with shorts, wear them to lunch with your Levi's or wear them out with a breezy dress.

Neon

Where neon is concerned, you either love it or absolutely hate it. Regardless of how you feel, neon is coming back. Just look at Chiara Ferragni (creator of The Blonde Salad) in head to toe neon, if she's wearing it, it's definitely about to be a big trend. Bella Hadid has been wearing this look too. If you want to give neon a try, you can add in small pieces like a neon yellow necklace or a neon pink handbag to your existing outfits. Or if you're a true neon lover, take this opportunity to go wild.