Summer Dressing

In case you hadn't noticed, the dress is back this summer. Girls in full skirts, 50s frocks and flirty dresses have been spotted around the capital since the start of the beautiful weather. This time, fashion is on a nostalgic trip like never before, so there is something suitable for everyone.

There are romantic dresses in silk prints, rippling with feminine ruffles and flounces. Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg have all looked to the 20s and 30s for inspirations, and produced some of the most romantic dresses seen in years.

More pared down - but equally stunning - are hourglass 'new Look' gowns from Miuccia Prada, who has an unfaltering know for knowing what a girl really wants to wear. Her full-skirted mousseline dress in moss green is the stuff of pure fashion fantasy.

For pure elegance, try your hand at Lanvin, Rochas and Nina Ricci; these houses are redefining the concept of party dressing with elegant, modern takes on the 50s cocktail dress.

Designers have also shown us how an individual twist can make a dress stand out from the crowd. In other words, it's not what you wear but the way you wear it; adding an unexpected touch - such as a simple woven leather belt to cinch in a chiffon gown (like Chloe) or wearing something fabulously flamboyant in a casual way, like teaming a Cavalli dress with Roman sandals. This summer is all about the dress. Why opt for a simple outfit such as jeans and a pretty top when there are so many gorgeous dresses around?