5 KEY DRESS STYLES NO SUMMER WARDROBE SHOULD BE WITHOUT

The season of the dress is upon us and this year’s plethora of cuts and silhouettes offers something for every occasion. Here, we look to both classic and contemporary iterations and compile a list of the essential styles that no SS17 wardrobe should be without.

Think of this as your route to successful summer style.

THE SUMMER MAXI

Perfect for days that stretch from sunrise to sunset, a floor-sweeping maxi dress is the ultimate summer investment. Don’t eschew the power of black in a heatwave – it holds just as much relevance now as it does in cooler climes and it makes for a striking alternative to the season’s muted pastel palette.

THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER STYLE

When strewn across the shoulders, a peplum hem will deliver maximum glamour and accent the sultry appeal that comes with an off-the-shoulder neckline. The Balm is this season’s hero style, imagined in a range of striking hues to suit all skin tones. A relevant way to dress for event season, it works as a chic wedding guest dress, a race day hero and for every invite in between.

THE PRINTED STATEMENT

Masterful prints are no new addition to summer style but the beauty of them lies within their interchangeable sensibilities. Key looks for now include romantic florals and graphic lines and the Elsie dress balances the two in perfect proportion.

THE LACE DESIGN

Lace – be it delicate or structured in composition – is one of the few fabrications that remains relevant all year round. Undeniably feminine, especially when cut to a chic fit and flare silhouette that celebrates the waist, this timeless addition to your dresses collection will provide outfit inspiration now and for seasons to come. In summer months, choose nude accessories to keep the look sunshine-ready. 

THE COLD-SHOULDER SILHOUETTE

Revealing a touch of skin at the shoulder is the latest statement to make and subtle yet architectural cut-outs offer something of a sophisticated spin on the look. The Naomi dress is a case in point. Balancing an exposed shoulder with a cinched waist, it’s contemporary but classically feminine all at once. Wear it with strappy heels in black or pick out a colour from the print to amp up the impact.