Not since the 80s – think Lady Di and Laura Ashley – has the humble summer dress shone so bright in summer.  I don’t actually remember what it feels like to wear jeans anymore!

This UK heatwave has been a (lovely) shock to the style system and if you find that you struggle to straddle that fine line between looking stylish and a right sweaty mess; I’ve found that a loose fitting frock is the solution.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my denim shorts teamed with a pretty white shirt of some sort or a loose fitting jumpsuit. However, when that mercury rises, let’s be honest, anything that allows you to waft freely is way more preferable than looking like you’ve wet yourself!

And until some genius creates a summer bra that gives you support AND helps soak up tit sweat, IMHO, the summer dress is the answer.

Allow me to introduce to you, my five favourite forever-styles…

1 THE BUTTON SUNDRESS

Usually mid-length with a higher empire line (waist line) to give the illusion of length; this summer dress is a flattering fit for anyone that’s looking for a fuller skirt, too.

I’m small up top, so I can go braless in this New Look number (pictured) but fuller busts can shop for styles with more support. Or, if you can be bothered, take it to an alterations place, ask them to chop off some of the hem and rework slightly wider straps. Ta-da!

Try these button up dresses too…

2 THE WANDERLUST DRESS

No lie – this dress actually spoke to me!

Late one night, last summer, just as we were about to embark on our annual camping holiday around France and Spain in our camper van, I was scrolling on Instagram (as you do!) and thanks to my Insta-pal, Emma she introduced me to the wonder that is Forage Somerset.

This traditional Balochistani dress is loose fitting and ideal for travelling. I’ve slept in it, woke up in it; it makes the ideal two-dayer and is a fast dryer, too. Wonga well spent!

More folk inspired frocks…

3 THE WHITE DRESS

Predictable, I know, but I just love a white summer dress. Maybe it’s all in the mind but white feels fresh, crisp and effortless. Here’s the long and the short of it…

Some more white styles to shop here…

4 THE FLORAL DRESS

Depending on how you style it, a floral summer dress can look fashionable, feisty or formal. I recently wrote about how to boss the boho look with some key accessories and style twists using this hippy-house dress from Dilli Grey.

The important thing is to remember that florals aren’t going anywhere so when you find a flowery sun dress that works for your body shape and style tribe, get it ’cause you’re guaranteed to get tons of wear out of it every summer.

More flirty floral styles here…

5 THE SMOCK DRESS

Translated simply as the summer dress that sets your belly free – HUZZAH! Whether you’re expecting a baby (no), are feeling bloated (yes) or are due a food baby (always!) – these dresses are designed to be relaxed fit and effortless in throwing off/on.

They  also double up as great beach cover-ups, too. Talking of which, I’m actually partial to an oversized shirt to layer over my bikini – Mr Beckham totally killed the sarong thing, don’t cha think?

Some more easy wear smock ideas here…

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