Fashion rarely invents anything truly new - more often it brings back something old under a new name. This summer the so-called Oriental aesthetic is returning to the streets, inspired by Chinese and Japanese traditional pieces, and cheap fast-fashion chains have already offered it at prices that tempt everyone.

The trend combines restrained, timeless elegance with a classic cut and a single dose of folkloric detail. They're recognizable by a few elements: frog closures - the decorative loop-button fastenings borrowed from Chinese and Japanese clothing - and a high, structured collar in the style of traditional Chinese dress. The materials are satin, jacquard and linen with a tangible texture and a soft sheen.

Specifically, in one well-known collection you can find a black satin top with frog closures for 22.95 euros, a short linen dress with frog closures for 29.95 euros, a jacquard midi dress for 39.95 euros and a structured vest with decorative fastenings for 25.95 euros. The prices are tailored for impulse buying - low enough that you don't think twice, trendy enough that it feels like you're investing in style.

Stylists advise wearing the pieces with tailored or linen trousers, flat sandals or heels, depending on the occasion. And here's the whole truth about fast fashion: they're selling you someone else's tradition packaged as a seasonal trend, which will be replaced by the next one by September. The piece is pretty, the price is low - just don't believe you're buying something that will last longer than the summer.