Summer Dress Edit
When it’s too hot for jeans, it’s time to reach for a summer dress and there is so much choice out there with something for everyone. Of course, as usual I have trawled through to find my favourites in this summer dress edit.
At the moment the trend for dresses is oversized, voluminous and pretty much shapeless. Prairie dresses are still a thing as well as the return of boho. The trend for oversized started in the wake of the #metoo movement as a pointed move away from body con, form fitting dresses but has since become a micro-trend in its own right.
If like me though, you are a ‘natural/relaxed’ dresser then loads of material feels uncomfortable and encumbering. A part of this trend is is also exaggerated sleeves - there are puff sleeves literally all over the place this summer. So personally for me, I would opt for something more fitted with a statement sleeve.It really does pay to get clear on your own personal style - if you are not clear on yours I have an ebook with easy steps to work yours out. This is all the things I learned when I trained as a stylist at London College of Fashion and subsequently, over the past few years - it’s my behind the scenes knowledge that will make a hugely positive impact on your wardrobe.
Neat packages
If oversized just isn’t your thing there are lots more fitted, neater options in the shops right now too. One of my absolute favourite stylish brands is Rixo London - they are the queens of dresses, it’s all they do and they do it really well. I also love Stine Goya for their colours and bold designs. These two brands are on the higher end of the price spectrum, for cheaper options I really love H&M and Zara
Here is my edit of summer dresses for 2020.
Stine Goya floral print wrap dress.
I chose this to start with because after all the doom and gloom of the past few months this brightly coloured dress would make anyone shine on their first visit back to the pub. Also, the wrap shape is flattering on every body shape, particularly if you have large boobs and hips. This brand comes up pretty true to size so if you are a 10 go small, 12 small/medium, 14/16 Large. Added bonus this has 40% off!
2. Stine Goya Aqua Chinnie wrap dress.
During lockdown I teamed up with local South London boutique White Feather Boutique. The owner Sheena lent me dresses to showcase on my Instagram to try and keep business going when she was closed and I couldn’t see my clients. This was one of the dresses I got to borrow which was such a stunning colour and so feminine. I have to be honest, my husband was not a fan - he didn’t like the puffy sleeves at all. I don’t dress for him though, I dress for me!
If you want to see the outfits I’ve been wearing during lockdown from local boutiques, follow me on Instagram.
3. Rixo embroidered green dress with a split.
Oh I do love this dress - it’s also available in black. I know this is quite glam but I honestly think with flats it’s totally wearable in the day as well as in the evening. Even in this photo with the low gold sandals it would work for a weekend daytime pub visit or a garden party. If you want ideas for gold sandals check out my Pinterest board ‘elevated casual’
4. Rixo red tree root print dress
Another gorgeous option from Rix is this red dress with lovely statement sleeves. Good if you prefer to cover your arms and this colour really elevates the look. All the Rixo dresses are currently in the sale.
5. & Other Stories Blue Crush Maxi Dress
This is a great dress, loose and flowing in a beautiful bright blue that will look great in the sunshine. Such an easy throw-on dress, I love this.
6. Hush pink and blue leopard print day dress
On to my favourite elevated casual brand Hush. This brand is a regular feature on my blog and on my podcast The Style Stories Podcast. They really have nailed that comfy look that is still glam and not to ‘try-hard’ all at the same time. This dress is wearable for lots of occasions.
7. Never Fully Dressed green and pink ruffle dress
I chose this gorgeous dress from another favourite label of mine that you may not have come across. The Never Fully Dressed tagline is ‘sophisticated sass’ which is perfect. Check out all their other amazing and unique dresses here.
Hope you enjoyed my selection! See you next time. Lisa x
Lisa Gillbe is a personal stylist based in London. Get in touch to book her in-person or virtual styling services.
