Whilst long days and al fresco dining are lovely – perhaps rather predictably given my career – it’s summer fashion that makes me really love the season. And nothing quite sums up summer fashion like a great summer dress.
An absolute wardrobe hero, a stylish summer dress is the kind of piece you throw on at a moment’s notice for that impromptu picnic, barbeque or date night. It’ll take you from the office to cheeky sundowners (especially fun when sunset is at 9pm) and looks just as good with trainers as it does heels. Essentially, the best summer dresses are the kind that complete your wardrobe and leave you wondering how you ever made it through without it.
Which brands do the best affordable dresses?
These are the six best new-in dresses on the high street to buy now that’ll do just that…
1. The belted shirt dress
Shirt dresses are a wardrobe classic, but if you’re looking for a slightly more modern version, this mandarin-collared Zara dress is for you. This green patterned frock flows beautifully, and you can tie it at the waist for a more polished look or leave it unbelted for relaxed styling.
It’ll quickly become your go-to summer dress as you pair it with everything from trainers on the weekend, to a bikini and slides on holiday. Plus it’s part of Zara’s Join Life range, which reduces the brands environmental impact. Zara’s best printed midis notoriously sell out early in the season, so add to bag before it does. You’ve been warned…
2. The classic-with-a-twist dress
Even if you’ve never been an animal print lover, this Kitri dress will land top of your summer dress wish list. The navy and white animal print is a pared-back option to full-blown leopard, and compliments the vintage style of this dress perfectly.
The puff sleeves, frilled square neck and small side slit are just a few of the details that make this midi dress stand out. It’s a safe investment option as it’s the kind of piece you’ll wear summer after summer.
3. The grown-up mini dress
If you’re after a grown-up mini, this & Other Stories number is one of the best on the high street right now. Cut in a voluminous A-line with full sleeves, this is the kind of mini dress you could wear to the beach, on a night out and even to the office. It’s made from organic cotton (goodbye sweat patches) and the drawstring waist allows you to style it depending on the occasion. The rich navy hue would be perfectly complimented with simple gold jewellery and a straw tote bag for an effortless summer look.
4. The pretty picnic dress
Albaray is quickly becoming a go-to for stylish high street pieces that not everyone will be wearing – and a sustainable ethos that means you can buy with piece of mind. And one of their most stylish designs for the summer is this patchwork midi dress; the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece, it features a mix of floral, gingham and check prints for a unique style.
It’s a perfect day dress that you can wear with sandals and trainers, and it would also make a perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe.
5. The sleek black midi
Summer dresses don’t have to be printed or brightly coloured. In fact, there’s nothing chicer than a stylish black dress, accessorised with flat sandals and gold jewellery in the height of summer.
This ASOS Design midi dress is already in my cart – I can imagine wearing it with an oversized blazer to meetings, block heels for dinner with my pals and then throwing it on for both day and night-time on my summer holiday.
6. The bold block-coloured frock
The equivalent of (orange) sunshine in a dress, this bright orange midi is a statement piece to build the rest of your summer wardrobe around.
But just because it’s a *wow* piece doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort; this H&M number is a mix of cotton and soft modal fabric, so it’s practically made for wafting around on a hot summer’s day. If you’re really looking to stand out, pair it with equally bright shoes, like a bright green or bold blue. For a more relaxed look, it’ll style beautifully with flat ankle tie sandals in a neutral tone and a raffia tote bag.
;
