9 trends from Paris’ couture catwalks that you can actually wear

PARIS — The confections parading down this week’s Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2016 catwalks have caused many to swoon — and then sigh at the fact our lifestyles don’t require such frothy gowns. But nestled amongst the beads, brocade and to-die-for embellishment were inspiring outfit flourishes that don’t just apply to the fashion elite.

Fear not — here are some style trends and tips to enable you to flex your own couture nous.

1. TRAILING NECKLACES. Dior has long been one of the major labels to look to for jewellery trends. It’s no surprise then, that the design house has taken a totally different accessory direction to the chokers showcased on the SS16 ready-to-wear runway (the brand likes to keep us on our toes, you see).

Next spring, the couturiers at Dior (the haute SS16 collection is the first without designer Raf Simons at the helm) dictate flowing necklaces as the jewel trend du jour. Not just one, but two artfully placed necklaces left to trail romantically down the body. The dangliest of chains can also be worn diagonally over one shoulder for the ultimate piece de resistance that will have people staring.

2. FASTEN BROOCHES ONTO DRESS STRAPS. Bejwelled insect brooches were found creeping up the boucle suits and body bags at Chanel, but we were rather taken with the idea of a delicate strap fastening. Attach these instead of necklaces or statement earrings for an innovative approach to jewellery, that will set you apart from other guests come wedding and garden party season.

3. SPARKLY SOCKS. You might be wearing five-year-old loafers, but who cares when a standout pair of socks are thrown into the mix? Giorgio Armani’s sequinned ankle socks would make the perfect antidote to monotone looks, or would add to an eclectic maximalist look where more-is-more.

4. PLAIN BLACK HEADBANDS FOR A BALLETIC FLOURISH. The ruffled gowns on Giambattista Valli’s runway are spotlight-stealing creations, which require no jewel or fussy accessory to offset them. The thin black headbands worn in the model’s scraped back hair are a useful tool, then, at adding a subtle form of punctuation. Employ your own black band to mute flamboyant evening looks when every other accessory else looks out of place.

5. EXERCISE THE UNEXPECTED. You would never expect to see a tiny crustacean and lemon pinned onto a Schiaparelli gown, but there’s no doubt that the brooch sits there to charming effect. Sometimes it’s the surprising details that delight and inspire, let this little creature give you the confidence to experiment with unusual jewels and outfit accents.

6. CONTRASTING BELTS. The shock of baby pink around Giambattista Valli’s posie-dappled mini dresses adds another dimension to this dress. Cinching the waist area can only be a positive thing, so why not have fun when accentuating your silhouette? Experiment by tying patterned ribbon around last season’s summer dresses.

7. DON’T FORGET YOUR PARTY TOPS. Romantic maxi dresses and skirts made up our pre-Christmas party wardrobe, so much so that we forgot the power of a statement top and cigarette pants. Until Versace’s showcase, that is. Stick to classic tailoring and heeled sandals on the bottom half and let your show-stopper sing out on top.

8. SWAP POCHETTES FOR A WRISTLET. Clutches with wrist straps not only make life infinitely easier, they can double up as a beautiful wrist charms, too. Ralph & Russo’s plain pouches boast jewel-encrusted straps that make the perfect foil to the plain catwalk looks. Use as your own less-is-more, quirky evening accessory.

9. ALL ABOUT ANKLETS. No longer the favoured charm of travellers and young holidaymakers, ankle charms have been elevated to serious, chic status. Fashion insiders have been wearing delicate chains with ballet or point-toe flats, so that the charms look like ankle straps, but we like Dior’s hard-edged stacking aesthetic. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH