Get in touch with your feminine side - the catwalks have been full of romance this summer

THIS year, fashionistas have bought into the minimalist trend, fallen for Mad Men style, taken military capes and trilbies to the max. But sometimes, it's lovely to just dress like a lady-and the romantic trend is the perfect way to flaunt your feminine side. Anne-Hathaway-Anne Hathaway is a firm fan of the romance trend on the red carpet, Nicole Kidman is never far away from floaty chiffons and feminine shoes and Taylor Swift adores her girly dresses.

Vera Wang

So, follow the celebs and revel in romance by putting a bit of drama into your wardrobe. And with the dark days of winter behind us and the promise of brighter, longer days our thoughts turn to pleasant occasions - days at the races, spring weddings and summer garden parties. It is also time to inject a little love into your clothes with decorative embroidery, subtle beading, velvet piping, crochet designs and sheer fabrics.

Dolce and Gabanna

The spring/summer catwalks were simply blooming with romance as well. Models wore floral headdresses and frill-trimmed dresses at Dior, while they carried enormous shopper bags filled with freshly cut flowers at Dolce and Gabanna. At Valentino, romance and sweetness were the dominant features of the collection, with fresh faced strutting down the runway in a haze of chiffon, lace and ruffles.

Dolce and Gabanna

Get into lacy romantic fever with a sweet lace dress – only €17 at Penneys or the Capri dress, €85 at Fever Designs. When seeking out romantic floral pieces: Look for soft, faded floral prints, lace trims and vintage lingerie-inspired details. You can always achieve a touch of floral flair with accessories. Look to Accessorize for a Gardenia clutch €40, Marks & Spencer for their pretty fawn petal bag, €40, or Dune's floral Perfume platforms, €70.

  I promise, once you try this trend – you’ll simply fall in love with it.


Plain and simple Opt for pale neutrals with feminine hints of lace, embroidery or beading for subtle romancing. A lace trim or a touch of broderie anglaise instantly adds girly innocence to any outfit. Romantic blouses will work for the office without looking to corporate.

Trend tips; Lace, embroidery and broderie anglaise work best in pale, muted shades, especially for casual daywear.

It's all in the detail. Give a nod to the romantic trend with small areas of detail such as lace trim or bows. For faded, authentic feminine clothing, scour charity shops to add vintage charm to your romantic wardrobe.

Don't overdo the look. Work the romantic trend with your pretty clothing pieces OR girly accessories - combining the two is romance overkill. 

 

 
" Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well." Vivienne Westwood




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