Can you really get away with.. catwalk trends? This season's trends are bold and daring but are they easy to wear? Writer Katie Mulloy, 27, tries everything from bold shoulders to thigh-high boots and gets a fashion verdict from her mum, and her man...

Byline: Katie Mulloy

THE TREND: 80s

This dress combines three 80s trends in one - the bold shoulder, neon colours and a high hemline. This is real statement dressing - so only wear if you want to get noticed.

KATIE'S BOYFRIEND ALISTAIR, 24, SAYS: Well, you're certainly making a statement but it's not so ridiculous I wouldn't want to be seen out with you. I like the vibrant colours.

KATIE'S MUM, CATH, 59, SAYS: Horrible! The pattern looks like a dinner lady's pinny.

KATIE'S VERDICT: This feels fun and flirty - it's a nice change from a standard LBD. The bold shoulders balance out my hips and give the dress attitude.

Neon print mini dress, pounds 35, Love Label at Littewoods. Bronze heels, pounds 44.99, River Island

THE TREND: Jumpsuit

This Chloe-inspired all-in-one is a hot look this season. Satin is unforgiving so if it's not the perfect fit you risk showing more than a VPL!

ALISTAIR SAYS: I like this look on you, it's fun. It's different without being too outlandish and I'd be fine if you wore it on a night out. It's classy.

MUM SAYS: I wore jumpsuits in the 70s and would normally cringe at anything that reminded me of that, but I quite like this. The legs aren't so baggy you look like a clown the way I did and the colour makes it quite sophisticated.

KATIE'S VERDICT: These are usually a disaster on me because they make my thighs and bum look massive, but I sort of like this one. Sophisticated and sexy.

THE TREND: Lace dress

Prada is convinced this look will be a style hit, but you could look more Miss Marple than Kate Moss.

ALISTAIR SAYS:This dress looks like Victorian doll's clothing - in a bad way. I don't think a white dress ever looks good unless you're on a beach somewhere. I'm not sure how I feel about the black tights with it either.

MUM SAYS: Well, I have been looking for a fairy to go on the Christmas tree. Seriously, it's so little-girly.

KATIE'S VERDICT: This makes me feel trapped between a five-year-old girl and frumpy old lady. There's nothing sexy about this.

THE TREND: Thigh-high boots

Prada's version was a sell-out and there are affordable styles on the high street, but think carefully about what you team them with to avoid looking more cheap than chic.

ALISTAIR SAYS: I think thigh-length boots should be reserved for ladies of the night. It's a look for an old woman who thinks she's still got it when she clearly hasn't. I like the dress though - it's like you're wearing a jumper of mine that's too big for you. Sexy.

MUM SAYS: I know I shouldn't like these but I actually really do. You've got the legs to carry them off and because the look is simple, it doesn't seem trashy... maybe because they're suede. Please don't ever get shiny PVC ones.

KATIE'S VERDICT:Yes, it took at least five minutes to get them on and yes they feel a bit Pretty Woman but not enough to put me off. I'd definitely wear these on a night out but probably with black opaque tights.

THE TREND: Leather

Every celeb from Posh to Angelina Jolie is working this look but choose the shape and style carefully - it's easy to look like you're heading to a fetish club!

ALISTAIR SAYS: Short and leather is a bit dodgy. I'm not convinced. There's something dominatrix about it and not in a good way.

MUM SAYS: Alistair would never take you home to meet his mother in that. I don't know who gets away with leather dresses in real life. How comfortable are they? Don't you sweat in them?

KATIE'S VERDICT: On the hanger this looked cool and classy. On me it looked like I was dressed as a dominatrix. I'd be up for a leather skirt but a dress is a step too far for me.

THE TREND: Metallic leggings 

This rock-chic look will turn heads but not necessarily for the right reasons - you need good legs to pull this trend off (and a long top to protect your modesty!).

ALISTAIR SAYS: I love this! It's so 80s. Okay, not sure about the pattern but the monochrome is playful and edgy and it shows off your awesome legs.

MUM SAYS: What? It takes all the shape from your legs and makes them look awful. I'm not even sure the jacket goes. This is my least favourite, it's just too trashy.

KATIE'S VERDICT: I can't believe Alistair likes these! I hate my thighs at the best of times but these make them look even more footballer-ish. On a size-six model, yes. On anyone normal, gross!

WHERE TO BUY: www.asos.com www.barratts.co.uk www.littlewoods.co.uk www.marksandspencer.com www.missselfridge.co.uk www.modainpelle.com www.newlook.co.uk www.peacocks.co.uk www.riverisland.com www.tkmaxx.com www.topshop.com www.warehouse.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Katie's mum Katie's boyfriend Blue satin jumpsuit, pounds 45, Asos. Lace-up shoe, pounds 19.99, Tk Maxx. Neon print mini dress, pounds 35, Love Label at Littewoods. Bronze heels, pounds 44.99, River Island Studded thigh-high boots, pounds 160, Moda in Pelle. Jersey jumper dress, pounds 28, Miss Selfridge. White lace dress, pounds 50, Topshop. Opaque tights, pounds 5, M&S. Black suede court shoe, pounds 20, Barratts. Metallic leggings, pounds 18, New Look. White vest, pounds 3, Peacocks. Black blazer, pounds 39.99, Tk Maxx. Black suede court shoes, pounds 20, Barratts. Leather dress, pounds 100, Warehouse. Buckle detail shoes, pounds 29.99, Tk Maxx