For a statement leather piece, Topshop have this great Stud Leather Dress. It’s black leather with gold studs for extra toughness. The low cut back means it’s more of a body con shape, so it won’t restrict movement and can be worn over a top to give a more casual look.

For a smarter look, team it with gold accessories to highlight the gold studs, and some chunky heels or boots. It would also look great with a pair of lace tights.

It costs £100 and is available from Topshop now.

This Cross Front Tulip Skirt Dress has the perfect structured look, but in a subtle, smart way. The capped sleeves give it strong shoulders, and the front and back V-necks give it a uniformed, symmetrical feel. There’s a fitted band around the waist for a nipped-in silhouette, and give a tulip shape to the bottom half of the dress.

It can be worn with bare legs during the summer, and then teamed with another big trend for A/W09, black lace tights. And for the complete power dressing look, add a blazer over the top.

The dress costs £32 and is available now from ASOS.

Dorothy Perkins have some great summer bargains, including this Black Ditsy Peplum Dress, for just £9. It’s even still available in all sizes except an 8, which is quite a rare thing for a sale item. The floral print and strapless shape is perfect for summer, and it can be adapted for the less-than-summery weather by wearing a t-shirt underneath. Structuring has been creeping into the highstreet this summer, and is set to be big news come autumn, so the peplum shape will work into autumn, and the black background on the dress means it can be teamed with black tights.

Dorothy Perkins is leading the pack, with the launch of their DP Collection. Featuring some of the key trends for A/W 09, the collection contains 16 staple pieces that will transition nicely.

Sequins are set to be big news again this year, and this Cobalt Sequin Vest is wearable now and all the way through winter. The vest shape means it can be worn now with bare legs, and then come winter team it with leggings, tights, or jeans. As it’s only sequinned on one side, it doesn’t look too formal, and isn’t too heavy. It costs £32, and also comes in black.

The DP Collection is available online now.

So after much searching, this Ivory Ruffle Hem Dress popped up at Debenhams. Simple, but with a beautiful ruffle detail along the bottom with gold stitching it’s got everything you need in a summer dress. It’s not too low at the front, so works well for formal occasions, and it’s lined, so has a bit of structure to it. It also ties at the back to help create a waist.

At £50 it’s probably not the cheapest dress, but it’s not bad value for money either. You can get it online or instores now.

Perfect for summer, this is a great alternative to the maxi for a statement dress, and the high street has given it a grungey, rock chick edge, so you won’t look too much like a ballerina.

Topshop have this Tutu Stud Dress – a black vest top with a layered tutu dress, cross-over straps and stud detail along the waist line. They’ve gone easy on the netting, so it’s easy to move about and sit down in. Match it with sky-scraper sandals and a leather jacket for the ultimate grunge look with a sophisticated edge. It costs £60 and is available online now.

The sweetheart neckline adds to its girly appeal and I love ASOS’s styling suggestion of teaming it with sandals by day and rope wedges at night.

At £38 it’s not bad – most likely cheaper than a top and skirt put together!

You can pick one up over at ASOS by following this link.

This Leila Dress is a more subtle take on this season’s bright coral trend, with a more faded, washed-out version of the shade. It’s made of 100% cotton – the perfect summer dress material, but the scalloped edging along the bottom and embroidery detail around the straps mean it can be dress up or down, striking the perfect balance. It’s also got a racer-back and, in true All Saints fashion, an exposed zip.

If you’re not quite ready to branch out into summer colours though, All Saints are staying true to form, and the dress is also available in black, white, and graphite

It costs £120 and is available from All Saints in store and online now.

At £59 it makes the perfect investment piece for this trend and is a lot kinder on the pocket than the designer alternative!

Team with leggings or jeans for a laid back feel or with gladiator heels and a clutch for an edgy and sophisticated evening look.

You can pick it up over at M&S among their Limited Collection or online here.

Until now your only hope may have been a few accommodating, similarly sized and stylish friends or an invite to a swishing party, however Swapafrock have come to the rescue and set up an online service where you can do just that.

Starting from around £2.50 for a frock and currently for a limited time they are giving all new members their first swap for free it’s a win-win situation.

What’s more you can even follow any frocks you’ve swapped and get to see what they get up to and where they get worn.

Check it out here.