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 (add a raffia tote and sunglasses) to work days (think an oversized linen blazer and ballet flats).
In search of the ultimate event dress? Opt for Emporio Sirenuse’s chic ‘Chloe’ maxi style: it’s cut from lightweight cotton-voile and comes in a beachy starfish print – pair it with strappy sandals and delicate gold jewelry for a destination wedding. Another pretty option is Dôen’s shirred ‘Ischia’, which is decorated with an archival Liberty London floral motif from the 1930s. Wear it to a garden party, styled with kitten heels and classic pearl earrings.
For something more office-appropriate, consider Erdem’s tiered shirt dress in crisp cotton-poplin – the chic ’50s-inspired silhouette is smart enough for business meetings and networking events, while the blurred floral print adds a unique point of difference. Plus, it’s exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. If your ‘out of office’ is already on and your next getaway imminent, then be sure to pack Matteau’s shirred organic cotton-poplin mini from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Save it for the end of your vacation to accentuate sun-kissed skin. Another NET-A-PORTER exclusive, La DoubleJ x Orlebar Brown’s vibrantly printed one-shoulder style looks gorgeous with thong 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 vibrant shades, then you’ll love Tove’s signature ‘Lauryn’ dress in zesty orange, which is also exclusive to NET-A-PORTER this season. Style it with optic-white mules and a matching top-handle tote. On the opposite end of the scale, Toteme’s figure-skimming jersey maxi is every minimalist’s dream and is so easy to dress up or down depending on the event. Regardless, these timeless designs will serve you well for many years to come.
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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown