I don’t need any more dresses. I have several in the attic that I’m currently psyching myself up to pull out, which means heaving a load of winterwear up to the attic at the same time. But pretty soon I will need the bright orange linen dress, bought at Jigsaw two years ago, to wear to a wedding at the end of the month. At this point, I could stop buying dresses forever. A lifetime in fashion magazines has culminated in a well-stocked wardrobe, to put it mildly. I’ve started selling a few pieces on Vinted, as I do need to get a bit more streamlined. (I’m bellaluna38 just FYI.)
But none of this stops me enjoying the sight of new dresses. I probably won’t buy (m)any of these, but I thought I’d give you my round-up of some summer beauties I’m coveting right now.
First, a disclaimer: I’m not your girl for anything above the knee. I do like short dresses, just not on me. This is a shopping list for my kindred midi and maxi spirits.
The one to buy for… some reason I haven’t thought of yet
This from Sezane is currently the most in danger of finding its way into my wardrobe. Those gorgeous floaty sleeves, that lush pastel 70s palette. I don’t need it but my god I want it. For the chic ladies who lunch life I absolutely do not lead? The notes say it has a ‘removable bottom’, not sure what that means, but it’s helping me to justify it as a wise investment.
The one to annoy my husband
I wish Rene - creative director of Lisou - would get out of my head. My friend Kathy Lette would be upset about me ‘hiding’ my body in so much fabric. Sexy it ain’t and it’s almost certain to be #clothesmyhusbandhates - especially styled with a bucket hat which I’d also be well up for. But it’s exactly the kind of pretty and cool thing I want to waft in all summer.
The ones that make you happy just looking at them
Never can resist a rainbow bright. Pink City Prints is a must if you’re a dress fan.
Oh and there’s also this from Boden. How could you ever have a bad day in this dress?
When only denim will do
Seventy + Mochi is a lovely brand that does great things with denim like this cute dress. It’s giving slight milk maid vibes and I am not angry about that.
For a chic holiday moment
If I buy this from Aspiga, I will float in it all summer. Or at least until I spill ketchup down it. Actually, it also comes in red. Maybe I should get the red.
For something surprisingly useful
I confess, I actually did buy this one from H&M. And I almost never find things in there. I wore it to my friend Kathy’s book launch last week. It’s great as a kaftan but I tied a black ribbon around the waist and that dressed it up a little bit more.
When you need to be fancy
A great option for an evening wedding guest look from Nobody’s Child.
When you want to be sexy and comfy
I’ve already mentioned this dress on Friday Night Fashion, the YouTube show I do with Amanda Wakeley. I’ve become a big fan of the brand Never Fully Dressed. This sparkly piece can be worn loose and kaftan-ish or, belted with a ribbon tie. Or, you can also tie it at the waist, blouse it over to hide the tie and it becomes a great flowy-sleeved mini.
The beautifully bonkers one
Very here for this Aussie brand and their crackers prints. This dress from Alemais is a typical traffic stopper. Love love love.
Let me know your thoughts on this kind of content from me. I like a little fashion moment every now and again and I particularly love showing you brands that might not yet be on your radar. Which ones do you like?
I would like a removable bottom also - how does one acquire one of those?
I really enjoy these kinds of posts, Jo. You open my eyes to fashion I might not come across on my own, and—this is the strange part—give me permission to lust after clothes. Thanks for your good work!