SOMETIMES the High Street is flooded with a fashion that seems designed to exclude everyone but teenagers and gym bunnies. Cycling shorts, crop tops, bodycon; for those with less-than-lithe limbs, these looks are more taunt than trend.

You might think the current passion for cutouts in clothing fits into this category, revealing flesh in areas over which we grown-ups would normally draw a discreet veil (or a voluminous tunic).

Yet actually, this look plays into the fact that we all have very different bodies — indeed, if well-chosen, there’s a cutout for everyone, no matter your shape, size or age.

You might prefer to keep your waistline under wraps if you’re an apple shape, for example, but are proud of your toned shoulders. Teaming a one-shoulder top with some white nautical trousers bestows instant Riviera glamour.

If you’re more pear-shaped or hourglass, then a waist-level cutout is a dazzling feature, as shown by a red blazer teamed with matching trousers. A more relaxed, weekend option is a black cotton dress with a cutout in the middle.

If you have beautiful, glossy skin, a cutout back offers the perfect frame for showing it off. A backless floral jumpsuit is a playful take on the look, while a backless dress is effortlessly elegant — a perfect garden-party or wedding-guest frock.

Still apprehensive at the thought of revealing your waist, shoulders or back? Then take inspiration from the buttoned-up Victorians, who knew something of the power of the merest glimpse of flesh. A strict, white Victorian-style crepe-de-chine blouse revealing the minimum flesh under the collar is a timeless cutout style you’ll keep for years.

(SD-Agencies)