An instant wardrobe updater for now, and one you will be wearing all spring and summer too, the iconic wrap dresses was launched first in 1976 in New York by Diane Von Furstenberg with the slogan: 'Feel like a woman . . .

wear a dress'. Five million wrap dresses later, Diane Von Furstenberg was touted as the most remarkable designer since Coco Chanel, the everlasting popularity of the wrap dress already sealed.

Even though wrap dresses are almost passe by now . . . hey when they are available in kids' sizes you know a trend is over . . . their perennial popularity is clinched, with this little classic still top of most stylish women's new-season shopping lists.

Slimming and leglengthening, those who wear wrap dresses testify to the fact that they seem to magically cling to all the right places, hiding a multitude of lady lumps at the same time as revealing sexy cleavage and curves. A sartorial saviour for chilly not-quite-spring yet mornings . . . wear over longsleeved tops and under fine and chunkier slouchier knits and cardigans and you too will be converted.

The best news, though, is the price tag. With most high-street shops doing them in the 50- 80 price bracket, you can hit Penneys for a 13 beauty or go the designer route for over 200. Whatever way you look at it, this is fabulous fashion that is accessible to all.