If you talk to those who live in sunnier climes, such as Texas or Arizona, about the weather, they describe a hot day as awful in the same way that we describe a cool summer. Mind you they are talking about the kind of heat we can only imagine, up in the 100s usually, and think we are mad when we say, as I often do, that I love the heat. That doesn’t mean I want to lie and burn in the sun, I don’t, but I so much prefer a hot sunny day to what we frequently have here, even if the aircon is like a blast from an Arctic zone when you go inside……..anywhere.
Back to the sundress – to me this has to be sleeveless, quite possibly bare shouldered. It can be a maxi dress or above the knee. It has to be comfortable to wear. It’s not the kind of dress you would wear to a meeting in London, but the kind that you would go shopping in, have a picnic in, take on holiday and, most particularly, drink Pimms in the garden in.
To me one of the most important things about a sundress, because I’m likely to want to put it in my suitcase, is that it shouldn’t crease, the best sundresses are made from superfine cotton or jersey that unfolds creaselessly and can be pulled out of a case and put straight on. The very best sundresses, of course, also wash with ease. For me anything that needs extra care is out…….
I also prefer sundresses that have shape and style that flatters (who doesn’t), but there are a lot out there that just fall from the neckline which may be gloriously cool but will not look as good as something more fitted, but with the benefit of stretch to make them comfortable.
A great sundress just needs a pair of gold sandals, a simple clutch or tote and some jewellery. Most can be dressed up for hot summer nights doing double duty on your next blue sky holiday.
