While the Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows left us with a vast, colourful rainbow (literally!) of looks to choose from, wading through the sea-inspired fashion trends, bold prints and flared peplums to find the perfect summer outfit can get tricky—if you don’t know where to start. We’ve broken down the top six summer fashion trends—by body type and the celebs who wore them— for the best ways to recreate your favourite runway looks this season.

Summer fashion trend #1: Pastels

Runway inspiration: Chanel, Louis Vuitton

The scoop: Colour blocking is a perennial fashion trend, but this season, designers took the traditional technique—playing with primary colours—and introduced us to the world of pastel matching. Our favourite colours to block? Sea foam green, cool mint, subtle mauve and delicate pink.

How to wear it: If your style is classic or overtly feminine, try wearing pastels in a monochromatic palette. If you’re unsure about the head-to-toe look, mix and match pastels with neutrals. (Check out 3.1 Phillip Lim for a pastel-blocking master class.) Your accessories should act as discreet accents—think pearls or bangles in a soft pastel hue.

If you’re more of a glamour girl, pair your pastels with a pair of white Manolos and bold accessories, like chunky bracelets, in metallic finishes.

Expert beauty tip: Keep your makeup as minimal as possible. On the hair front, high or messy buns and soft waves are the best pairing for this trend.

Summer fashion trend #2: The drop-waist dress

Runway inspiration: Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Chloé

The scoop: The drop-waist dress (sometimes referred to as a flapper dress, because of its popularity during the Roaring ‘20s) features a seam that is usually two inches below the waist, falling at the hips.

Who should wear it: Tall, slim women with longer torsos and smaller hips, like Victoria Beckham and Brooklyn Decker, who benefit from the curves created by the drop-waist silhouette. It’s also a great look for petite women with long torsos and great legs, like SJP.

Who should skip it: Curvy women, who should opt for a silhouette that highlights their waist, instead of obscuring it.

Expert fashion tip: Fit can make or break this look. Make sure your drop-waist dress fits perfectly around the shoulders and bust area.

Expert beauty tip: During the day, wear your hair down, styled with (seemingly) effortless waves. For an evening look, try a high ponytail and sky-high heels or strappy sandals.

Summer fashion trend #3: Peplum

Runway inspiration: Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen, Thakoon

The scoop: Ultra-ladylike peplum emphasizes the waist by playing with exaggerated details at the hips. The result? The perfect hourglass silhouette.

Who should wear it: Almost every body type will benefit from the hourglass suggestion created by an otherwise streamlined peplum dress. If you’re curvy, opt for solid colours and use black to camouflage problem areas. Follow the example of Kim Kardashian, who recently paired a white sleeveless peplum top with slim-fitting black pants, creating an extremely flattering silhouette. With peplum, always wear heels. After all, you’re going for a glamorous look—may as well strut while doing it!

Hollywood inspiration: Beyoncé, Emma Stone and Blake Lively have all worn the peplum trend to great effect.

Expert fashion tip: Adding a thin belt to a peplum dress accentuates the waist and creates a more defined hourglass shape.

Spring/Summer 2012 fashion trends: Ladylike dressing

Read on to the next page for more of the top summer fashion trends...