There’s something in the water this season. At Dior, Jonathan Andereson showed cream daywear with bows made of delicate silk organza, at Balenciaga, eveningwear came courtesy of puff dresses in baby pinks and Miu Miu embellished babydoll dresses with ribbons, crystals, and scalloped hems.The message was clear: fashion is having a love affair with, well… love.  

Soft notes of femininity in the form of puffed sleeves, polka dots and corsetry, are suddenly everywhere. Oroton’s new season twin-set is made with ladylike tweed, and best worn with a chic heeled ballet flat (we love this style from Tony Bianco in David Jones). Zimmermann, longtime purveyors of the romantic, are in on the action too: their ‘Valiant Lingerie’ dress blends corset-detailing with understated cut-outs and soft blush lace – it’s the ultimate “wear-all-summer” number.  

Romance has been a central theme of fashion for as long as fashion has existed. But it works best when one plays with contrasts, less Anna Karenina and more Zoe Kravitz at the Met Gala. What do we mean? Well, you can take a polka-dot slip dress (H&M have a great one this season) then pair it with an unexpectedly utilitarian shoe, like a chunky leather brogue. Or, you could blend elements of sleek minimalism with a puffed-sleeve blouse, like Forever New’s ‘Gracie’ shirt, by wearing with a classic denim jean, and adding a black leather belt, gold jewellery, and a simple sandal.  

Holly wears

Zimmermann dress, Scanlan Theodore feather choker, Swarovski earrings.