While boyfriend jeans and t-shirts may be the staple uniform of mums the world over, sometimes only a dress will do. There’s something about throwing on a dress that turns a day into more of an occasion, even if you’re just having a picnic by the river with your nearest and dearest or heading out for a day building sandcastles. Here are some of the best, and most on-trend dresses, for this summer.
1. Summer sightseeing
A go-to label for many fashion magazine stylists, Wondaland has appeared in everything from Vogue to Elle and Cosmopolitan to Glamour of late. And, it’s not hard to see why its designs are capturing editors’ attention. This cover up would look beautiful for a day sightseeing, keeping you covered up so you don’t burn in any summer sunshine but giving off an air of effortless style. Team with a pair of metallic sandals to keep you comfortable if you’re walking a long way and carry a slouchy bag to fit in any new purchases.
2. A day at the beach
Beach dresses have been in the stores for a few weeks now, but unless you’ve jetted off to warmer climes, it’s only now, with the onset of milder weather, that we might get the opportunity to wear one. The tied lace straps of the floral sundress from Preen’s range at Matches evoke memories of childhood summer holiday dresses, but with a much more grown-up, sophisticated feel. The pretty forget-me-nots against a dark background are bang on trend when it comes to how to wear florals this summer. And, when the weather isn’t so warm, you could layer over a white tee and wear with black biker boots.
3. Picnic time
There’s something whimsical and nostalgic about packing up a traditional rattan picnic box, spreading out a checked blanket in your favourite beauty spot and tucking into sandwiches and cake before playing kicking a football about or throwing around a frisbee. And, the pretty pastel paisley dress from the Laura Clement range at La Redoute perfectly embodies this feeling of playfulness. It’s an incredibly versatile piece. You could wear with brogues or white Converse for running around with your kids, or with high nude heels and a matching clutch for a dinner date or a wedding.
4. Your friend’s wedding
When attending a wedding, it can be hard to find a dress that no-one else will be wearing, as everyone tends to head to the same stores for their outfits. So, choosing a little-known label can be a great way to make sure you’re wearing something completely unique. Dublin-based Fee G has a plethora of covetable summer-ready dresses to choose from. One of the most beautiful is this pretty photo print dress, which taps into the trend this summer for clothes to look more like works of art than something you ought to be wearing. Either wear with lots of bangles and sandals for a casual beach or garden wedding, or keep accessories very minimal with nude heels and a matching clutch.
5. A night out
When you manage to get babysitters to enjoy a rare night out with your other half, it feels great to get dressed up and remind them why they fell for you in the first place. The printed mini dress from Erdem’s range at Net-a-porter embodies this season’s florals trend with its large blooms against a dark background. The long zip at the back gives it a hint of sex appeal but the flippy hemline is playful and flirty. It would look perfect with accessories kept to a minimum, just a pair of black heels sandals and a tiny black clutch – afterall, you don’t have to worry about packing in all the detritus of parenthood.
Whatever occasions you have to attend this summer, choosing one or two versatile dresses can take you right through the season.
I am loving the Erdem dress, great print and it looks flattering too!