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The 50 Best womenswear

If you wait till the sun’s out, you’ll miss all the best of the spring/summer clothes. Eliisa Makin chooses the best pieces to buy now, wear later

Eliisa Makin
Friday 20 April 2012 15:05 BST

1. Opening Ceremony

The contrasting tie on these honeycomb sandals makes them great for creating the illusion of longer legs. Quirky yet wearable, they look brilliant with cut-off shorts or jeans.

Where: brownsfashion.com

How much: £325

2. Carven

Grown up "statement" T-shirt tops are everywhere and this is a gorgeous mountain print design. It looks great worn slouchy and oversizedwith silk trousers and wedge heels.

Where: liberty.co.uk

How much: £195

3. River Island

Get in on the global traveler trend with this brilliant African-inspired print skirt. Great for elongating your silhouette, this would look gorgeous with a solid coloured tank top.

Where: riverisland.com

How much: £22

4. River Island

Statement wedge sandals are a fun way to update your summer wardrobe. I particularly like this very reasonably priced pair from River Island's Design Forum range by Julian J Smith.

Where: riverisland.com

How much: £55

5. Givenchy

The panther detail on either side of these Givenchy sunglasses makes them rather fiercesome. So much so that the terrifying Anna Wintour has been spotted wearing a pair!

Where: harveynichols.com

How much: £350

6. Biba

Bold, playful tropical prints look great with a pointed heel and simple vest, although the brave could opt for the matching jacket or a clashing print for a high-fashion look.

Where: houseoffraser.co.uk

How much: £115

7. Topshop

The bomber jacket has had a revival this year. Go for the full wild look with this head-turning, scarf print number. Looks great over a buttoned-up shirt and black pencil trousers.

Where: topshop.co.uk

How much: £48

8. Topshop

A swishy metallic skirt is this season's surprise hit. Try this gold version from Topshop with a buttoned-up blouse, oversized necklace and pointed heels for a kooky ladylike look.

Where: topshop.com

How much: £38

9. Pretty Ballerinas

Everyone loves a ballet pump. This is a really fun leopard print pair with bold neon green ribbons. Wear them to add an element of surprise to a simple outfit.

Where: prettyballerinas.com

How much: £219

10. Michael Kors

Michael Kors' beautifully elegant shoulder bag is practically a work of art. Wear it with any outfit, although it looks particularly stunning with this season's pastel pink.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £995

11. COS

A turquoise, slim cigarette pant is an easy way to update your look. Wear in place of black trousers to add colour to work outfits. Would look great with Acne's peplum top (12).

Where: cosstores.com

How much: £89

12. Acne

This elegant teal peplum top adds class to any outfit. Wear it with a Fifties-style knee length skirt or loose peg trousers to keep the look modern. Works well with busy prints.

Where: liberty.co.uk

How much: £300

13. Jaeger

Jaeger's collection gets better each season. This structured pastel mini looks great worn with a printed silk T-shirt and chunky ankle boots.

Where: Jaeger.co.uk

How much: £180

14. Givenchy

Leather trousers have a reputation for being difficult, however this luxurious khaki pair are extremely wearable. They look great with an unstructured top. The slight stretch gives a great fit.

Where: matchesfashion.com

How much: £1,020

15. Zara

Add a splash of colour to a neutral outfit with this bold and beautiful extra-large clutch bag. Perfect for the summer, and delightfully spacious.

Where: zara.com

How much: £59.99

16. Darling

Flatteringly high-waisted and slightly longer than usual, these pretty scalloped shorts look equally good with a smock-like blouse and flat leather sandals as with a navy jacket and heels.

Where: darlingclothes.com

How much: £45

17. Oasis

Two-tone blouses are everywhere. This sweet, lemon sherbet version looks great with Karl's silver shorts (no.46) or white trousers for those who manage not to spill things.

Where: oasis-stores.com

How much: £45

18. Martin Margiela

Far more wearable than you would imagine, this leather-look skirt looks gorgeous with a light-weight knit and chunky heels. A perfect city skirt to add drama to your wardrobe.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £330

19. Gienchi

Rose gold studs give these classic canvas high-top trainers a luxe make-over. They look great with skinny jeans or a fitted mini dress and gold shades for a glossy Nineties look.

Where: brownsfashion.com

How much: £245

20. Topshop

This chic leather rucksack is smart enough to wear with suit trousers or a blazer. A great size, it will hold all the usuals as well as a few groceries.

Where: topshop.com

How much: £40

21. Topshop

These are great, super-expensive looking slouchy silk joggers. They look good layered up with a slinky vest, leather jacket and power heels or with a low-key loose knit and flat sandals.

Where: topshop.com

How much: £65

22. Chinti and Parker

The trend for clashing patterns is ideal for the disorganised. Polka dots work especially well paired with florals. For a more chic outfit, wear over a collared shirt with black trousers.

Where: chintiandparker.com

How much: £350

23. Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto is at the forefront of the London fashion scene. This Kaleidscopic skirt is a real beauty and looks greatwith a simple knit, or the matching top for a statement outfit.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £475

24. Yves Saint Laurent

Pointy shoes are back! Opt for a bright and bold colour, like this gorgeous aqua pair, and wear them with everything from prom dresses to skinny jeans.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £440

25. H&M

A brilliant little belt, this two-tone number would look lovely worn with a shirt and navy peg trousers or over a pleated dress. It won't last forever, but it will see you through summer.

Where: hm.com/gb

How much: £3.99

26. Phillip Lim

I love the trend for slouchy printed trousers. Phillip Lim's chic abstract versions can go from work to party in the blink of an eye. Try with an oversized pastel blazer or waistcoat.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £415

27. Whistles

A great leather jacket is always worth investing in. This beautifully finished number is perfect for spring and will add edge (and warmth) to practically any outfit.

Where: whistles.co.uk

How much: £295

28. Dolce and Gabbana

This is the ultimate romantic summer dress. The gorgeous retro design looks effortlessly feminine and is amazing worn simply with sandals and a flick of eyeliner.

Where: matchesfashion.com

How much: £1,600

29. Ash

Trainers with built in wedge heels are a relatively new trend and look a lot better than they sound! These are great for leg lengthening and adding urban cool to an outfit.

Where: ashfootwear.co.uk

How much: £169

30. Marni

The buttoned-up collar is enjoying unprecedented popularity this year. Update a plain round neck jumper or dress in an instant with this brilliant, fun printed cotton version.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £140

31. Balenciaga

Baleciaga's slick print trousers look stunning with an oversized silk blouse and a dramatic heel. A great investment buy that will add interest to your wardrobe all year round.

Where: matchesfashion.com

How much: £365

32. H&M

This bold tangerine orange blazer will warm up any outfit and add punch to this season's romantic pastels. Looks great worn with icy blue but it is also great with greys and nudes.

Where: hm.com/gb

How much: £34.99

33. Jonathan Saunders

This ethereal two-tone dress is a quirky take on a classic A-line. The colours look great next to dark or tanned skin. Wear with futuristic round sunglasses and wedge heels.

Where: Liberty.co.uk

How much: £905

34. H by Hudson Black

Part clog, part wedge, there is something very satisfying about these chunky Scandinavian style wooden shoes. They look great with an A-line skirt or peg trousers.

Where: urbanoutfitters.co.uk

How much: £125

35. Elkin

Freshen up your wrists with this naughty-but-nice skull bracelet in mint ice-cream green. Looks great worn with other pastels or to draw attention to a suntanned wrist.

Where: elkinshop.com

How much: £39

36. Oasis

There are so many great patterned jeans now that a plain pair seems boring! Oasis has delivered a brilliant version. Try these with a silver metallic top for a low-key party look.

Where: oasis-stores.com

How much: £48

37. Muriee

I love this beautiful cashmere jumper. The sloppy asymmetric shape looks great worn with narrow trousers or shorts. The cool blue works well next to red or burgundy.

Where: muriee.com

How much: £287

38. Vivienne Westwood

This is a serious curve-enhancing dress from Westwood's red label. Corseted and with intelligent drape details, it creates a knock out figure. Well priced and a great confidence booster!

Where: liberty.co.uk

How much: £475

39. F-troupe

The summery version of a brogue, these mesh saddle shoes are not only comfortably airy, but very good-looking. Wear with smart trousers or a dress for a cool casual look.

Where: asos.com

How much: £108

40. Plumo

Coral colours are extremely flattering to most skin tones. Wear this cute dress on its own or with a fitted fine silvery blue knit over the top to showcase the pretty Peter Pan collar.

Where: plumo.com

How much: £139

41. New Look

Prepare for the possibility of another heat-wave with these sweet vintage style striped shorts. Would look great with flat sandals and a slouchy pastel knit.

Where: newlook.com

How much: £19.99

42. Stella McCartney

Super-wearable, feminine and quirky, this slick jacket from Stella McCartney is a modern classic. It would look great teamed with bright trousers and simple separates.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £1,945

43. A.P.C

A long-sleeved shift dress is a great staple. The simple shape makes it perfect for show-casing a head-turning fabric like this elegant green leopard print cotton. Great with bold red lips!

Where: liberty.co.uk

How much: £270

44. Maison Scotch

Cropped printed jackets have a bohemian charm and are great for cool summer nights. This exquisite quilted floral version looks great with a voluminous blouse and skinny trousers.

From: asos.com

How much: £200

45. Reiss

This chic skirt from Reiss looks gorgeous worn in place of a pencil skirt with a tucked-in blouse, belt and lipstick. I also love it with a loose silk T-shirt for a more relaxed look.

Where: reissonline.com

How much: £110

46. KARL

Sequins are big news. For a chic, fun way to wear the trend, try these gorgeous sparkling shorts. Wear with a tux jacket, buttoned up blouse and heels for a super sexy party look.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £195

47. Carven

This great multi-knit cropped sweater looks brilliant with a pleated A-line skirt for a modern take on the Fifties preppy look. It would work very nicely with a soft peg-shaped trouser.

Where: net-a-porter.com

How much: £220

48. Mango

Try this fun tie-dye T-shirt dress with chunky trainers (like those by Ash, no. 29) for an easy off-duty look. Very comfortable and ultra summery, it's the perfect weekend dress.

Where: shop.mango.com

How much: £39.99

49. Reiss

Grey-accented with lemon yellow makes a sophisticated combination. Try this elegant silk top with pale green trousers or a skirt (like no 13) for a high fashion look.

Where: reissonline.com

How much: £120

50. Christopher Kane

Should the opportunity present itself, you could get married in this lace dress! A stunner from British designer Christopher Kane, team it with bright heels for a party outfit.

Where: brownsfashion.com

How much: £1,785

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