The Fashion Memo

The Sundresses To Wear On Repeat This Summer

Whether you go pared-back or big on color, there’s a strappy sundress to suit your summer aesthetic

Summer just wouldn’t be summer without the perfect sundress to brighten your day. So, whatever the occasion and your personal style, COLLEEN ROSS has the edit you’ve been waiting for…

Fashion assistant Haajira Muzzamil
Fashion
Look to midi or maxi lengths to stay cool – and chic – in the sun

When it comes to simple summer style, few items in your wardrobe work harder than a sundress. A one-stop solution for hot and humid climes, it’s a piece you can slip on in the morning and wear all the way through to dinner or evening drinks. These are the warm-weather dresses we are loving right now…

The statement maxi

Whether you’re attending a destination wedding or heading out for an alfresco dinner, Zimmermann’s ‘Halliday’ maxi is a romantic choice for all kinds of warm-weather occasions. Crafted from airy linen, it’s printed with delicate pink blooms and has scalloped lace trims tracing the neckline. Complement the figure-skimming fit with strappy sandals and a mini raffia tote. Looking for low-effort, max-impact summer-style solutions? Look no further than Missoni’s cutout maxi. It’s made from the brand’s signature crochet knit that’s beautifully light, making it a super-stylish savior when the temperature rises. Match your accessories to any one of the colorful chevron stripes.

The wear-anywhere dress

Summer clothes can be wonderfully fun, but that doesn’t mean the cost-per-wear factor should be forgotten. Enter the wear-anywhere dress – a wardrobe workhorse that can be dressed up or down for myriad eventualities. Dôen’s daisy-printed ‘Emmaretta’ dress is made from lightweight organic cotton-voile and comes in the California label’s signature shirred shape. Slip it on with chunky sandals and chic shades for days spent exploring local villages and farmers markets, or low-heeled mules and statement gold earrings for alfresco drinks.

Injecting color into your summer wardrobe has never been easier, thanks to JW Anderson. The brand’s slinky maxi dress comes in a gorgeous flamingo-pink and is perfect paired with red or chocolate-brown accessories. The breezy asymmetric hem reflects the ease and carefree spirit of island life – just add sleek leather flip flops and sculptural earrings for dinner at the local taverna on vacation. When you’re back in the city, wear it to the office, or after-dark occasions, with a tailored blazer and mesh ballet flats.

The linen number

When it comes to dressing in a heatwave, linen is always a foolproof option for understated elegance. A natural material made from flax plant, linen is ultra breathable, which makes it cool to wear in warmer weather. Simkhai’s ‘Val’ midi has an elegant cutout V neckline and ladder stitching tracing the handkerchief hem. It looks as chic styled with gladiator sandals and a basket bag for city days as it does with strappy heels and a clutch for garden parties. If you prefer styles with sleeves, try La DoubleJ’s knitted ‘Zephyr’ dress, which is patterned with wavy stripes and has an effortlessly elegant wrap silhouette. The tomato-red shade looks beautiful on all skin tones and goes especially well with gold jewelry. Wear it barefoot for walks along the beach or at golden hour with thong sandals and a rose-tinted lip.

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