Traditionally it hasn’t been for everyone. There are, after all, inherent risks with a plunging neckline. Some have been dangers of an aesthetic nature, where as others can concern a girl’s modesty. That changes for summer 2012’s fashions – the plunging neckline expands and has options for all, from the sultry to the sporty. After the break we’ll take you through examples of the statement…

No longer just the realm of red carpets and runways, the floor-length gown that bares leg is another piece to get reinvented for spring 2012. Though the eveningwear examples still abound, we can now also march our high dress slits straight onto the pavement in the bright light of day - and with effortless ease. Read on to find out how.

The image conjured up in your head when the words 'halter neck' are spoken probably adheres to either a very 80s/90s or very 50s pin-up aesthetic. But reinvention is the foundation of the fashion industry, and in 2012 the halter neckline is one of the things to get a timely reworking. From cross-over to sporty, backless to choker, the halter is the new best friend of any girl's shoulders. Read the full report after the break.

Take inspiration from the playful hourglass silhouettes of the fifties with skirts that rise to the waist. Whether pencil-slim, A-line or full, the high-waist skirt is both flattering and feminine - not to mention the perfect compliment to other trends for the spring 2012 season. Read on for what's so special about it, and how you can make it work for you.

Who said layers were just for winter? Spring's breezes and summer's sun bring with them opportunity to dabble in layers that don't cover up, but rather reveal. Under-layers get sheer and skirts get unbuttoned as we explore unique ways to incorporate layering into your spring / summer wardrobe. Read on for the full report.

There are many things we associate with the 1950s: poodle skirts, greased quiffs, the kind of rock'n'roll music you can't help but twist your hips to. But in 2012 we're pulling inspiration from all corners of the decade, drawing them into a quirky modern mix that's both fashion forwards and fun. From rockabilly androgyny to prom-silhoueted elegance, read on for the full report on how the '50s is being revived.

If we can be thankful of one thing, it’s that Elie Saab showed his fall 2012 collection on the last day of Paris fashion week. For it was a collection that gave the week a polished finished, a heavy infusion of glamour, and paid no credence to the masculinity and volume that has occupied the mind of many a fashion week designer.

View all the photos of the beauty & make-up at the Elie Saab autumn (fall) / winter 2012 showing at Paris fashion week. Read the article to see the full gallery.

View all the photos from backstage at the Elie Saab autumn (fall) / winter 2012 showing at Paris fashion week. Read the article to see the full gallery.

More inspiration for channelling that elusive, silvery-voiced, mythical creature: the mermaid. The power combination of Toni Garrn and Camilla Akrans gives us a fairly literal interpretation, styled by Franck Benhamou with plenty of netting, Elie Saab’s shimmering paillettes, and Chanel’s frothy organza that wraps the body like sea-foam.