There was a clear winner in the print stakes on the spring/summer catwalks. Stripes were seen everywhere, from Louis Vuitton (rendered in patent leather) and Chanel (long cardis and matching boots) to Paul Smith (natty blazers and drop waist dresses).

Set largely against a white background, these linear designs did have a whiff of the nautical about them, but simply whacking on an old Breton top won't cut it this season.

It's time to go bold with your printed pieces, layering up contrasting colours or pairing matching separates - from graphic coordinates to feminine frocks, there's a look to flatter every figure.

Forget what you think you know about this misunderstood motif and listen up, these are the new stripy styling rules...

SET YOUR COORDINATES

Coordinates have been around for a few seasons now but if you still haven't given these matchy-matchy two-pieces a go, now's a fine time to try, because spring's runway-inspired editions are chicer than ever.

A candy striped skirt and tee makes a great pairing for work or play. Add brogues or pointed toe flats by day, then switch to ankle-strap heels and finish with a hefty necklace for evening.

For something casual but still decidedly fashion-forward, look to stripy shorts or culottes coordinates. Keep the rest of your look fuss-free: add a utility trend jacket and backpack for a minimalist silhouette.

:: M&S Collection Striped Pencil Skirt, £39.50, and Short Sleeved Striped Shell Top, £28 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: Woven Tee, £28; Striped High Waist Short, £32 (www.next.co.uk)

DOUBLE UP

The other way to work two stripes in one is by contrasting your motifs, a bit like double denim.

Layer up on your top half by wearing a loose striped shirt open over a cami in a similar print, or a kimono over a tunic, but make sure the palettes of the pieces match, and keep your bottom half one block colour.

Or, tuck a horizontal-striped blouse into a skirt or pair of wide leg trousers emblazoned with wide vertical bands for a directional distinction.

:: Black Stripe Cami, £12.99 (www.newlook.com)

:: Monochrome Striped Tunic Top, currently reduced to £25.60 from £32 (www.wallis.co.uk)

:: Navy Stripe Wide Leg Trousers, £40 (www.topshop.com)

SKIRT THE ISSUE

A striped skirt is a must for spring, but we're not talking the same sedate pencil skirts we've seen for seasons - these statement separates are swishy, sexy and stylish.

Whether pleated, full or maxi, make your skirt the focus of your outfit. If dressing down for day, a short-sleeved blouse and leather or suede jacket are all you need to lend a cool, retro edge.

To dress up for an evening do, swap the blouse for a silk tee and finish with heels in a shade that picks out the colour in the stripes.

:: Pied a Terre Black Mesh Sheer Panel Top, £49, and Pleated Skirt, £79 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Kay Diagonal Block Skirt, £69 (www.phase-eight.com)

SPLICE YOUR STRIPES

While the old adage does generally apply that vertical bands are more slimming than their horizontal counterparts, if you're still not sure about stripes, then a flattering way to play it is with patchwork-effect prints.

For instance, irregular diagonal bands on a fitted dress are better suited to larger figures, because they give the illusion of skimming over your curves rather than emphasising them.

Likewise, carefully spliced stripes on a maxi dress help break up the expanse of fabric, thereby fooling the eye into thinking your waist is slimmer. Add wedge heels underneath and you've got height on your side too.

:: Striped Dress, currently reduced to £14.50 from £49 (www.kaleidoscope.co.uk)

:: Tall Geo Stripe Jersey Maxi Dress, £30 (www.simplybe.co.uk)

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

Shake off the casual connotations of stripes with a gorgeously girly Fifties-style dress, perfect for a late spring wedding or garden party.

Lift a monochrome frock by adding acid bright accessories, or pair a beige dress with tonal metallic heels - rose gold scores extra trend points.

Don't be tempted to load up on jewellery, however. Choose between either necklace or bracelet (a simple stack of bangles neatly mirrors the linear print), and belt a soft trench over the top if it's chilly.

:: Sophia Prom Dress, £119 (available in store; www.monsoon.co.uk)

:: Black Brush Stripe Midi Skater Dress, £34.99 (www.newlook.com)

GET THE LOOK

The world's highest-paid model looked a million dollars when she strutted down the runway in her native Brazil recently wearing Adrianna Papell. Steal Gisele's style in another beautifully beaded Papell number; Adrianna Papell Short Beaded Dress in Champagne, £250 (www.johnlewis.com).

BUY IT NOW

Remember Jackie, the teen weekly that had its heyday circa 1972? Well, it's back (although sadly not in magazine form, so you'll have to send your Dear Doctor letters elsewhere). The publication, which folded in the 1993, is being revived as a 'lifestyle brand', including a clothing collection with ASOS, right on time for the Seventies style revival. Relive your youth with billowing palazzo pants, cutesy playsuits and adorable 'love' print pieces, available from May 4. We adore the Jackie Collaboration Love Print Polo Dress, £35 (www.asos.com).

FASHION FLASH

:: MUMMIES IN JAMMIES

While stars may swan around looking glamorous as ever seemingly minutes after having a baby, 82% of mums say celebs' post-pregnancy wardrobes are unrealistic, according to a survey to coincide with the launch of George at Asda's nursing nightwear range. In fact, 70% admitted that for a month after giving birth, they stayed mostly in pyjamas.

:: FACEBOOK FAUX-PAS

Have you ever gone shopping purely because you didn't want to risk being seen in the same outfit twice on Facebook? Then you're not alone. A survey by TK Maxx reveals that 28% of us admit to buying clothes to avoid being tagged in the same togs twice, while 18% said they wouldn't wear an ensemble again, in case it ended up in photos online. On the plus side, 37% of those questioned said that perusing social media sites encourages them to be more adventurous with fashion.

:: STYLE STEAL

Handmade, unique and affordable, Wolf and Moon jewellery is just to ticket if you're looking for an antidote to the mass-produced accessories that pervade the high street. Each piece in the new deco-inspired Fjordland collection is made to order and available in a variety of materials and colourways, with prices starting at just £14 for earrings.

:: Ripple Necklace in Mint, £26 (www.wolf-and-moon.com)