We're hooked on big budget catwalk shows and the theatrics of fashion weeks: steam trains appearing on the runway, models walking amidst giant icebergs or Kate Moss sucking on a cigarette. But, quietly, trotted out before all the fanfare of the main lines, come the "pre" collections. Call them what you will and they've been called many things from Resort, Cruise to Pre, these are the offerings to keep your fashionable eye on - more than ever. With this wool dress at top of our wish list, Francisco Costa's pre-fall at Calvin Klein is just what we're hankering after well before autumn/winter hits.

The light chiffons of the last season were replaced by felted wools and, with this beige dress, the fabric was made to mimic lace. Costas's attention turns a heavy wool into a light and delicate dress and one which triumphs over the ever-changing weather. On first glance it appears the designer is welcoming a new found propriety from a brand used to controversy. The hem skims the knee, the cut emphasises a ladylike hourglass, but peekaboo cut outs and a cinched in waist make for something unexpectedly sexy.

Think about it for one moment dear reader, isn't everyday one endless catwalk opportunity? Of course it is dar-hh-ling. In the mundane duties, those naval gazing moments, life's chores and watching washing machines spin, fashion need not be forgotten. Sure, jogging bottoms are oh so comfortable and those jeggings work with everything in your wardrobe, but it's time to play dress up in Prada and Rochas.

Pay homage to an unexpected fashion icon, Barbara from The Good Life, in vintage dungarees. You may have noticed AW12 and the past few seasons has been quietly turning out variations of denim overalls both on the catwalk and on the street. Their utility purposes are being shed for paired down cool and a favourite of those who fancy themselves as land girls or grunge '90s kids. A gold and powder blue Miu Miu bag adds some girly luxury to the tough denim and brushed out curls.

Strip down a layer and into Rochas peachy sweet crop top and shorts and you're jumping back to the territory of '50s girls sitting on a pulled back soft top of a convertible in summer. Slipping from the backseat to being behind the wheel, it's Prada delivering the revved-up show stopper number. Hot Rod flames lick at the hem of this pretty chiffon dress and flames kick out from the glossy red heels. Prada's SS12 collection spelt out two male fantasies; women and their cars. This delicate dress may look pretty but the flame motif adds just enough attitude to make it a little bit more dangerous.

Now if that doesn't make you want to dress up everyday, nothing will.

How easy ladylike dressing seems: Throw on dress, attempt to fix your hair into shampoo advert worthy waves, always hang a handbag from one arm and never, ever even contemplate swapping your heels for flats. Though put a dainty foot wrong and you've strayed too far into the territory of footballers wives or found yourself on an English country estate using "mummy" without flinching. But Fendi, the Italian label known for unabashed extravagance, knows how to get it right.

With its neat peter pan collar and puffed sleeves this dress exaggerates all the stereotypes about prim and propper dressing. Fendi's dress, with its button down front and latticed sleeves in cream, looks as if it should appear on a little china doll. Miu Miu toys with this too with gingham earrings seemingly inspired by a cottage kitchen's table cloth.

These playful pieces have a hint of 50s housewife and a pinch of Mad Men, but the shapes and proportions make todays girl a very modern lady.