From runway to you

Short story

All room for bare legs, tucked into sophisticated shorts with a nice loose cut. The shorts come in different materials, from chic to shabby-chic, so for different occasions. What stands out is that designers prefer to see it in a tonal look: a touch dressy with a trench coat like at Hermès or in a total look of denim with logo print like at Max Mara. The denim short is always a versatile staple; you will see it again this year at Summum. Wear it casually with an oversized blouse while freewheeling or office-proof with a jacket. Think of a fitted jacket, like the orange version at Dior or the fuchsia one at Summum. Or make it romantically summery with a high-necked lace blouse à la Michael Kors, topped off with a flat sandal or trainer, or a feminine mule with a small heel.

Great necklines
Shoulders are in the spotlight with feminine cut-outs, off-the-shoulder styles and asymmetric necklines. Look at Chanel: a stunning asymmetric sequin dress put the focus on the sexy collarbone, as did Ulla Johnson, where single-sleeve linen summer dresses in embroidery left the shoulder exposed. Summum's black and white tops also create an exciting shoulder line, which also goes well with the black strap dresses at Dior and the athletic soft leather top at Hermès. Wearing such tops on super-wide trousers creates a whole new silhouette. Don't overlook the oldskool spaghetti strap either: at Michael Kors, they keep a knitted cardigan with drop-down sleeves excitingly in place. But perhaps most exciting is the glorious comeback of the halter top. You'll find them in a variety of prints in Summum's collection and they too can be worn with wide-leg pleated trousers - and oversized blazer if it's chilly.

Big & bold
Big was the credo with designers, who showed that prints are very interesting when blown up and magnified. Take Hermès, which showed XL shapes on a jumpsuit with matching top and bag. Chanel happily mixed it up with butterfly prints on ankle-length silk dresses and Donatella Versace showed a revival of the house's greatest hits, such as the silk pyjama suit in a bold poison green with purple print. Summum showed jumpsuits and cotton suits with prints in clashing colours and at Fendi, the dress with diagonal stripes and woven-in logo stood out. But whether floral, graphic, psychedelic or retro prints, one thing is certain: it pops and it fizzes. On everything - and everything goes together, zero rules. If your wardrobe needs a pick-me-up, this season is all about popping!