by Clutched.
From High Street to High Fashion
Getting dressed is suddenly easier when the sun is shining. Clear skies, long afternoons, and just enough warmth to leave the jacket at home. It’s less complicated thinking about what to wear, instead of how to layer it. At last the summer is providing golden evenings, with the light giving everything that soft champagne glow. The forecast promises sunshine (hopefully!) or a gentle haze for the next couple of weeks. This weather that gives you the freedom to wear any dress without a second thought.
This is when light fabrics and open necklines feel perfectly natural. A dress is the simplest answer to everything. No fuss, no overthinking, just the right cut, the right colour, and your day is sorted. In good light, every shade pops, from fresh greens, lemon yellows, powder blues to deep reds. Prints come alive too, whether florals, stripes or checks, but don’t forget solid colours, accessorise together with your favourite jewellery or standout bag.
The fun lies in picking a dress for the day’s mission and mood. In the city, cotton or linen feels fresh, especially with a basket bag or cute little crossbody. On the seaside, a looser shape that catches the breeze works better. Maxi dresses work well for lunches or a walk on the common, while shorter styles feel more appropriate for evening city plans. Small details make a dress feel personal and can turn something simple into something you wear again and again.
Once the dress is sorted, everything else falls into place. Minimal gold hoops, a raffia clutch, leather sandals for daytime, or heels for the evening. A quick change of shoe can change the look completely, so keep the same dress on.
The weeks ahead promise weather that invites more time outdoors. A well-chosen dress slips on easily in the morning, and still feels right when the sun sets. With the forecast on our side, the only question is which one to wear first.
The Summer Dress Edit
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Dresses Under £100
Pretty Lavish
Lissy Ruffle Yellow Abstract Midaxi Dress – £75
Jaded London
Vida Cut-out Backless Gold Maxi Dress – £100
Mango
Maroon Floral Puff Sleeve Dress – £59.99
Skims
Pointelle Knit Floral Print Stretch Cotton Mini Dress – £72
Princess Polly
Danny Puff Sleeve Tie Open-Back White Mini Dress – £58
Dress between £100 to £500
House of CB
Solada Halter Georgette Woven Cream Sundress – £179
Rotate Birger Christensen
Emmisa Asymmetric Woven Grey Maxi Dress – £180
Ganni
Leopard Print Chiffon Maxi Dress – £285
Reformation
Anelis Woven Midi Dress – £300
Solace London
Milly Cutout Crepe Gown – £470
Buci NYC
Powder Puff Gathered Slate Mini Dress – £400
Maje
Patterned Pleated Short Dress – £359
Rag & Bone
Aly Tank Midi Dress – £490
Farm Rio
Tie Detailed Floral Print Twill Mini Shirt Dress – £280
Simkhai
Soren Draped Black Knit Midi Dress – £445
Dissh
Marnie Sleeveless Ramie Black Midi Dress – £225
Dress over £500
Roberto Cavalli
Jaguar Skin Print Midi Dress – £1,275
Christopher Esber
Suspended Fluted Blue Iris Jersey Mini Dress – £920
Zimmermann
Ruffled Tiered Pointelle Knit Midi Dress – £1,100
Stouls
Becky Black Suede Midi Shirt Dress – £2,211
Alaïa
Metallic Pink Open Knit Midi Dress – £2,400
Rodarte
Tulip Halterneck White & Blue Silk Maxi Dress – £1,465
Dolce & Gabbana
Majolica Print Poplin Multicolour Dress – £1,350
Styling Guide
- Shoes
- Leather sandals, block heels or minimal trainers depending on activity. Stick to neutrals if the dress has a bold print.
- Bags
- Crossbody or small woven tote. Avoid oversized shapes that overwhelm shorter dresses.
- Jewellery
- One statement piece is enough. Hoop earrings or a bold chain works with prints, while delicate gold or silver suits block colours.
- Layering
- Keep it simple. Lightweight jackets or cropped blazers for cooler mornings, neutral cardigans for longer evenings.
- Accessories
- Belts can redefine shape on dresses with looser cuts, and a scarf or hat.
See our latest article on seasonal guide for trendy white handbags!
