Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese: Oriental fashion for SS13

Years ago I had the most gorgeous little oriental dress from AWear that I loved and even in photos now it still looks good. Maxi dresses and bust flattering kimonos ensure that the oriental trend works on every body type: petite or curvy,  there's something for every shape. And I do love how sexy this look can be without any flesh being revealed.

This year some of the designers have put a whole new spin on the trend and the results are amazing. It’s a bold look; the colours are bright and adventurous and the fabrics are lavish and after a look around the shops, I'm seriously tempted by lots of the goodies on offer.

Pucci created some of the most stand out pieces on the catwalk and luckily they've been replicated on the high street. Because there's so much choice it's tempting to dress top to toe in Oriental gear - but don't.  Avoid overkill and just wear one piece at a time, mixing it up with other wardrobe staples.  Jeans, biker boots, tshirts all toughen up the look and bring it bang up to date.

Some looks were very traditionally oriental, like flower print dresses and Japanese inspired wrap dresses and tops and tunics cut in the style of kimonos and cropped trousers. Expensive silk was adorned with the oriental patterns of fire dragons, lotus flower, peony and hibiscus motifs.

Others were only a nod to the East, like this modern, sporty take on a bomber jacket with oriental embroidery worn with an above-the-knee skirt and a tough boot. In this one statement piece you can take on the whole trend with its luxe fabric, stunning colours and contemporary oriental embroidery. Tough yet feminine. Check out the jacket  from Zara above.

Oriental is a great dressed up look for an Irish summer. I especially love the cropped trousers and the long dresses: and the gorgeous fabrics and the amazing colours would cheer anyone up, whatever the weather.

Obviously prints are key and the mood is exotic - be brave with bold patterns. Avoid cheap looking fabric at all costs; the look you’re going for is sumptuous and glamorous. Tunics are really easy to wear over trousers or jeans and so are the kimono sleeve tops. The jackets and shirts can be worn as a great looking cover up over a t-shirt.

So will you be heading east for spring? Is oriental a look you can carry off?