To me a sundress has to be bare shouldered, easy to wear, in a lightweight fabric that doesn’t crease at the drop of a hat, flattering and preferably extremely pretty. It can be long or short, full or fitted, waisted, empire line, colourful, neutral, printed or plain. It can occasionally take you from day to night with just the addition of some summer jewellery and a pair of heels, or better for poolside or beach. To me the key words are bare shouldered, lightweight and pretty.
Here are my top 20 finds, which, if you’re tempted, you should order now or they’ll disappear as soon as the temperature rises. Designer include Paul Smith Black, Missoni, Milly, Warehouse and French Connection.
The maxi is of course one of the major trends this season, and strappy, backless, halterneck and bandeau dresses abound, in tribal, floral and ditsy prints. Make sure that yours fits really well at the top and then skims all the way down. One of the things you may well need with your maxi (or knee length) strappy sundress is a seriously good strapless bra. This one from Figleaves is one of the best.
This season you can shop the high street and the designer boutiques and find a wonderful selection at all prices, here you’ll find Diane von Furstenberg, Milly, Warehouse, French Connection, Wallis, Kew, Missoni, Boden and more.
Shorter sundresses need to be just the right length to look their best, preferably just on or above the knee, whichever works for you. Too long and they can look frumpy so shorten yours if you need to. As someone who is vertically challenged at 5’2” I know these things, but catch sight of yourself in something just that little bit too long and you’ll know exactly what I mean……….
This collection comes to you from Oasis, Kookai, Kew, Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, Lauren Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith Black. Some are more dressy than others. Take your pick. They’re all just waiting to be packed.
Wear your sundresses with flat sandals for day and/or heels for the evening. Something modern, strappy, wedge, with or without a platform. Happy holidays……………
