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Nothing says summer style quite like a gorgeous dress, with visions of lazy lunches on riverbanks, picnic baskets spilling out sandwiches and strawberries, while you sit in a bed of daisies in your floaty flock.
Okay, okay – that may be a touch fanciful and, quite often, it's more likely to be a Saturday afternoon BBQ in the back garden, dodging drizzle in a waterproof jacket.
Whatever your plans (and whatever the weather), there are a plethora of summer dresses out there right now, enough to make your head spin.
So, I've done the legwork for you and selected three styles of summer dresses which are comfortable, flattering, and versatile.
Whether you're heading out to brunch, a summer event, or that damp BBQ, I've got you covered – literally.
And, I have a 'save' and a (slightly) 'splurge-worthy' version of each to appeal to all pockets.
So, with the sun's rays shining merrily down on us (fingers crossed!), roll the drums for dress style number one...
'Nothing says summer style quite like a gorgeous dress'
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Easy, everyday style
It's everyone's dream dress, isn't it? One that is comfy, relaxed, and effortless. Just pop it on and look amazing. I have the answer for you!
SAVE: Naomi Short Sleeve Dress-Cerulean Blue, Blossomy | Boden
Was £69 — NOW £41.40
Why I love it
- Great quality and a cotton blend
- A flattering cut and length for many body shapes
- Easy, relaxed shape
- Comes in a range of gorgeous colourful prints
- It has pockets
If you have a touch more cash to play with, you might like this Aspiga number.
SPLURGE: Chelsea EcoVero Wrap Dress in Blossom Pink/Cream | Aspiga (£90)
Although this dress is slightly more formal than the last one, it can still be worn for everyday, styled with flat sandals, trainers, or even flip flops for a relaxing post-beach beverage.
Alternatively, you could dress it up with some gold jewellery and pretty metallic sandals.
Why I love it
- Made from soft viscose
- Flattering V-neckline and feminine cut
- To-die-for colour and print – so pretty
- Fitted waistline but adjustable with the tie
It's everyone's dream dress, isn't it? One that is comfy, relaxed, and effortless
Boden / Aspiga
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Now for something a little more sophisticated, to take you anywhere...
Chic stripes
Want to feel chic? Wear stripes! It's a go-to print for instant elegance and a touch of je ne sais quoi.
SAVE: Love & Roses Ivory Contrast Tipping Belted Midi Shirt Dress | Next
Was £62 — NOW £40
This dress is walking glamour. Fit for Hollywood, it has all the features of a real winner for your summer wardrobe, as well as being relatively inexpensive.
Why I love it
- The black contrast piping gives length to any body shape or height
- The collar and belt give additional structure to this special dress
- Perfect for popping on a light shawl on cool evenings – and in any colour (everything goes with this dress!)
If you have a little more cash to splash and want a similar look, this Phase Eight number is superb for summer.
SPLURGE: Kimberley Stripe Midi Dress, Ivory, 16 | Phase Eight (£179)
This dress is designed to make you look and feel fabulous. It's dramatic, contemporary and oh-so chic.
It's simplified elegance to take you from summer evening drinks, to dinner, to a garden gathering. You'll be reaching for it all summer.
Why I love it
- Flattering, elongating, vertical lines that draw the eye in and down
- A-line and midi length
- The cheeky, subtle pleating in the skirt creates fluid movement and lots of space without volume
Featured here is the same style of dress, from Mango, at a cheaper price point. I was very happy to see that it took about 10lb off my appearance, as well as making me look taller and way more sophisticated than I really am. You can see how flattering this style of dress can be.
Striped Cotton Dress | Mango
Want to feel chic? Wear stripes! It's a go-to print for instant elegance and a touch of je ne sais quoi
Next / John Lewis
Featured here is the same style of dress, from Mango, at a cheaper price point
Deirdre Nicholas
On to my third style of dress...
Classic and floral
Who doesn't love a pretty, floral dress in the summer? But, there's floral, and then there's floral.
Big floral prints can, if you're not tall and slim, make you look a bit like a bright, walking flowerbed.
But a pretty, slightly smaller floral, where the flowers are more sprinkled, is fresh, youthful, and vibrant.
SAVE: Nieve Green Floral Crepe Midi Tea Dress | Finery (£45)
Why I love it
- Midi length and a V-neck, so it's great for so many body shapes and heights
- Youthful, fun print – such a beautiful shade of green
- The other complementary colours can be picked out when you style it up
- Short sleeves
For those prepared to splash their cash, this Hobbs piece is currently on sale.
SPLURGE: Ennerdale V Neck Midi Dress | Hobbs
Was £189 — NOW £149
I can see this with silver sandals and a clutch for an evening out, or flat cream slides for the daytime. Either way, this dress is class.
Why I love it
- Flattering tea dress silhouette
- The waist panel and button-through front add structure and shape to any figure
- Elegant long line, which is form-fitting but not tight
I hope these stellar summer dresses will inspire and invigorate your hunt for the perfect seasonal frock. Don't forget to enjoy those strawberries, even if the BBQ is a little soggy...
Who doesn't love a pretty, floral dress in the summer?
Finery / Hobbs
Real Life, Real Style is your monthly dose of fashion and style inspiration for living confidently and dressing with ease, no matter what your day (or decade) looks like.
Written by Deirdre, the creator of 50 and Fabulous with My Friend Deirdre.
For more style inspiration, check out Deirdre's YouTube or Instagram.