Get dressed for success – there’s a whole world of choice
AS THE MERCURY RISES, so do our hemlines – it’s a transition that instinctively makes us explore our love affair with a summer dress all over again. The popularity of athlesiure may have turned our attention to sloppy shirts and tracksuit bottoms in recent seasons but despite trend dictation, I’ve always preferred the femininity and freedom of a flattering dress. Maybe it’s weddings. Maybe it’s the red carpet. Maybe it stems back to childhood memories – my mother dressed me and my sisters in matching peasant frocks with frilled Peter Pan collars and ribbons. Wearing a dress then evoked a different kind of experience to wearing dungarees or jeans. Dresses were fun. They were special.
Throughout the years, women – whatever their reason – have conspired to place the dress at the centre of wardrobes. Of course, there is always a few more drawn to – and who feel more comfortable in – the structure and hardy tailoring of a pair of trousers but most of us relish the fun and spontaneity of throwing on a floral dress. Personally they make getting dressed easier. For me the right dress is like a sartorial blanket. I instantly feel relaxed and at ease but at the same time powerful enough to take on whatever the day throws at me.
After a long period of designers favouring easy separates, dresses are – thankfully for many of us – once again taking centre stage. At Roksanda, they have arrived dropwaisted and loose, in a mismatch of bright, beautiful colours for SS17. At Chloé, Claire Waight Keller’s last collection for the brand has served up frothy, babydoll styles that are irresistible for warm summer days. At Prada, they come with spaghetti straps and trimmed with marabou feathers while at Erdem, they are floor-length, lightweight and steeped in historical references.
On the high street, there is major dominance of handkerchief hems, drop waists, bright florals in luxurious fabrics – chiffon, silk, intricately woven lace – and big, exaggerated sleeves. At Arnotts, Danish brand Ganni and Three Floor are exploring lace techniques and big, fluted and bell sleeves. At Brown Thomas, brands like Zimmerman, Vita Kin, See by Chloe, Whistles and Preen have delved into rich embroideries and bold 3D print, ruffles and flouncy frills. Even more androgynous brands like The Kooples and Acne are being seduced by a sweeter femininity. These aren’t the sort of dresses you have to wear with heels either — the flat slingback pump, the mule or the loafer provide a perfect and most unexpected accompaniment.
Our rediscovered love of the dress after such a long stint obsessing over mannish tailoring and sportswear is refreshingly empowering. Trousers may be synonymous with women’s liberation but nothing says freedom more than getting your legs out and owning every minute of it.
For me the right dress is like a sartorial blanket, I instantly feel at ease