Splash out on a body of art

Inspired by the works of Oxford artists? Join the creatives the easy way this summer for a new take on prints.

No design classes or paintbrushes necessary – the high street has come up with its own wearable works of art.

Usually known for its minimalism, design house Celine displayed a more-is-more approach, splashing the catwalk with bold colour and brush stroke prints. The arty touch was also adopted at Chanel, Prada and Versace, setting the style canvas for spring/summer 14.

Time to brush up on your print experimentation? Rummage through the high street gallery for a makeshift masterpiece. It’s never been easier to wear your art on your sleeve.

NEW WAVE

Go graphic for summer with a bold brushstroke print, like Satu Maaranen for Petit Bateau’s wavy dress. It’s party at the front and casual at the back, with contrast Breton stripes in the same red and white colourway, £125 (petit-bateau.co.uk).

ART ATTACK

You can’t get much more Celine-inspired than Zara’s paint splodge Printed Dress in bright primary colours. The daubed-on brushstrokes have a DIY approach that’s bang on trend, £45.99 (zara.com).

GRAPHIC GLOW

Wrap yourself up in abstract expressionism this season, literally. Next’s orange, black and grey Wrap Dress combines a business-like silhouette with a wild graphic print, £32 (next.co.uk).

LEG WORK

Pencil skirts just got interesting. Walk around like a Monet-on-acid masterpiece with Topshop’s Tropical Print Tube Skirt, £20 (topshop.com).

CREATIVE CUT-OUTS

Transform florals into a piece of modern art. Phase Eight’s Claudia Dress resembles Henri Matisse’s spectacular cut-outs in stark blue and white, £79 (phase-eight.co.uk).

MONDRIAN MODE

For the most minimalist take on the maximalist art vibe, go for graphic black and white. Try Jaeger’s stripped-back take on cubism with the Monochrome Maze Print Top, £180 (jaeger.co.uk).

PEEPER PARADE

No peeking, please. Bag an irreverent arty accessory with Primark’s Yellow Eyes Purse. It’s sure to keep an eye on your valuable possessions, Picasso-style, £2 (in stores only).

MAXI-MALISM

For a real statement art piece, choose a top-to-toe outfit. Red Herring at Debenhams’ abstract Maxi Dress is best reserved for attention seekers with its uber-bold paintbrush print, £35 (in stores only).

PAINTBRUSH PLEASER

If eye-catching colours don’t appease your palette, try a more muted approach. Marks & Spencer’s Autograph Contrast Print Midi Dress comes in varying hues of watercolour greens mixed with black, £69 (marksandspencer.com).

BRUSHSTROKE BODY-CON

A masterstroke in elevating the LBD into something sexier. H&M has added sunset-inspired paint strokes over black and topped it off with an off-the-shoulder silhouette for an after-dark-only look, £34.99 (in stores only).