THEY say that for every fashion trend that goes mainstream, the opposite look is adopted by taste makers, and that seems to be true in the case of the prairie dress.
High-necked, long sleeved and with a hem that always falls at least below the knee (if not to the ankle), the Victoriana-inspired frock has been gaining popularity with a certain kind of cool-girl, while other parts of the fashion world continue to obsess over clingy, skimpy, neon-hued designs.
The trend has trickled down to the high street, making it easy to get the look at cheaper price points.
Of course, a dress is the key piece, and if you're going to do prairie properly it has to be midi or maxi length, in a chintzy print and with long sleeves.
But as we head into summer, you might not want to be so covered up.
The good news is there are lots of very pretty frocks and blouses with Bardot necklines and puffy sleeves that are ideal for hot weather and holidays.
Colour wise, keep it soft and subdued with creams, pinks and pale yellow hues, whether it's floral prints or broderie anglaise fabrics.
Same goes for accessories. A pair of western ankle boots and a saddle bag are the perfect addition to a prairie ensemble, or espadrille sandals for high summer.
Here are our favourite prairie pieces on the high street...
Dorothy Perkins Ivory Broderie Top, £17 (was £24); White Ivory Broderie Skirt; £15 (was £26) Dorothy Perkins Ivory Broderie Top, £17 (was £24); White Ivory Broderie Skirt; £15 (was £26) Wallis Cream Paisley Maxi Shirt Dress, £40 (was £65); Stone Beaded Heeled Sandal, £45 Wallis Cream Paisley Maxi Shirt Dress, £40 (was £65); Stone Beaded Heeled Sandal, £45 Monsoon Francisca Broderie Cotton Maxi Dress, £140; Rue Raffia Leaf Shopper Bag, £45, all Monsoon Monsoon Francisca Broderie Cotton Maxi Dress, £140; Rue Raffia Leaf Shopper Bag, £45, all Monsoon Elvi Mia Printed Smock Dress, £75 Elvi Mia Printed Smock Dress, £75 Bonprix Folklore Dress, £49.99 Bonprix Folklore Dress, £49.99 Lipsy Boho Paisley Cami Maxi Dress, £60, Next Lipsy Boho Paisley Cami Maxi Dress, £60, Next Miss Selfridge Burgundy Dobby Fringe Bardot Dress, £32 Miss Selfridge Burgundy Dobby Fringe Bardot Dress, £32 New Look Yellow Linen-Look Lace Up Milkmaid Top, £7 (was £19.99) New Look Yellow Linen-Look Lace Up Milkmaid Top, £7 (was £19.99) George at Asda Snakeskin Print Textured Western Boots, £25 George at Asda Snakeskin Print Textured Western Boots, £25 Marks and Spencer Collection Suede Western Ankle Boots, £49.50 Marks and Spencer Collection Suede Western Ankle Boots, £49.50 Simply Be Studded Saddle Bag, £21.25 (was £25) Simply Be Studded Saddle Bag, £21.25 (was £25) Accessorize Yvonne Belt Bag, £20 Accessorize Yvonne Belt Bag, £20
