Emma Johnson takes a closer look at the romantic new season collection from Dorothy Perkins

WOW! Dorothy Perkins has changed over the past few years. Once something of a poor relation to the likes of Topshop and Miss Selfridge, these days the store can more than hold its own in the fashion forward stakes.

Ruffle tunic £35, Drawstring bag £40, Suede ankle cuff peep-toe £40

Broderie lace bib dress £35, Multi-row necklace £18

Embellished jacket £70, Cotton draped cami £25, Embellished clutch £35, Stone shorts £22, Platform Mary-Janes £38

Embellished cami £28, Cropped khaki trousers £28, Patent stitch bag £22, Studded court shoes £35

So it’s no surprise to see Dotty P running with spring/ summer’s red hot nude look.

As seen on the likes of Drew Barrymore and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks on the Golden Globes red carpet, peachy, fleshy tones are ripe for the picking right now and Dorothy Perkins takes the trend on a romantic tip.

Crochet, lace and broderie anglaise are trimmed with sequins or embellished with pearls and, with the focus on legs this season, shorts play with textures from casual city shorts to culottes. Elsewhere, frills give a strong look to pretty summer dresses.

Key footwear includes peep-toed ankle cuff boots, cuffed platforms and, of course, the ubiquitous Mary Janes while bags are soft and slouchy, suede and studded.

DOROTHY PERKINS, Church Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 709 1660 / www.dorothyperkins.com