Just a slip of a thing

You may remember when having your petticoat showing was last in fashion, in the late Seventies. Then it was all gypsy-inspired flounces and tiered skirts with broderie anglaise peeping from your hem. This time it's sleeker and it's all about slips - don't say petticoat, whatever you do - with a rather more sophisticated lace trim (slinky and synthetic rather than cotton prettiness). The key to this look is delicate layers. First, your slip must be no wider than your top layer. A gentle A-line is the maximum width; full and gathered is absolutely out. The lowest part of the slip should just graze your knee, any longer and you will look absent minded. Marks & Spencer do some excellent slips, from pounds 10. Or you can sew a length of lace to the bottom of a garment you already have - John Lewis do some particularly fine lace trims from 69p a metre.

Black slip, pounds 65, Valentino Intimo (01159 795796). Black sandals, pounds 34.99, Empire catalogue, ref BT4412 (0345 200400)

Blue cardigan, pounds 59, Kookai branches (0171 937 4411). White camisole, pounds 14.99, Gossard (0171 331 4519 for stockists)

Black silk slip, pounds 280, available from Janet Reger, 2 Beauchamp Place, London, SW3, enquiries: 0171 584 9368

Blue slip, pounds 19.95, Knickerbox branches (0171 284 1744). Turquoise top, pounds 10, Dorothy Perkins (0171 291 2604)

Satin slip, pounds 12, Dorothy Perkins (0171 291 2604). Assorted lace trim, from 69p per metre, John Lewis (0171 629 7711)

Rose print baby doll dress, pounds 39.99, available from Kookai, branches nationwide, enquiries: 0171 937 4411

Left: Grey silk slip skirt, pounds 420, matching camisole pounds 235 both Alberta Ferreti, from Browns, 24 South Molton Street, London, W1. Aqua transparent slip dress, pounds 112, Agnes B, 58-62 Heath Street, London NW3. 0171 431 1995. Sandals, pounds 215, Jimmy Choo, 20 Motcomb Street, London WC2. Tel: 0171 235 6778

Styled by ZOE BROWN

Hair by

MATHEW WADE for STEVEN CAREY

SALONS

Make-up: by JANET FRANCIS for ESTEE LAUDER at THE WORX

Model: AMARYLLIS FRASER at

SELECT