NOW that we've finally been blessed with some summery weather, we can really embrace SS17's most ravishing fashion trend.
An evolution of last year's flamenco flavour, the Cuban trend takes all those ra-ra ruffles and gives them a sexy, sunset-hued makeover.
Bardot and cold-shoulder necklines are still key, but your colour palette should focus on scarlet, ochre and sunflower yellow – think Beyonce's iconic Lemonade dress and you're on the right track - plus flashes of jet black and bright white.
There's nothing androgynous about this look, but trousers are allowed, as long as they're high-waisted and flowy and teamed with stiletto-heeled sandals.
A Cuban capsule wardrobe will serve you well, whether you're jetting off somewhere balmy or shopping for parties and weddings.
These are the Old Havana-inspired pieces that will see you through summer...
:: Marks & Spencer Per Una Floral Print Ruffle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, £49.50; M&S Collection Suede Block Heel Ruffle Sandals, £45 (www.marksandspencer.com)
:: Star by Julien Macdonald Black Floral Print Tiered Dress, £59; Kurt Geiger Black Nanette High Heeled Platform Sandals, currently reduced to £99 from £140, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)
:: Hobbs Seville Cayenne Red Dress, £159 (www.hobbs.co.uk)
:: AQ/AQ Juan High Split Red Maxi Dress, £140 (www.aqaq.com)
:: Next White Pleated Skirt, £55 (www.next.co.uk)
:: Dorothy Perkins Yellow Lace Frill Bardot Top, £28 (www.dorothyperkins.com)
:: V by Very Lace Cold Shoulder Strappy Black Blouse, currently reduced to £22 from £28 (www.very.co.uk)
:: Monsoon Aliona Plain Culotte Trousers, £39 (www.monsoon.co.uk)
:: Office Hollie Knot Strap Rose Gold Sandals, £64 (www.office.co.uk)
GET THE LOOK
Dame Joan Collins was spotted (in more ways than one) at the Shooting Star Chase charity afternoon tea recently looking as fabulous as ever in an on-trend cold-shoulder dress. Cinched in with a wide belt and teamed with cute silver sandals, this is a glam but relaxed summer look that works at any age.
:: Topshop Spot Frill Bardot Dress, £36; Single Buckle PU Corset Belt, £20; Morgan 2 Part Sandals, £39 (www.topshop.com)
BUY IT NOW
When it comes to print-tastic collaborations, nobody does it better than Oasis. This summer, the retailer has teamed up with the Museum of Royal Worcester on a gorgeous range of floral-covered pieces inspired by the iconic porcelain. Landing in stores and online this month, the collection features tees, dresses, jumpsuits and shoes, with prices starting from £22.
:: Oasis Royal Worcester Pencil Dress, £68 (www.oasis-stores.com)
FASHION FLASH
:: LOVE DON'T COST A RING
Weddings are an expensive business – and if you're not careful the costs won't stop after you've said 'I do', as new research reveals £3.2 billion-worth of wedding and engagement rings have been lost over the past five years by clumsy people. According to the survey from insurer Protect Your Bubble, 27 per cent of said rings fell off and were lost, while 29 per cent were misplaced after being taken off, but most (34 per cent) fell down the drain or plughole, suggesting that a £2.50 pair of Marigolds could save you hundreds of pounds in the long run...
STYLE STEAL
While no one really NEEDS a different swimwear look for every day of their holiday, it's nice to have options, isn't it? Here's a bargain one-piece to add to your poolside line-up: Motel's star print plunge-front swimsuit is now just £15, reduced from £35.
:: Motel Star Bright Swimsuit, currently reduced to £15 from £35 (www.motelrocks.com)
