According to Gok on Tuesday night, and several other reliable sources Granny chic is coming our way this summer – think cardigans, florals, twin sets and pearls.

A follow on from the heritage trend we saw during winter, this vintage inspired look is definitely a feminine one – think garden parties not a kick about in the park.

The Fusion range from Monsoon is designed to be a bit more budget friendly than their usual rather extravagant prices, and they’ve got the perfect Granny chic dress for under £50. This Oriental Garden Dress is a grey cotton dress with floral design looks like it could’ve been pulled straight out of the attic, and the lined skirt makes it more substantial than a flimsy summer dress. The big bow at the back finishes it off nicely, and the slight open back gives it a modern twist.

It costs £48 and is available from the Monsoon website now.

One of the best things about summer fashion trends has to be that they often crop up for at least three years in a row before they’re declared ‘officially last summer’, meaning you can get a fair amount of wear out of them, even if it is only for a couple of months a year.

The maxi dress has been a summer staple for the last couple of years, and get ready to pull them out of the wardrobe again, as they’re back for another year. This rather forgiving summer dress is perfect if you don’t fancy baring all, but it’ll still keep you cool and is far easier to get in and out of than a jumpsuit.

If you’re in the market for a new one, have a look at this Tribal Print Maxi Dress from Oasis. Featuring this season’s ever-popular tribal theme, the monochrome colours means its perfect for the office, beach, or evening wear. Team it with silver, black, or gold accessories for a dressed up look, or chunky wooden beads to fully embrace the tribal look.

It costs £55 and is available from the Oasis website or instore.

Renewal are a label that create pieces on a limited edition basis that are made from vintage trims, buttons and discontinued/vintage textiles and I love what they come up with.

Check out Urban Outfitters for their work, such as this contrast cap sleeve dress. It features an empire line, contrast graphic print and block colour (a key trend this season) and girly peep hole button neck.

Wear with undone hair, flat plimsoles and minimal jewellery for a laid back weekend summer style.

You can pick this dress up from Urban Outfitters for £55.

I have a case of serious ‘outfit envy’ when it comes to this dress – perfect for summer parties it oozes chic sophistication and beauty which is no surprise as it’s by Oscar de la Renta.

Made from 100% silk, it features little silk tabs which give this classic shaped dress a fun fresh twist.

The dress comes with a detachable black grosgrain belt which you tie in a bow at the back, but I prefer the way it has been styled for the catwalk – as in this image; with a patent black waist cincher, adding a shot of uptown glamour.

Available from Net-a-porter for £3000, it’s the perfect way to nail the monochrome trend in the most feminie and glamorous way.

ASOS have launched their mid-season sale today, and there’s up to 50% off all their ranges. Whilst some of it is decidedly winter-y and last season, having a virtual rummage through can pay off, with some great items that are perfect for spring/summer.

This ASOS One Shoulder Colourblock Jersey Dress ticks loads of major trend boxes for S/S09 – one shouldered, colour blocking, and body-con. Whilst perhaps black isn’t the number one colour for spring, it does set a tan off perfectly – fake or otherwise. This dress would be great for a night out teamed with bare legs (weather permitting) or black tights. In order to fully embrace the colour block trend try matching it with some purple shoes and accessories.

At £18 this isn’t too much of a bank-breaker, and would see you through any social occasion this spring. ASOS currently have all sizes in stock, but as usual with sales, they tend to sell out quick!

Animal print tops are all over the high street at the moment, and make an interesting change from a plain t-shirt or tunic top. Match them with jeans or leggings for a casual weekend look. From zebra to snake to leopard, there’s a huge array of different prints available in this versatile trend.

Having scoured the high street I can definitely confirm that this trend is pretty much in every single shop, so there’s a huge amount of choice. One of my favourites though is this Animal Oversized Vest from New Look, for the bargain price of £16. The grey and black leopard print also features some blue and purple detailing, and a nice splash of colour. Wear it loose with jeans or leggings, or add some black tights, heels, and a belt for an exciting night look, and match some purple and blue accessories for a truly co-ordinated, pulled together look.

And the best part? No animals were harmed in the making of these clothes!

Printed shifts are all the rage right now and are an easy and cheap way to rock one of spring /summer’s trends with just one purchase!

The print trend ranges from the dark and moody to the bright and graphic and here are some great options no matter what the budget may be.

The designer option is £2665 and is by Alexander McQueen and available from Net-a-porter. It features a stunning, almost digitally enhanced print, and has sharp lines for a structured shape, as well as an eye catching crystal embellishment at the rear of the dress.

For a mere £49.99 though, you can pick up this great one shoulder paint splash dress from River Island. With the right accessories and shoes it could give those designer frocks a run for their money!

New to the Marc by Marc Jacobs range on Net A Porter this week is this Taffeta stripe tiered dress. Perfect for spring, it makes a change from all those floral prints currently doing the rounds. It would be great as a party dress with heels and a clutch bag, or dress it down for a day look by throwing over a blazer or leather jacket and teaming it with some light coloured flats.

It’s made from taffeta, which can be a bit of a love/hate fabric, but it works really well on the ruffled tiers. As a contrast there’s a striped sweetheart neckline and velvet bows and trim accent the ruffles. The spaghetti straps are adjustable so you can get just the right fit, and they won’t keep falling over your shoulder. The zip at the back is fully hidden – none of this exposed zip we’ve been seeing recently, which can look cheap.

It costs £460 and is available now from Net A Porter.

As we know anything floral is in this summer and I particularly like the abstract nature of the floral blooms on this Camilla and Marc dress by way of using silk appliqué embellishments.

They set of the swooshy draped hemline and trapeze shape perfectly, giving the dress a 3D element and lots of movement. I also really like the modern feel of the colour palette, and would team this dress as Net-a-porter suggests; with matching buttercup colour peep toes and a soft hued metallic clutch.

Perfect for an easy to wear, on-trend party look or wedding outfit you can pick this up for £425 from Net-a-porter.

I love this button down dress by Insight ( a cool little label headed up by Natalie Wood). I like the way the sweetheart neckline gives the dress some structure as well as a discretely sexy feel, yet the loose shift shape tones this down and makes it a really nice laid back piece for lazy summer days.

The print is not far off the colourful abstract prints seen on Alexander McQueen’s S/S 09 catwalk, and it has the digitally enhanced feel as well as pockets – all of which are also popular details this season.

Team with flat gladiators and a cropped blazer for an effortlessly cool look.

You can pick this dress up from Urban Outfitters for £55.