Smash hit

A passion for print has taken over fashion. The key looks are either bold florals or painterly daubs and splodges. Balenciaga’s florals came straight from the archive, but were digitally recoloured to give them a modern, techno kick, however there are plenty of pretty florals, too. Luella used tiny Liberty-print-style sprigs, and Stella McCartney’s blooms looked like they had been painted by a watercolour artist. Chloé and Dolce & Gabbana offered an abstract take on print, with smears of colour, splatters and brush strokes.

How to wear it

— Try mixing florals. D&G and Dries Van Noten used several different prints on one dress.

— Paint daubs and splatters work well on a clean, sleek silhouette.

R0MANCE

Frills, flounces, pin tucks and ruching created an ultra-feminine silhouette. At Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Bailey showed a controlled version of the look: ruched, fitted dresses with just a burst of tightly bunched ruffles at the neck. Giles Deacon used frills to create curvy volume on the hips. Some ruffles had a kick to them: Zac Posen and Giambattista Valli showed them in neon brights. Christopher Kane paired his frills with python jackets and distressed denim for an edgy look.

How to wear them

— A focal point of frills, say, on the hem or at the neckline, works better than an all-over look.

TOGAS

If frills fill you with horror, then consider a toga-inspired dress, instead. Sleek, simple and elegant, this one-shoulder style makes a great evening option. All the dresses shown here – Sinha-Stanic’s shimmering orange version, Valentino’s sporty yellow-and-blue one, Jonathan Saunders’s pared-down neutral take and Lanvin’s sparkly number – would make great alternatives to the LBD.

How to wear it

— The neckline is a focal point for this look, so keep it free of clutter.

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