It's May already and one thing we know for sure is that spring is definitely dying down, stepping aside and making way for a colorful summer. And when I say "colorful" I don't particularly mean the green palm-tree leaves and the tinted blue sky, but rather the colors that high street designers say should happily take their places on the very shelves of our wardrobes. And since H&M has been designated as Europe's most valuable brand in the fashion retail industry, here's a quick look at what the brand's designers recommend for the coming hot months.

As far as tops go, the two must-have pieces are the classic T-shirt and the oversize shirt. The trendiest summer colors are beige, gray and yellow for the T-shirts, while the shirts must come in pastiche nuances of warm beige, soft pink and white. For an added bonus in style points, wear the shirt as a quirky dress accessorized with a large belt (preferably with a wooden buckle) and matching oversize wooden earrings. Another summer must-have are the futuristic and minimalist silver patent leather pumps that come with the added advantage that they can be worn with a large variety of looks, from jeans and trendy shirts to stylish evening wear.

And speaking of jeans, the denim vintage wash V pants are back in fashion - and big time. This '60 and '70-inspired trend is shaping a new, more classic trouser silhouette for the fashionable ladies out there, so make sure you get your hands on a pair as soon as possible. Lucky for us, this summer is all about being colorful and comfortable - so in the "clothes to wear in steamy hot weather" category we have plenty of items that will satisfy even the most self-conscious among you. Cotton shorts are back in style and they come in black, white and striped varieties. Put on a pair, grab one of the classic T-shirts I already mentioned and slip your feet into an ultra-casual pair of leather flip-flops - and you're all set.

And finally, for a more classic, elegant look you can choose one of the two types of dresses that are ultra-fashionable - the beige sleeveless summer dress (that stylists recommend should be matched either with gray or with accent colors like blue or purple) or the classic cotton sleeveless summer dress (in white or in various tones of brown). For a more sophisticated look, accessorize your dress with a fringed scarf - the latest high-street madness. If you're not really a dress person or you feel like wearing something lighter, you can also put on a beige silk sleeveless top that goes well with most pants and can be worn either to work or out on an evening with friends. So, how about that - ready to go shopping yet?