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It takes a special set of circumstances for a dress, bag or pair of trousers to become so desirable that they not only wow fashionistas in the front row of haute couture, but also become a must-have item on the High Street.
Every season, there are a few pieces that hit the spot and end up inspiring strikingly similar items from other High Street brands.
Take Toteme’s graphic-print two-piece set, which is both totally wearable and distinctive, or Schiaparelli’s puffy skirt (yes, really, another Princess Diana style and era classic is making a comeback).
When you know what you’re looking for, nabbing one of these High Street tributes to a red carpet star is a shortcut to dressing well for less.
Here’s our expert guide to getting your hands on the six key pieces of summer, in versions so good even a fashion editor would look twice…
The silver bomb
Versace Spring/Summer 2024 show in Italy
Silver shoes aren’t just for the holidays anymore – they’re all the rage this season.
These shoes will take you from the desk to dinner to the dance floor (and will last through any season).
Want to copy Versace’s style for a fraction of the price? Both River Island and Jones have what you need for under £100.
And if you’re willing to spend a little more, head to Penelope Chilvers, where there’s also a £149 version with an elasticated back for extra comfort.
£30, riverisland.com
£89, jonesbootmaker.com
£219, penelopechilvers.com
The white puffy skirt
Schiaparelli SS24: a favourite of Princess Diana
Once a favourite of Princess Diana and worn in 2024 by pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, it’s a super-versatile style, though Schiaparelli’s runway look isn’t exactly office-appropriate.
To avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume, opt for sophisticated neutrals – & Other Stories has the perfect puffed hem skirt for £115, or try New Look’s midi for £37.99.
Both are simple, but with just enough volume to create a bit of flair. Or to keep this look from being too confusing, Amy Lynn has a strappy dress with a voluminous skirt.
£99, Amy Lynn at selfridges.com
£115, stories.com
Skirt, £37.99, newlook.com
The dress with ruffles
Stella McCartney’s ruffled dress on her SS24 catwalk
Love it or hate it, bohemian style is in. That’s thanks in part to Chloe’s new creative director Chemena Kamali, whose opening collection featured airy white blouses and chunky brown clogs.
Even Stella McCartney wanted to get in on the action with a ruffled dress on her spring/summer 2024 catwalk.
Then the queen of boho style returned, Sienna Miller, with ‘that’ M&S collection. Her range flew off the shelves, no surprise, with this expensive-looking ruffled dress coming in at just £89.
£89, marksandspencer.com
£125, monsoon.co.uk
The thick wedge
Sienna Miller, left, and Georgia May Jagger, centre, in the front row at Chloe
Sandal season is here and there’s only one shoe that’s trending: Chloe’s Maxime wedge sandal.
At Chloe’s autumn/winter 2024 show in Paris, celebrities including Sienna Miller and Georgia May Jagger sported the chunky ’70s style. Yes, it’s a throwback to the 2000s, but it’s also sturdier than a kitten heel and more summery than a block heel.
Dune’s sky-high platforms are the closest. If you’re looking for something a little more wearable, try the Oasis or the less vertiginous River Island.
£95, dunelondon.com
£36, Oasis at debenhams.com
£55, riverisland.com
The two-piece set with a minimalist print
Shirt, £540, Toteme at net-a-porter.com
Trousers, £520, Toteme at net-a-porter.com
Bold floral prints take a backseat this summer – it’s all about Toteme’s minimalist graphic print.
The Stockholm-based label is adored by the fashion world for its simple, modern designs, especially this logo-print monogram silk twill, left.
This set would set you back over £1000, but Monsoon has an almost identical geometric set for just over £100, as does Zara in a more relaxed fit, which is currently on sale.
Shirt, £55, and trousers, £49, monsoon.co.uk
The woven chocolate bag
Maxi Cabat tote bag, £10,300, bottegaveneta.com
If there’s one designer house that knows how to create a fashionable bag, it’s Bottega Veneta, thanks to its instantly recognisable woven style. The updated version of this classic for this summer comes in a rich chocolate brown, one of the most fashionable shades of the summer.
So it’s no surprise that High Street has been inspired by this one.
Anthropologie’s slouchy shoulder bag brings a bohemian vibe yet is practical for everyday use, while Dragon Diffusion’s is perfect for on-the-go.
And if you want to follow the trend on holiday, this small tote bag from Massimo Dutti comes with a practical detachable linen bag, perfect if you’re heading to the beach.
£299, massimodutti.com
£135, anthropologie.com
£310, Dragon Diffusion at selfridges.com