Green is going to be the surprise shade of SS18

Earlier this week I ordered a ribbed knit top and matching midi skirt from Arket. In green. Random I know, but I was utterly drawn to the freshness of the shade. It suggested spring, but it still had a depth and earthiness to it that wouldn’t wash me out or make me look like I was dressing for another country’s climate. Since then, I can’t seem to see anything other than green in stores and online. Forget purple – Pantone colour of the year – green is going to be this summer’s surprise sartorial hit. Here are five pieces for your SS wish-list.

The freshness of green and feel-good factor evoked by stripes combine to make this midi dress a really winning piece. In colder weather it can be layered over a polo-neck and tights. That’s the advantage of this shade of green. It never really looks out of season.

Striped dress, €39.95 at Zara

This is the perfect dress with which to move into summer (as I type this the sky has just brightened up significantly so fingers crossed…!). It’s cool and fluid, and the gathered detailing gives it a prettiness without adding any fussiness.

Gathered dress, €89 at Cos

This is the kind of summer look I love. Cool, laid-back and a little bit utilitarian. This gorgeous shirt dress from H&M has been reduced down to €14.99 so is a great buy.

V-neck dress, €14.99 (reduced from €19.99) at H&M

An oversized botanical print is about as spring-like as it gets. This Warehouse dress is made from 100 per cent silk so it will hang beautifully and lend itself to day or evening wear.

Climbing Bamboo silk dress, €145 (reduced from €194) at Warehouse

There’s something a little bit Dolce & Gabbana about this gorgeous River Island dress. It’s a real statement piece that needs to be worn with confidence. I’d be a little more daring with the accessories than those chosen below. Black feels too safe; try something bejewelled instead and look unapologetically fabulous.

Sweetheart bodycon dress, €95 at riverisland.com