IT'S another trend we can blame on Brexit (see also: mismatched earrings), the fluctuating hemlines we saw on the spring catwalks are a reflection of the tumultuous nature of the stock markets, apparently.
That may not be strictly true, but fashion is certainly veering towards skewed edges and one-sided designs right now, injecting much-needed freshness into the high street collections too.
The economy may be uncertain, but these are the investment buys you won't regret...
HANKIES AT THE READY
A swishy handkerchief hem skirt is the must-buy of the season, as dictated by Proenza Schouler, Chloe and Roksanda.
The good news is it's a very flattering fit, falling to midi length, but showing flashes of leg as you walk – just make sure your top is neat and fitted to counteract the busy bottom-half.
Same goes for the hanky hem's sleek sister, the wrap skirt, which is also making a comeback for spring.
:: JD Williams Stripe Asymmetric Jersey Hanky Hem Dress, £35 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)
:: AQ/AQ Peyton Asymmetric Slate Blue Mini Dress, £100 (www.aqaq.com)
:: JD Williams Joanna Hope Print Layered Skirt, £45 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)
:: Voir Lab Midi Double Layered Wrap Skirt, £95 (www.voirlab.com)
:: Sosandar Leather Snake Print Panel Skirt, currently reduced to £74.50 from £149 (www.sosandar.com)
GIVE IT THE COLD SHOULDER
Last summer, the Bardot neckline dominated, but this year it's all about the Eighties-inspired one-shoulder top, the most extreme example of which we saw at Saint Laurent, where one model's top was so low-cut she needed a sparkly pastie to preserve her modesty.
A safer bet? Try a long-sleeved shoulder-bearing blouse or jersey top, paired with jeans and heels for an equally Eighties homage.
:: Hobbs Rosalie Maxi Dress, £299; Holly Double Strap Sliders, £129; Sadie Earrings, £22 (www.hobbs.co.uk)
:: Sosandar Black One Shoulder Button Sleeve Jumper, £59 (www.sosandar.com)
:: New Look Pink Sateen One Shoulder Tie Side Top, £19.99 (www.newlook.com)
:: Pretty Little Thing Macey Black One Shoulder Smocked Cotton Blouse, £20 (www.prettylittlething.com)
AN IRREGULAR BASIS
There's another branch of the lopsided look that adds a fashion-forward feel to tops and dresses.
Encompassing gathering, rouching, peplums and tie detailing, these off-kilter pieces are handy if you want to detract attention from, say, your waist, without sacrificing on style.
:: Voir Lab Sleeve Layered Tank, £160; Denim Patch Shorts, £60 (www.voirlab.com)
:: AQ/AQ Gratiae Draped Jersey Mini Dress, £80 (shoes stylist's own; www.aqaq.com)
:: Cubic Poplin Blouse, £55.99; Club Skirt (available April 17), £79 (OwntheLook.com)
:: Boohoo Sandy Oversized Blue Ruffle Shirt, £18 (www.boohoo.com)
GET THE LOOK
Holly Willoughby proves the hanky hem trend works for occasionwear too, with the monochrome dress she sported at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards. Holly's dress isn't available in the UK (it's by US designer Rosetta Getty), but you can emulate the chic look by teaming this midi skirt and cold shoulder top from JD Williams.
:: JD Williams Mono Stripe Cold Shoulder Jumper, £24; Joanna Hope Stripe Skirt, £45 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)
BUY IT NOW
Alesha Dixon's second collaboration with Little Black Dress has just landed, and you're going to want it all. But the star of the eight-piece range? It's got to be the black applique maxidress. Featuring a beautiful floral overlay and choker neckline, it's the perfect spring showstopper.
:: Alesha Dixon for Little Black Dress Flower Embroidered Maxi Dress with Lace Choker Detail, £115 (www.littleblackdress.co.uk)
FASHION FLASH
:: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOUSE OF FRASER
House of Fraser has officially announced the launch of its charitable foundation. Working in partnership with Action for Children, the House of Fraser Foundation aims to support disadvantaged children through fundraising activities – including the donation of all profits from the sale of carrier bags – with a target to surpass £500,000 in the first year.
STYLE STEAL
Tap into the asymmetry trend by layering this metallic mesh dress over blue frayed jeans. The pretty pink number is only £24 from Simply Be, which includes a 30 per cent donation to this year's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
:: SimplyBe Metallic Mesh Dress, £24 (available April 18; www.simplybe.co.uk)
