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 work days (think an oversized linen blazer and ballet flats).
In search of the ultimate event dress? Look no further than Bernadette’s chic ‘Marilyn’ maxi. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it’s cut from crisp pinstriped cotton in a halterneck silhouette inspired by the white dress famously worn by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch. Pair it with mules and delicate gold jewelry for a destination wedding. Elsewhere, Andrés Otálora’s bright-orange cotton-poplin style has been crafted entirely by hand in Colombia with braided straps and a ruffled hem that creates graceful movement – enhance the effect with heeled thong sandals. If you prefer neutrals, try Tove’s ‘Anisa’ dress from the SS25 runway. Our top tip? Save it for the end of your vacation to accentuate sun-kissed skin.
For something more office-appropriate, consider Mary Katrantzou’s ‘Como’ shirt dress in breezy cotton – the chic ’50s-inspired silhouette is smart enough for meetings and networking events, while the trompe l’oeil-effect floral print adds a unique point of difference. If your ‘out of office’ is already on and your next getaway imminent, then be sure to pack Matteau’s pintucked organic cotton and silk-blend maxi dress from our NET SUSTAIN edit. The floaty shape is timeless and so easy to style, making it a great all-rounder. Another highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Dôen’s ‘Quinn’ midi comes in a vibrant shade of blue inspired by the sea and has prairie-style puffed sleeves. 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 Gabriela Hearst’s ‘Arabella’ dress in rose-pink linen. Accentuate the warm tone with optic-white mules and a matching top-handle tote. On the opposite end of the scale, Khaite’s tweed-paneled ‘Miriele’ maxi from the SS25 runway is every minimalist’s dream, and looks chic styled with barely-there sandals and sculptural jewelry.
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