Full skirts: Theyre big and, actually, theyre quite clever, too

I've always admired big skirts but never had a yen to wear one - until now.

I'd like to cite this as a strike-out moment of originality, but the mundane truth is they seem to have become fashionable. Also I've worked out how to wear them without looking as though I'm going to a themed Grease party. It's simple really.

First, wear them with a pair of pointed, patent stilettos, the sharper the better.

Left £38 ASOS, and right £89 Boden

Second, find one in a stiff fabric; neoprene is grooviest but I'm still working my way up to that one. Until then I'll probably make do with some kind of crepe wool, silk, satin or, ideally, lace.

Third, dig out your most tailored single-breasted jackets and try to pull off a New Look (by way of Dolce & Gabbana) at this summer's parties. Much more sophisticated than yet another variation on the fitted dress.

Fourth, keep accessories to the bare minimum.

Fifth, avoid bursting into snatches of Summer Lovin'. Admittedly that last bit's hard, but I bet those French fashion editors manage it.

The Style Maven: modern prom dresses

THE BOW WOW AT SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent Paris spring/summer 2013 PHOTO: LLOYD MCALLISTER

It is incredibly galling to have to concede this, but despite most fashion journalists roundly drubbing Hedi Slimane's spectacularly mediocre first collection for Saint Laurent, it seems to be selling rather well. I can understand why copies of the Slimane for Saint Laurent (which he in turn copied from Rachel Zoe) broad-rimmed floppy hat are walking out of Zara et al. They're about 25 quid and thus cheaper than a bottle of fancy sun cream. But £600 for the real thing? No problem for the groupies. Those detachable pussycat bow thingies Slimane did are flying, too. A Voguette tells me she recently turned up at lunch to find four other women wearing one. Mind you, they're "only" £170.

Maggie Thatcher, you have much to account for.

Saint Laurent autumn/winter 2013

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