The Most Versatile Dress of the Summer {And How to Style it}

It’s not often that I find myself in London these days, but when I do, I try and squeeze in a little trip to & Other Stories. They do THE most gorgeous summery dresses. Like the one I’m wearing in the header above. Which jumped out at me and told me to buy it when I was in London last week. So I did. But it was £49 well spent because it’s turning out to be the most versatile piece in my wardrobe.

I love its flared sleeves, the cinch-me-in tie-waist detail, and the floatiness of the material. (It’s 100% cotton, so will be comfortable on even the hottest of days). I love the busy-ness of the pattern which means that if I have to use the skirt as a tissue for Jenson’s nose (true story), or if Lyra wipes chocolatey fingers on me, it’s not the end of the world. I love the fact that it feels a little bit vintage. But the thing I love most about it is the tropical print. Every time I open my wardrobe and catch a glimpse of it, it makes me so happy.

It is so colourful and summery that it goes with everything in my wardrobe and can be worn with sliders, flip flops, trainers, heels, leggings, tights, denim shirt, denim jacket, leather jacket, khaki shackett…you get the picture. Here’s how I’m going to style it over the summer.

For Cocktails

Cocktails call for a riot of colour and all the sequins. The List’s Laura pointed Team Rock My in the direction of these sequin mules from Topshop which are the same jewel tones as the flecks of colour in the frock, and how versatile is this gold clutch? I have a yellow Whistles clutch which I’m kicking myself for not wearing (clutching?!) for the photos as it picks out the yellow floral on the dress so beautifully.

On the Beach

As you can see from the slider, this frock goes best with sandals. (I didn’t use that particular photo as the header because of my awkward I-hate-having-my-photo-taken face!). Throw it over a bikini and wear with sandals and clashing stripes to the beach. Or treat yourself to the swimsuit or kaftan dress version.

In The Office

When I used to work in an office I didn’t like having my arms on show, but I reckon I’d be happy wearing this to work because it has the subtlest of flared sleeves. The vibrancy of the colours work well with corporate black, or if you work in an office where the dress code is slightly more relaxed, wear with a boyfriend blazer and loafers.

To a Wedding

If I were to wear this dress to a wedding this summer I’d be teaming it with black rattan accessories such as this cross-body bag and these uber-cool – but probably still comfy? – rope wedges. Now I just need a summer wedding to go to. Harry and Megan? Pretty please?

Down The Pub

My FAVOURITE way to wear this dress. With Supergas and a biker jacket. You look like you’ve made a bit of an effort, and you’ve got the practicality of having something warm for when the sun goes down. (Or you could just go for the t shirt version. Which I am trying very hard not to buy).

And for those new mamas who commented on Becky’s excellent Summer Capsule Wardrobe post requesting an article about what to wear in the summer post-baby, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s both breastfeeding friendly (it buttons all the way down) and loose and flowy, so kind on post-partum tums. It’s my friend’s birthday next month (she’s breastfeeding her little one) and I’m going to go halves on the dress with another mate for her birthday present.

Which shops do you make a beeline for when you’re in London? Have you been treating yourself to any frocks recently?