There's a gallery of different artsy patterns to peruse on the high street, from bold paint-effect splashes to muted watercolours. Coleen McLoughlin recently plumped for a painted floral Balenciaga work of art for a girly day at the races.

You don't need a qualification in fine art to appreciate this trend. Ditch the dull museums and peruse fashionable art prints on the high street and you'll be sure to look like a masterpiece this summer.

Colour-splash casual

Prints are all-important for this trend and just like art, it's all down to your individual taste.

Wish-washy watercolour prints are perfect for chic daytime summer ensembles. Keep the colours to a pale and pastel palette for maximum romantic impact.

For an edgier look head for brighter, bolder prints in jersey; opt for cotton fabrics to keep the look dressed down.

FOR DAYTIME ART TRY: Love Label paint printed dress, £35 at Littlewoods; Wallis Bardot paint splash top, £25; Topshop paint drip print tee, £18; Littlewoods splash print backless dress, £18.

Brush-stroke glamour

Dramatic dresses are really where the artistic trend hits a master stroke. Looking for a statement dress to turn heads? Art is where it's at.

From voluminous prom dresses to sleek silk shifts, the paint-style print works on any frock shape or length. On the catwalks, Chloe showed figure-hugging mini paint smear dresses, while as a contrast Zac Posen took on the trend with waterfall-like long flowing gowns.

FOR EVENING ART TRY: BDL by Ben de Lisi brush stroke Grecian dress £140 at Debenhams; Dorothy Perkins paint splash prom dress, £35; George flowered paint print dress, £18; ASOS paint print tulip dress, £38; Jesire spot print short sleeve dress coat, £64.50.

Arty amateur

If you're not keen on dipping your fingers into the fashion art palette, you can still work the look with choice accessories. Keep your clothing to neutral colours like black and navy and just one statement art accessory addition will make your outfit pop with colour.

FOR ART EXTRAS TRY: Wallis painted shell disc pendant necklace, £14; Converse paint splash print pumps, £21 at ASOS; Littlewoods splash print bikini, £22; Accessorize crinkle brushstrokes print scarf, £4.50.

Artistic licence

Don't make an exhibition of yourself. The arty trend is a busy one, so it's essential your look is styled the right way to avoid looking like an art attack mess. Follow these trend tips to create your own fashionable portrait.

A picture tells a thousand words. Avoid accessories like big jewellery, bags or hats and let your arty fashions do all the talking.

If you want the look to work for your A/W wardrobe, pick out bolder art prints in monochromes, hot pinks or midnight blues.

Dainty shoes won't cut it with bold statement dresses. Head for chunky platforms in a block colour.

Busy patterns like art prints are great for disguising lumps and bumps, so if you're feeling less than svelte, go for floor-length styles.

Whether you're a fan of romantic watercolour or modern graphic prints, keep your hair and make-up simple and understated to show off your arty masterpiece to the max.

stockists
Accessorize: 0870 412 9000
ASOS: www.asos.com
Debenhams: 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com
Dorothy Perkins: 0870 122 8801/www.dorothyperkins.co.uk
George: 0845 300 1111
Jesire: 0207 420 4450/www.jesire.net
Littlewoods: 0845 707 8810/ www.littlewoods.com
Topshop: 0845 121 4519/www.topshop.co.uk
Wallis: 0845 121 4520/www.wallis.co.uk