How to pull off the trickiest SS18 fashion trends

Digital Fashion Editor Penny puts them to the test so you don't have to

It's one thing when you see all the gorgeous spring/summer 2018 trends on the catwalk, but it's a different thing altogether when you're trying them out IRL.

That Balenciaga model may have looked like an angel from heaven in her head-to-toe buttercup yellow look, and the Loewe girl gave us major envy in her pastel checks, but how does this translate in your normal day-to-day wardrobe? I decided to put the trends to the test so you don't have to, and you can shop all my looks below.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Crayola colours

Shop my look: Ceffin top (£150), Topshop trousers (£40), Topshop shoes (£46) and STAUD bag (£310)

From Givenchy to Balenciaga, designers took inspiration from their favourite Pantone colours for spring, and I don't blame you for being a little scared of this trend - head-to-toe red isn't for everyone. I wanted to add a bit more depth to the look by going multi-tonal and pairing some primary colours together.

Despite appearances, there are some rules to follow, namely don't go over three colours, and make sure at least two items are matching so it looks a bit more pulled together. If this is still too bold for you, swap the trousers for a dark denim, and keep the shoes neutral too.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Pastel colours

Shop my look: H&M blouse (£29.99), H&M skirt (£29.99), M&S bag (£29.50) and M&S shoes (£65)

Ice cream shades were everywhere on the SS18 catwalk, from Preen to VB and Chanel, and as well as mint, the surprising hit of the season was, as Jess Wood excellently put it, 'Queen Mum-sy lilac'. So I stuck to those two shades for this look. By picking a sheer blouse, I ticked another trend and gave the look a bit more edge as pastels can look a bit 'cute-sy' for my liking.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Puff sleeves

Shop my look: Zara shirt (£39.99), Rejina Pyo skirt (£345 at Browns), ASOS earrings (launching soon), ASOS bag (£30) and Zara shoes (£79.99)

By now, you've probably noticed puff sleeves all over your Instagram feed, so there's no avoiding this trend, which is fine by me as it's one of the most wearable ones. Opt for a versatile white which you can pair with everything from denim to a floral midi skirt. I jazzed up this number with a few colourful accessories.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Check print

Shop my look: Zara blouse (£29.99), Zara skirt (£49.99), Aeyde shoes (last season), Anissa Kermiche earrings (£360) and STAUD bag (sold out)

This winter's check print has successfully transitioned into spring, you'll be happy to hear. There are two takes on this trend, which I happily took on.

On the one side, you've got a feminine take on the heritage print (Victoria Beckham, Burberry). Think tailored trousers, silky materials and midi skirts.

Shop my look: Lee Mathews dresses (launching soon), Shrimps bag (£450) and Topshop shoes (sold out)

At the other end of the sartorial spectrum, you've got your folksy prints (Loewe, Fendi) which allow for a more bohemian look. Here, I layered two dresses to add interest, and kept accessories paired back.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Beach clothes

Shop my look: Left: Rixo blouse (£175), Rixo skirt (£215) and Zara sandals as before. Right: As before, with Ganni skirt (£140 at Coggles)

If you're a maximalist fan, you'll have no doubt loved the tropical offering seen at Gucci, Versace and Marc Jacobs. Your inspiration? The 1960s Palm Beach socialite. I opted for a fabulous Rixo print top, worn with a matching skirt one day, and with a leopard print Ganni skirt later (other unlikely style icon: Kat Slater obvs).

More is more here, in case you hadn't guessed, but you can of course pair things back with the accessories. I've opted for a basket bag here, another key trend for SS18.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Suit shorts

Shop my look: Zara blazer (£89.99) and shorts (£49.99), Mango shoes (£59.99) and Mulberry bag (£950)

I was excited to try this trend (see at Off-White and Balmain) as I love a good blazer, and I wasn't disappointed. Suffice to say, your summer workwear just got elevated. Try a check number like this Zara two-piece, or a pastel one to make sure you tick two trends in one.

Summer fashion trends 2018: Floral dresses

Shop my look: Anna Glover x H&M top (£24.99) and skirt (£34.99), Zara shoes as before

Yes yes, florals for spring and all that. But this season, florals do get a little bit of a shake-up (Chloe, Rocha, Emilia Wickstead) in the form of ditzy prints and sugar hues. Try mixing and matching or going for a sheer floral for a bit more edge.