"Flapper" style is one of those perennial trends which comes around so often it is practically a fashion uniform. Certainly you can bet your buckled boots that it will crop up every season and, being a trend that translates fairly well into real life, trickle fairly forcibly down through the pages of glossies everywhere into high street stores until you would be hard pushed to find one girl who doesn't have some form of decorative beading/ pleating/ dropped waisted dresses or headband lurking in her wardrobe. All of which are lovely, of course, and certainly a dominant presence in my own ramshackle wardrobe but have become a little, well, uniform-y. For a decade so visually rich in fashion treats, it seems foolish not to plunder its icons for forgotten style wisdom that aren't featured in Vogue with clockwork regularity. With another twenties-tinged season ahead, cast aside watered down trends and step into summer like the informed little flapper you are.

5. ZELDA FITZGERALD

Wife of F.Scott Fitgerald, Zelda Sayre was a writer in her own right, jewel of the literary scene and commonly regarded as the first American flapper. Which makes her a rather good place to start. Her pin tuck curls, drop waists and ballerina twists were intrinsically infused with a fiery nature and fierce spirit which made her the dazzling icon of the Roaring Twenties. Create a similar image by toning down glamourous silhouettes with intellectual touches and dancer grace. Tortured marriage optional.

4. PAUL POIRET

The French fashion designer, whose legacy far outlives the Twenties women he freed from corsets, created some of the most precious imagery of the decade. Illustrations of his draped designs and deliciously decorative embellishment betray the grace and beauty of the period better than any photograph. Steal away the jewel colours, beautiful beading and delicate details into your own wardrobe.

3. CLARA BOW

No one embodies the decadence and glamour of flapper style quite like silent movie starlet Clara Bow. With her legendary rosebud lips, doll-like make-up and bobbed curls, her face tells the stories of the time. Alongside Louise Brooks, their daring cropped hair, heavy make-up and elaborate costumes created an exotic, almost illustrated image which girls the world over daydreamed of. Try some dramatic make-up, whimsical hairpieces and properly coiffed curls for a style that needs no words.

2. COLETTE

The French author and vagabond adds a touch of eccentric European spark to what can be a somewhat girlish decade. With her risqué writings, outlandish stage costumes and penchant for boys clothes, her gutsy style offers alternative inspirations to the pretty pretty dresses which dominate flapper style. Her tomboy suits, Victoriana blouses and floral garlands are a refreshing way to add a touch of wit to an outfit.

AND THE NUMBER ONE FLAPPER ICON IS...