Fashion's new summer of love

by SUSANNAH CONWAY, femail.co.uk

Look forward to a sartorial summer of love as fashion focusses on folk - a fresh new take on femininity for 2002.

Think cotton camisoles, tiered skirts, peasant dresses and plenty of patchwork, frills and drawstring necklines, all looking refreshingly comfortable and carefree.

But if you worry you'll wear it wrong here's our guide to how to get it right and avoid looking like an extra from the Little House on the Prairie.

And click on our gallery link, right, to see some of the best buys on the high street.

Firstly pick just one piece to update your look to avoid trend overkill.

The most obvious item is a peasant top made from white cotton with colourful embroidery around the neckline and cuffs.

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Today's peasant tops are a flattering update on the classic 70s look cut much closer to the body. If you're conscious of your bust or trying to lose weight, avoid the frilled tops that are appearing on the high street as frills will add unwanted inches to your frame.

Most high street stores have created their own version of the look - our favourite blouses can be found at Top Shop, Principles, River Island and Karen Millen.

A tiered skirt, as spotted on Samantha Mumba this week, above left, is perfect for when the temperature finally heats up.

The best ones are made of cotton and finish on or just below the knee. Choose from white, red, pink or brown and wear yours with flat suede boots now and leather flips flops in the summer.

To update your work wardrobe pick a cotton camisole or peasant top to wear under your suit jacket or over flat fronted trousers.

Natural colours are best with hues of pink, beige, cream, tan and taupe mixed in with muted tones of mulberry, plum, russet, olive and white, the colour of the season.

Fabric is all important to get the look right. We've already mentioned cotton but also look out for calico, broderie anglaise, muslin and silk - keep it natural to let your skin breath.

Accessorise with fringed belts, flat sandals and flip flops. Italian label Marni showed soft leather bags slung over the models' bodies, a practical look that's great for holidays or shopping excursions into town.

Mix in some turquoise jewellery in the form of chunky rings and bracelets and crystal pendants and you've got the hippy folk look all sewn up - just don't wear it all at once!

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