Anna Harvey on the grown-up way to do bohemian style

Each time a designer shows a bohemian collection (this season, Gucci and Etro) my heart rejoices. The dressing-up side of my nature has always been quite dominant and I love to experiment with colour, pattern and texture. It’s much easier to get away with this in the sunshine months.

In the winter I find it very difficult trying to pair an embroidered skirt with the necessary coat to keep me warm, but in the summer I will happily experiment with scarves, turbans, kaftans… even the odd dirndl (this last is only for the very brave and, I have discovered, the very slender).

Striped linen trousers, ￡110 , Toast; Sparkling sandals, ￡35, Accessorize 

Many of us will be travelling abroad this summer, where the temptations of street traders, bazaars and markets may well prove irresistible. Just think of all those colourful sarongs, beads, harem trousers and other delights that are waiting for you. If you’re anything like me, you will want them all and wear everything at once for the duration of your holiday, after which they will be relegated to a drawer, not to be seen again until next summer, if ever.

50 beautiful and breezy dresses to buy now for under ￡100

Artisanal garments of mine that have stood the test of more than one holiday include a pink, crushed linen dress from a street market in Isle sur la Sorgue in Provence, and some pretty Indian cotton tops in lovely colours from a market in Spain. The more conventional things endure.

Jacquard coat, ￡39.99, Zara; Weekend Max Mara Sassari skirt, ￡129, Matches Fashion

I suggest starting to collect a few things before you go away. Since almost everything is on sale at the moment, you will have to be strong and rummage through rail after rail of crushed and creased garments, but keep your eyes peeled for bright cottons, good floral prints and stripes as well as solid colours, wide trousers and longer skirts (Zara, Mango and H&M are all worth a visit). Team these with simple T-shirts (M&S has a good selection of colours) or a great white shirt and thonged sandals or plimsolls.

If you have been tempted by Frida Kahlo’s style, you are very on-trend. You might even get away with that flower in your hair on a terrace by the sea. Have fun. Summer is the perfect time for experimentation.