We’ve perhaps all heard enough about the bold and brazen Prada turban debut this spring. However stately and regal it looked on the catwalk, it’s doubtful we’ll be embracing this catwalk trend this summer, but there’s something about such statement headwear that lends empowerment, elegance and strength to the female form. The turban, traditionally associated with religion, ethnicity and drenched in culture graced the catwalks in all its splendour at the Spring/Summer 07 shows. Prada’s version shimmered in dark satin, wrapping the models hair gracefully into a fabric crown that sat artistically on the head.

What looks show stopping on the catwalk, however, rarely looks as impressive on you or me. Styled to perfection, Prada are experts at setting trends, but is this one destined to turn heads on the beach this summer, or just another fad that got everyone talking?

Brave followers of fashion confident enough to sport the turban must be bold and confident, preferably tall with perfect poise and a long face. Turbans can look positively sexy worn in the correct way by the correct person – they can also look terrible. The look to go for is African queen, elegant, brave and strong – wrap all of your hair up, never balance on hair that hangs loose or you’ll look more washerwoman than stately princess. The turban needs to look high-fashion, so go for serious dark, rich colours (think deep purples, scarlets and green) avoiding patterns and pastel that will look washed out and cheap.

There’s certainly no shame in giving the turban trend a miss this year – most of us will. But don’t rule out headwear completely when accessorising this summer. There are a few “real girls” fashion tricks to dressing your head up this summer, which hold much lesser risk of serious wardrobe malfunction and turning heads for the wrong reasons.

Embrace ethnic style this season and buy a beautiful headscarf. This multi-purpose accessory is perfect for the beach, acting as both a tie for your hair, hair-band and sun protector. Wrap around your forehead and push gently up over your head, tying under your hair whether tied up or let loose. Sweep fringes and loose hair away from the face, creating a clean and fresh visage lined with bright fabric. A wider cut scarf will even allow you to wrap up all of your hair if you’re brave enough; otherwise let your tresses loose and team with a flowing maxi-dress and bohemian-style drop earrings for gypsy princess chic. The headscarf is a lifesaving summer accessory that can look striking and elegant whether you use it to hide dry, salty hair on the beach or disguise unruly locks in the evening, the headscarf transforms dull hair into a fashion feature, day or night. Experiment with neutrals, ethnic-inspired print and bright colours and don’t be afraid to mix and match colours with your clothing – the beauty of bohemian style is eclecticism rules, so marry gold and silver, blend course fabrics with satin and combine beige with the brightest pink.

If girly florals, printed fabrics and pretty colours aren’t your thing why not adopt a sportier look? Rave is back bringing with it neon shades, sexy sportswear and retro accessories – the favourite of which is, the visor. A functionless fashion item, they expose your head and hair to the sun, can play havoc with you hairdo and don’t even shade your eyes from the sun that well – but they look great on sporty ladies. Choose one with a tinted visor (clear screens can look dirty), neons look great in pink, orange and yellow and can be toned down with sporty tops and skirts in neutral colours.

If you’ve never thought about dressing your head up for the summer, start now – it’s not about hiding your hair, it’s about adorning it with bright, bold fabrics that crown your look, taking you from beach to bar with subtle sophistication.