Lately I’ve found myself in a bit of a style rut.
A combination of too few hours in the day, a tendency to get covered in flecks and smears of Hector’s breakfast/lunch/dinner and the fact that I haven’t quite returned to my pre-baby figure has resulted in me reaching for a day uniform consisting of a breton top, skinny jeans and Jigsaw boots. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with such a look, I mean hell I must really like it if I’ve worn it for the last 365 days consecutively. But it’s getting boring now and last month I decided enough was enough and frivolously bought a pinafore dress from Topshop on a whim.
Suffice to say I loved it and have worn it a number of times since it landed on my doormat three weeks ago and so began my current love affair with the day dress. I instantly feel that I’ve made that bit more effort whenever I’m wearing a frock but with an adventurous toddler in tow it’s imperative that they’re hardwearing, flexible and most of all inexpensive because at some point along the line they’re going to get wrecked.
With this in mind I’ve pulled together a small selection of day dresses that are currently on offer online that not only tick all the boxes I’ve outlined above but which have stolen a little piece of my heart.
Topshop
I couldn’t not start with the dress where it all began – this washed black denim number complete with flat-lying buckles and pockets. It’s short but that works for me because I’m not exactly gifted in the height department but it’s something to bear in mind for the leggy ones among you.
Depending on what mood I’m in I either layer it up with my aforementioned trusty Breton top for trips to the park or opt for a superfine knit (usually in grey) if I’m trying to look vaguely smart. Tights are a must too if I want to prevent the inevitable knicker flashing that ensues whilst crawling around on the floor after Hector.
I’m also very much liking this grey cord pinafore beauty as well which is slightly more casual than the frock I already own and has a distinctive 70s vibe going on. At £39 it’s patiently waiting in my basket until payday rolls around again.
ASOS
Ok so I’m the first to admit that my wardrobe consists mostly of blue, grey and black hues and I know that there are quite a few of you who have requested that we feature brighter pieces and this is something we’re super conscious of. Step forward then this scarlet swing number in soft jersey. The colour is gorgeous and I love the fluidity in the fabric – perfect for Spring days and Summer nights and I won’t say no at £22 either!
I’m a sucker for a denim dress and always will be, so when I spotted this 60s style Audrey Hepburn inspired ‘skater’ dress my heart said yes and I bashed the plastic. I’m expecting it any moment so will keep you updated when it arrives. Staying with the denim theme, I’m also heart eyed over this modern interpretation of the shift dress complete with raw hem, exposed zip and polo neck. If for whatever reason the ‘Audrey’ dress doesn’t suit me then I’m ordering this instead.
So we’ve covered shifts and skater frocks so how about the classic shirtdress then? Suncoo tick all my boxes with their dotty design complete with neat collar and drop waist and again long sleeves…I’m sensing there’s a theme here. Ok so it’s £72.00 but I think when you apply a cost per wear analysis to the buy you’ll be getting more than your money’s worth.
M&S
I know. I wouldn’t have thought that M&S would have been popping up on my must-visit sartorial checklist but the store has pulled its fashion socks up of late and this dress is no exception. Ok so for a start it isn’t short (eek!) but it’s not floor length either so there’s no chance of any tripping over your own dress scenarios happening plus there’s lace and covered buttons and the cutest ditsy floral pattern.
I have to hold my hands up and say however that I’m not entirely sure if the length would suit me so I’m popping it on my ‘if I was taller, I’d wear…’ list. It’s quite full come to think of it….
French Connection
I’m not sure if it’s just me but up until recently I felt that French Connection had lost its mojo somewhat but lately it’s picked up its style game and produced the Josephine broiderie anglais dress which I’m lusting after for my holidays later this year to Italy. It’s sweet but the black palette gives it an edge that can easily be exaggerated with a pair of gladiator sandals and leather jacket plus I can pair it up with tights for cooler Autumn days too.
Granted it is at the higher end of the spectrum but the brand currently has a 20% discount offer running if you quote FC20S at the checkout. Be quick though as there’s only four days left to take advantage.
Samsoe & Samsoe
Samsoe & Samsoe is a Scandinavian brand that has been popping up quite a bit on my online shopping forays recently. Think COS but with more colour and pattern and a dash more femininity and you’ve got the picture. When I spotted the Ink Print dress I fell in love before coming to my senses and realising that a cream dress with a 17 month old toddler would be a catastrophe.
I couldn’t not include it though; the long sleeves and round neckline are right up my street and the dress can be styled up for Winter with tights and flat Mary Janes or dressed down for summer with trainers and bare legs. I can but dream…
Warehouse
You may or may not know that whilst Charlotte was a Morgan sales assistant, I too was a Warehouse shop girl. I’d actually forgotten how much I really like the brand and I’ve got all the heart eyes over some of their new collection such as this and this and this. However I digress because today is about the day dress and I’m adoring this simple suedette shift in the softest grey. At £25.00 I really couldn’t care less if Hector pulled me backwards through a hedge because it’s machine washable too! Bargain.
Are any of you loving the day dress? Do you have a favourite tea dress or sexy shift in your wardrobe? And are there any shops I need to check out for general frockage? Why not tell us all about it below…
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Oh Lolly, I now need loads of new dresses! I too have got bored of the old jeans ensemble and have been searching for the last few months for some fancy new day dresses so thank you! Sadly most I have found just look frankly indecent on me as they are short on most people but barely cover my bum thus ruling them out. I recently purchased (um two days ago) a rather nice denim shirt dress from New Look. Not somewhere I normally shop but saw it and it is perfect. Really loose and a more of a thin chambray than thick denim so I figure it will be good when it gets warmer. The whole search started as I wanted a denim pinafore but so far haven’t found any that aren’t ridiculously short on me. The hunt continues….. x
Haha! Honestly I’ve become a bit of a dress fiend these last few weeks but only because they’re so darn easy to put on and you look like you’ve made a bit of effort at least. Have you tried Topshop’s Tall range? I think they did some pinafores that sound a bit like what you were after….
The Topshop pinafore dress is a winner! I’ve just bought the grey cord one and it goes with literally all the tops in my wardrobe. Will be perfect in summer too with a white tee, no tights and trainers or flip flops. I now need the dusty pink version and all the denim versions! x
Ooooh Lisa that’s good to know. Desperately trying to not succumb to temptation but it’s sitting pretty in my shopping basket just winking at me…I love the dusky pink version too!!
I totally live in dresses – day and night. I just find it so much easier that I just need to throw on a dress, probably some tights and a cardigan, sort my face and I am done. And as you say, it instantly makes me feel like I have made more effort, when in fact I have probably made very little effort.
So today’s inspiration could prove testing for my wallet, but pleasing for me. I am really surprised but I absolutely love the M&S dress AND I’ve just seen it’s in the sale. This might just be enough to lift my self-imposed dress buying ban… xx
Do it Emma! I mean it’s in the sale so you’d be saving yourself a fortune 😉
I definitely get what you mean on the whole ‘looks like I’ve made a real effort but I haven’t really’ thing. Hell if it makes us feel better then it’s a go in my eyes!
I have definitely just bought the Audrey dress from asos… Can’t wait for it to pop through my door! That’s the first time I’ve succumbed to the endless temptations of rms! However very justified as I was very brave at the dentist this morning!
Oh Bex I hope you didn’t have to endure anything too nasty this morning. The Audrey is gorgeous isn’t it! I’ve had an email to say it’s arriving today so I’m pretty excited for the postman to arrive!
Great picks Lolly – now March is here I need to get my SS16 game on.
The denim asos one reminds me of an old Oasis favourite from years ago. I really need to dig it out, last time I even looked at it I was two sizes bigger than I am now and it wouldn’t go near me. I’ll be on a mission to find it now.
In love with the Suncoo and Samsoe & Samsoe ones x
Don’t you just love that Karen….when you spot something you love and think ‘oh I’ve already got one of those’ and then you find it and then it’s like you’ve hit the jackpot and you’ve not spent any money either!
ANYWAY…I’m blathering but yes the Suncoo and Samsoe & Samsoe frocks are particularly lush!
Perfect timing! I’m going on quite a big holiday for three weeks in June and have been looking for casual dresses (that I could possibly get away with wearing trainers with as we have a lot of sightseeing and walking planned). The black pinafore dress is perfect. Thanks!
It’s my pleasure Claire – it’s super comfy too!
These dresses are gorgeous! Just noticed there is a 20% discount code in Elle for ASOS so a good excuse to fill up those virtual shopping baskets!
Anneliese you must share the discount code….it can be your good deed for the day 😉
I would love to but sadly the codes are individual and can only be used once.
Oh my – I love ALL of these. I’m particularly in love with the Samsoe & Samsoe dress. I actually have a wedding coming up – it’s not a typical wedding in that my Uncle is getting re-married. There will only be 30 guests and its a morning ceremony followed by lunch. I think this dress might fit the bill!! And the bonus is I can totally wear it again in the summer with pumps or even my superga’s!
Thanks Lolly! 🙂
Oh that sounds amazing Sarah! Love the idea of wearing it with pumps too! Send us a piccy of you wearing it on the day xx
The Suncoo shirt dress is sold out. Sob. Such a great feature Lolly, but now I think I might need to get the grey cord pinnafore. To go with my denim pinafore an faux leather pinafore (surely you can never have too many pinafores?). Online shopping is too much fun!
Rachel you can never have too many pinafores or dresses for that matter and today I’m your guardian angel as I’ve managed to find the dress for you at a cheaper price and in all sizes too!!! Here’s the link http://www.monshowroom.com/en/zoom/suncoo/robe-blanche-imprimee-pois-navy-rouges-cleo/230227
love love love all of these dresses, however at 36 can i get away with a pinafore dress?
Laura I’m 32 so I reckon you can definitely get away with a pinafore dress! We’ve got years left in us yet!
Goodness I love the ease of a dress. Currently in high rotation in my capsule are a polka dot tea dress (from sainsburys of all places – cheap as chips) a soft terracotta shirt dress (new look), a denim skater (m&s) and basically a giant t shirt on bottle green from h&m. Am feeling the pinafore love for spring
I love the ASOS dress! It looks so comfortable and girly!
Jemima x
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Great picks Lolly! Love that cream one… and am a sucker for denim dresses. I pretty much live in day dresses, tights and cardis… I have to remind myself to wear jeans. Oasis dresses seem to fit me well, and Apricot is a new(ish) find – either at their own shops or through New Look. I must admit I would have walked past if it weren’t for a friend’s recommendation – it’s definitely one of those places where you need to try things on xx
[…] After all, I’m the first to admit that I’ve lost my style mojo which I talked about in this post earlier this year so I’m probably not best qualified to debate this question but I need to […]