A guide to some of the county's leading specialist fashion stores

Ragdoll of Pudsey

Who shops here: For over 35 years award-winning occasion wear retailer Ragdoll of Pudsey has dressed stylish mothers-of-the-bride and groom, not only from Yorkshire and the whole of the North of England but also as far afield as the South Coast and the Channel Islands.

The labels: International occasion wear houses Ian Stuart, John Charles, Condici, Veni Infantino, Carina, Mireia, Presen and Ispirato to name but a few, many of which also offer matching millinery and head pieces. Plus a fabulous collection of casual, weekend, cruise and evening wear from designers such as Joseph Ribkoff, Tuzzi, Frank Lyman, Oui, Lisa Campione, Michaela Louisa and Faber.

What’s hot: Following last year’s royal wedding lace embellishments on some of our special occasion wear have become increasingly popular. Vibrant prints and block colours in fuchsia, lipstick, mango, turquoise, jade, lime green, metallic shades of silver, bronze, taupe and soft gold as well as classic navy blue and black and white are feature in this season’s collections of occasion wear and day wear.

Where to find us: There is off road parking directly outside the door and the store is open six days a week. Ragdoll of Pudsey, 76 Galloway Lane, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8LE 01274 660880 ragdollofpudsey.co.uk

Helen Sykes Fashions

Who shops here: The discerning woman who is looking for something special and different, that cannot be found in local shops. We are fortunate to have many regular clients many of whom lead extremely busy lives and they rely on us to put together a unique collection for them, one that works for their individual lifestyle whether for business or leisure time. In fact many ladies who come to us for a special occasion outfit fast become one of our regular clients.

The labels: Although we do carry well known labels such as Escada and Marc Cain we are not particularly a label conscious shop. We care more about exclusivity and design. We are one of the few independent businesses which still travel to Paris, Milan, Dusseldorf as well as London, to put together a unique collection for the woman who wants something a little different.

What’s hot: Colour. Mouth-watering vibrant citrus shades, cerise, orange and lime in block patterns and vivid prints in easy care and easy to wear silk jersey and cotton, perfect for today’s fast moving lifestyle. This season’s special occasion wear highlight has to be the dress and coat, simple but beautifully cut coats, worn over matching tailored dresses or more elaborate cocktail/ party dresses.

Where to find us: We are situated on the outskirts of Leeds, two miles from the city centre on the A647 Leeds to Bradford Road. There is ample roadside parking directly outside our store. Helen Sykes Fashions, 217-219 Stanningley Road, Leeds LS12 3PL 0113 231 0610 helensykesfashions.co.uk.

5th Avenue Clothes

Who shops here: The fashion-conscious woman looking for anything ranging from glamorous evening wear to chic and on-trend day wear.

The labels: Here at 5th Avenue we stock a selection of fabulous brands from 30 exclusive fashion houses, including one of the widest ranges of Joseph Ribkoff in Yorkshire.

What’s hot: As the only stockist of MAC jeans in the area, our fabulous spring colours are in popular demand to brighten up any wardrobe. With a fabulous fit and high-quality new technology fabric, you will want to try every shade and style.

Where to find us: 5th Avenue Fashions, 3 Dalesway House, South Hawksworth Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9LA 01943 607724 5thavenueclothes.co.uk

Main Boutique

Who shops here: Mixed age range of mainly local people as well as visitors to the Yorkshire Dales looking for individual clothes.

The labels: InWear, Stones (menswear), Matinique (menswear), YaYa, Ilsley Jacobsen (ladies), Fever, Johnny Q Jeans.

What’s hot: Blue is the colour for men this season; smart chinos and jackets for a sharp but casual look plus linen jackets and dark-wash jeans. For the ladies: wearable pieces which will see you through the day and into the evening.

Where to find us: Main Boutique 4, Craven Court, High Street, Town Centre, Skipton, BD23 1DG 01756 792780 mainboutique.co.uk

C& H Brown Fashion & Accessories

Who shops here: Local people as well as visitors from Lancashire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and holidaymakers.

The labels: NYDJ Jeans, Oscar B; Pomodoro, Poppy, Kirsten, Marble, Finn Karelia, Allison, Hotter, Van Dal, HB, Bridge, Lupo, Loake and Sioux.

What’s hot: Wedding outfits at the moment including shoes, handbags, hats, fascinators as well as early holiday wear especially for cruises.

Where to find us: 4-6 Newmarket Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 2HR 01756 792437 candhbrownskipton.co.uk

Robinsons Designer Clothes Boutique of Bawtry

Who shops here: Ladies and gentlemen of all ages who want to buy the very best designer labels from a team of friendly and welcoming people.

The labels: Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Bernshaw, Eton, True Religion, Eterna, Duchamp, Penrose, Wolford and many more. Introducing three new labels from Spring/Summer 2012 Amanda Wakeley, Armani Collezioni and Lexington.

What’s hot: For ladies, it has to be our collection of Mulberry handbags and accessories. We pride ourselves on our fantastic selection ranging from iPhone cases to oversize luggage and everything in between. Currently in store are Armani Jeans with Armani Collezioni to be introduced later in the year.

Where to find us: Robinsons of Bawtry, 2 South Parade, Bawtry, South Yorkshire DN10 6JH 01302 711477 robinsonsofbawtry.com

Christie Lea Ladies Designer Wear

Who shops here: Ladies who want to make a fashion statement.

The labels: Joseph Ribkoff, Condici, Ispirato, Tuzzi.

What’s hot: Dresses long or short for party and occasion wear.

Where to find us: Within easy distance of the M62 and the M1 at Christie Lea Ladies Designer Wear 491 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 8LQ 01924 470909 christie-lea.co.uk.

Walk In Style

Who shops here: Everyone is welcome at Walk In Style by our team of dedicated staff who will help style you for any occasion, from head to toe.

The labels: A wide range of styles including casual day wear and more formal evening wear including Isabel De Pedro, Apanage, Crea Concept, Mac Jeans, Frank Lyman, Royland Joyce and Joseph Ribkoff.

What’s hot: Spanish designer Isabel de Pedro dresses, Nude shoes and handbags from K&S, hot tropical dresses from Frank Lyman and shoes by Peter Kaiser.

Where to find us: Walk In Style, 34 Bingley Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 4RU 01274 580964 walkinstyle.co.uk.

House of Elliot

Who shops here: A wide variety of customers from the age of 25 who love going to the races, are searching for evening gowns and party wear as well as occasion wear including mothers-of-the-bride and groom outfits.

The labels: Mostly Spanish collections from Luis Civit, Sonnia Pena Carla Ruiz, Mascara, Gina Bacconi, Michael G.

What’s hot: Evening wear for cruising as well as something special for mothers of the bride and groom this wedding season.

Where to find us: Junction 24, M62 and take the third exit off the A629 Huddersfield. House of Elliot 213 Halifax Road, Huddersfield HD3 3QP 01422 377911motherofthebrideoutfits.co.uk

Van Mildert

Who shops here: The fashion conscious and style connoisseur. Van Mildert is a high end fashion retailer and our Yorkshire stores include collections from some of the most prestigious labels in men’s fashion.

The labels: YMC, Hugo Boss, Vivienne Westwood, MCQ Alexander McQueen, Stone Island, Nudie Jeans, Pretty Green, Barbour, Aquascutum, Paul Smith

What’s hot: This season printed tops and bright colours dominate menswear. Chinos continue to be popular as do tailored jackets; stylish designer pieces for parties, a date or just a night out with friends.

Where to find us: vanmildert.com or at one our stores. Harrogate 01423 529407, York 01904 651490, Hull 01482 588368, Meadowhall 0114 3210039 or Darlington 01325 466446