How to follow this season’s look without looking crazy

Spring/Summer 2016 has so far given us a multitude of playful, sunshine-and-the-smell-of-hay filled looks.

Let’s start with the hippy/farmgirl look as seen at Gucci, Etro, Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini. Put on a prairie dress and be ethereal, serene and at peace with the world (see also: frills, ruffles, lingerie, Boho).

But how do you stop yourself from looking like you have just walked out of the 18th century wearing a nightie? Juxtaposition is key here.

By mixing and matching patterns and textures, you can move away from everything fitting together a little too nicely.

A sporty edge with some leather, gold or silver thrown in can also do wonders. Find the look at Topshop, Mango, Miss Selfridge, Oasis, Urban Outfitters or Rokit in London, Beyond Retro in Brighton, Armstrongs in Edinburgh for vintage.

The all-white look, as seen at Calvin Klein, Burberry, Armani and Balenciaga. In addition to essentially representing a massive dry cleaners’ bill edging its way towards you, too much white may also make you look like you belong to a cult or a yoga retreat.

Just add some contrast. Or even better for your time – although not as fortuitous for dry cleaners – just pick one white item and wear it with pride. And make sure you can handwash it. Find it at H&M, Zara, Bershka and Warehouse.

Suits/skirt-suits in patterns, as seen at Prada, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli. Just think what you could add to make it look less like pyjamas. You could always wear mismatched patterns, which would give an impression of a carefree maverick on a powerclashing trip, rather than someone who just wore an ensemble out of the store. Find it at Zara, River Island, Asos.

The shirt dress, as seen at Hugo Boss and Phillip Lim. All you need is a good belt. And yes, skinny actresses and models have been wearing those without belts, but a belt keeps it nice and professional. Unless you’re a bit busty and going on the rush-hour tube. Then people might think you’re wearing maternity clothes and you might just get a seat out of it. Check out Mango, Topshop, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Oasis.

The bare-shoulder look, as seen at Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Erdem, Lanvin and Balmain – could be either a boat- or a halterneck as long as you’re showing some shoulder.

Now this is an interesting one and I look forward to seeing it at workplaces of Britain. First hurdle here is bra straps. Do you hide them? Invest in a strapless or halterneck bra. And think about how much shoulder you want to expose at work. See H&M, Zara, River Island, Topshop, Bershka, Urban Outfitters.

Helen Harjak

Mouthy Blogger

Would you like to know how to dress like a catwalk model for one millionth of the price? Talk to Helen.