IMAGES: Summer's SEXIEST wardrobe essentials!

Ladies, here are all the style buys you must stock up on this season!

If you haven't heard of flatforms or peplums yet, it's time to find out all about them.

In the following pages, we bring you a dozen summer must-haves -- in other words, your closet absolutely cannot do without these.

Read on to learn more!

The crop bustier

Yes, the hot favourite of the '90s is back and its surprised us all with its return -- we never thought we'd see the crop bustier in vogue again!

But it is an 'it' item for 2012 and has been seen on everyone who's anyone from Scarlett Johansson to Selena Gomez, who's seen here dolling it up with a pretty A-line skirt.

Style tip: Wear with a high-waisted lower garment to avoid flashing too much flesh. Plus, that's the look for this year -- just a hint of midriff, no more.

Feminine frocks are on-trend, but listen up -- no more cascading silhouettes, layers and florals! The maxi in 2012 is a sleek, stream-lined, girly affair in pastels as seen on Alessandra Ambrosio.

Style tip: Wear with a belt to accentuate your figure and don't over-accessorise.

Neons are the new black and the best way to wear them is in the form of a hot little mini -- although your hair need not match, like Katy Perry's! Also note how she's teamed hers with another season pick, the crop bustier.

Style tip: Opt for a neon skirt with flaring hips and side pockets.

Its easygoing appeal continues to reign, so you simply must get a striped tee for this season -- a cool, comfortable cotton that will go with practically anything. Note how Claudia Schiffer smartens up hers with a neckpiece and quilted purse.

Style tip: Blue and white is tipped as a favourite combo. And you can go for a slouchy style too, instead of a fitted one.

As far as pastel picks go, shorts in a pretty, pale hue are ideal. Look how feminine Elle Fanning is in her bloomer-style printed playsuit.

Style tip: Try for a colourblocking look with upper garments and accessories in stronger tones.

Fashion critics hit out at this new style of footwear in a big way, but the flatform, which teams the comfort of flat shoes with platform soles, has still become a rage. And you simply must purchase at least one pair -- they're comfy and super-hot at the moment!

Style tip: Try to get your hands (or feet!) on a slip-on pair -- buckles are quite a fuss. And wear with any breezy, casual outfit for a high-fashion look!

Here's another retro trend that has astonishingly climbed the style charts -- peplum tops and dresses. For those who don't quite know what 'peplum' means, its a short ruffle or overskirt that features on the waistline of a garment, be it a dress, jacket or blouse.

Style tip: Choose a hemline that's well above the knee and high heels to flatter your figure like supermodel Irina Shayk -- else peplums can have you looking a little hippy!

It's not floral prints that are hot this year, it's floral applique work. It stands out beautifully on soft colours and you can make like a diva like Taylor Swift here.

Style tip: Opt for a pale colour, as applique comes across rather heavy on deeper tones; bling should be minimal, if at all.

Yes our summers are quite scorchingly hot, but some fashion plates will go to any lengths to keep up with trends, sooo -- if you're one of them, you probably already own a light blazer for the season! Actress Amanda Seyfried created quite a stir with this red carpet appearance and you can too, if you don't mind sweating it out.

Style tip: Black is a no-no -- choose white, pale pink or powder blue to make a sexy statement.

No, we don't mean steal from your man's closet! The boyfriend tee is one which combines the comfort and easier fit of a man's tee-shirt with a flattering cut. For women, that is.

Style tip: Team with crops or skinny pants like model Doutzen Kroes for the best effect. You can even glam them up with high heels.

Weird, yes. But we've seen enough of them around by now to know they're a trend! If you have trouble believing that your next purchase should sport an eggplant print, take a closer look at Georgia Salpa's cocktail dress!

Style tip: You don't really need advice for this one -- just don't opt for a banana hat to finish off your outfit, unless you're Lady Gaga!

And finally, we come to the belt bag. It allows you the use of both your hands and with labels like D&G and Michael Kors (seen here) endorsing it this year, you really don't need our word for it.

Style tip: Don't try substituting it with a fanny pack or you'll look like a tourist. For a really eye-catching accessory, you may need to hunt around for an actual purse that comes with a hip belt.