The Best Summer Dresses To Invest In Now
Easy, effortless dresses are the ultimate slip-on-and-go warm-weather staple – and there’s one to suit every occasion, says COLLEEN ROSS
As warmer days return, there’s one closet stalwart we all reach for again and again – a sunshine-ready dress. The beauty of this go-to garment lies in its ease and versatility. Simple to style up or down, it will see you through everything from weekend escapes (with a raffia tote and sunglasses) to workdays (think an oversized linen blazer and ballet flats).
In search of the ultimate event dress? Look no further than Khaite’s chic ‘Sicily’ slip, which is cut from lustrous satin-twill in a simple column shape and playfully printed with raspberries. Match your shoes to the sweet illustrations and finish with delicate gold jewelry for a destination wedding. Elsewhere, Alaïa’s one-shoulder cut-out jersey style delivers glamour in spades and is perfect for midsummer weddings. Complement the asymmetric hem with heeled thong sandals.
For something classic, suitable for garden parties and networking events, consider a tea dress (yes, it’s back and prettier than ever) – Erdem’s version is dappled with a soft-focus floral print that beautifully complements the chic, ’50s-inspired silhouette. If your ‘out of office’ is already on and your next getaway imminent, then be sure to pack Lido’s striped cotton and silk-blend midi dress. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, the floaty halterneck shape is effortless and super-easy to slip on over swimwear, making it perfect for blissful beach days. Wear it with woven leather sandals and stacked bracelets.
Whether you’re attending a drinks reception or a summer soirée, there’s a whole spectrum of colors and silhouettes to choose from this season. If you’re drawn to the sunset shades that swept the runways, then you’ll love Sir’s bow-detailed ‘Carlotta’ dress in soft yellow linen. Accentuate the warm tone with optic-white mules and a matching top-handle tote. On the opposite end of the scale, Pucci’s ‘Marmo’-printed midi is every maximalist’s dream, and looks chic styled with oversized hoop earrings and barely-there sandals. Alternatively, if you prefer neutrals, try Faithfull’s button-down linen ‘Seema’ dress from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Our top tip? Save it for the end of your vacation to accentuate sun-kissed skin.
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