A passage to India

It's a loose interpretation to say the least, so don't worry too much about making sure anything you put together looks authentic, because the look can blend influences from the Asian and African continents, and the Americas, with abandon and a rather large dose of artistic licence.

But, as a starting point, look out for paisley patterns, those droplet-shaped motifs of Indian and Persian origin, similar to half of the Yin Yang symbol, despite the fact that its western name derives from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland (in the 19th century , soldiers returning from the colonies brought home kashmiri silk and wool shawls from India, and the design was copied there). There's lots of paisley around, especially on maxi dresses and smock style tops, which look best worn with leggings or skinny jeans.

Trousers have made a major comeback this summer in wide leg and harem styles in cool cottons and luxurious silk – look out for pattern versions, if you feel brave enough, for a lovely relaxed feel.

A colour palette of jade, purple and red is mixed with highlights of orange for bursts of colour, and these really do work well with nudes and whites for a more toned down and elegant appeal. Look out for white voluminous maxi dresses too, embellished with sequins (check out Monsoon), and silk patterned tunic dresses edged with lace (Dorothy Perkins is the place).

Access-ories are sometimes all you need to key into this look, and the High Street at the moment is awash with jangly coin bracelets and necklaces, and intricate wire

and beaded chandelier earrings, that can be used to give an Indian touch to a simple outfit, even a little black shift or tunic dress.

Add a fringed pattern scarf and an embroidered handbag, and you have updated your cocktail look for next to nothing.