Top five plaits for spring/summer 2011

There's always one look that proves to be the hit of the season and for summer, it's the plait. It's popularity is due to its versatility, achievability and it's a look that can be as bold or as subtle as you please - and it suits nearly everyone who wears it. So, with days on the beach a countdown away, here are my top five plaits for the coming season:

1 Plaits don't have to be relegated to the beach; they can look perfect for the boardroom as well. This look from Jason Wu saw Odile Gilbert for Aveda create looping braids and twists. "The Jason Wu hair look for this season is simple yet sophisticated, with 1970's inspiration. We're braiding chiffon - scraps from the collection - into the hair and twisting the ends into a flower. This look captures the happiness and excitement of spring and summer," she says.

2 Over at Prophetik, Tim Furssedonn headed a team from Toni & Guy to create a look that took inspiration from semi-tribal American Indians - a cultural and contemporary take on plaits worn in an anti-head shape.

3 The billowing silks of the Romeo Pires show were complemented by Medieval meets street-style plaits; a lived in texture worked with period braiding. Crimped hair was loosely French plaited through the back leaving a wispy texture through the front.

4 For the Sass & Bide show, the ghd team created a  multi-textured look with a striking visual aesthetic to compliment the collection, as intricate braids created a standout look. Worked up the back of the head, the ends were twisted into a high top knot, letting the braids take centre stage.

5 Plaits at the Jacob Kimme show ran down the back of the head like a spine and were bold, brash and certainly centre of attention.