Designers like Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and Marni all splashed paint-style prints across the catwalks for summer 2008 – and sure enough, where their designer brushstrokes led, the high street have followed. Artwork-inspired fashion is the season's boldest new trend.

Basso & Brooke, the hip Brit label formed by Nottingham's Chris Brooke and Brazillian Bruno Basso, emphasised the look by parading models down the runway with quirky art palette hats on their heads. You don't have to go as far, however!

You don't need to be as mad as Van Gogh or have a qualification in fine art to appreciate this trend.

There's a gallery of different artsy patterns to peruse on the high street – from bold paint-effect splashes to muted watercolours.

Wayne's new bride Coleen McLoughlin loves the look, too. She recently plumped for a painted floral Balenciaga work of art for a girly day at the races.

To make like fashion's best masterpiece yourself, remember that prints are all-important. They veer from romantic watercolour designs to modern graphic prints and the great news is that patterns as busy as theses are great for disguising lumps and bumps – perfect if you're pregnant, or feeling less than svelte.

But your colour choice will dictate whether you can work into casual for day, or dramatic for night.

Wish-washy watercolour prints are perfect for chic daytime summer ensembles. Keep the colours to a pale and pastel palette for maximum romantic impact and opt for cotton fabrics to keep the look dressed down.

For an edgier look, head for brighter, bolder prints in jersey.

Try the Littlewoods home shopping catalogue and website for inspiration; their Love Label range has a paint-printed dress at £35 and there's also a splash print backless dress at £18.

At Wallis you can snap up a Bardot-style paint splash top for £25 that will team well with jeans, linen trousers or a slimline skirt, and Topshop have done paint drip-printed T-shirts (£18).

A bit of glamour
Dramatic dresses are really the master stroke of the artistic trend.

If you're looking for a statement dress to turn heads on a special day or night out, then art is where it's at.

From voluminous prom dresses to sleek silk shifts, the paint-style print works beautifully. On the catwalks, Chloe showed figure-hugging, mini paint-smeared dresses, while as a contrast feted young New York designer Zac Posen took on the trend with waterfall-like long flowing gowns.

For a master stroke of an evening dress, pop to Debenhams and view the BDL by Ben de Lisi collection. The designer's brush stroke Grecian dress at £140 is a stunner.

And the label Jesire (which is stocked at John Lewis) have a really pretty spot print short-sleeved dress coat at £64.50. For other stockists call 0207 420 4450 or go to www.jesire.net

A cheaper alternative can be found at Dorothy Perkins – their paint splash prom dress is only £35.
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