One of the most notable trends of the current heat wave is the resurgence of the perfect summer dress.
In recent weeks Ireland’s female population has taken to wearing cool and comfortable dresses as a way of coping with the prolonged heat and sweltering sunny days. And who can blame us?
A great summer dress is the most useful piece in your wardrobe and a perfect way to celebrate the heatwave.
This year, the sun gods have blessed us with an opportunity to truly embrace summer dressing, as epitomised by a beautiful dress.
Ideally a perfect summer dress should be the easy ‘one and done’ solution. It is the pinnacle of dopamine dressing – its mission is to make you feel attractive, but so completely comfortable you don’t give it a second thought. Chilled yet chic is the desirable dress code.
This year the need for the perfect summer dress does seem to have been understood as there are plenty of wearable and easy dresses across all prices with Marks & Spencer, & Other Stories, Cos, Massimo Dutti, Zara, and Penneys offering attractive options. Irish designers also excel at a great dress including The Linen Shirt Company, FéRí, Caroline Duffy, Helen McAlinden, and Caroline Kilkenny.
New to Ireland is the Greek fashion brand Access Clothing who offer gorgeous dresses inspired by Mediterranean living.
Distributed by The Clothing Agency, it is available through boutiques including Si Jolie Wexford, The Stables Birr, Fusion Fashion Moycullen, Sheena’s Cork, Ikon Raheny, Ozone Dundalk and Aisling Maher Adare.
Natural fibres like cotton and linen and detailing including broderie anglaise, ruffles and beautiful embroidery are hallmarks of the striking label.
Overall, there is a mood for romantic, exuberant dresses with whimsical styling and feminine details like puff sleeves, ruffles, empire lines, draping, fringing, and sweetheart necklines.
Colours that dominate include fresh white (in textures like crochet, lace and broderie anglaise), vibrant reds and dreamy, soft washed blues. Then there are the perennial pastels, floral prints, nautical stripes, and multi-coloured prints.
For those of a minimalist nature, there are also nude, ecru, and natural shades including khaki, bitter brown, and taupe.
To narrow the field in your search, consider that the ideal summer dress is comfortable and slightly classic so that it can last beyond a single season. Natural fabrics are best – cotton, linen and silk offer the most breathable options, while viscose, bamboo, Tencel, Lyocell and modal are also comfortable. Aim to opt for durable fabrics that can survive the regular laundering that a favourite dress needs.
In terms of fit, easy languid silhouettes are key but avoid dresses that are too shapeless. Flowy fits that skim rather than cling are ideal and allow air to circulate.
Loose sleeves and lower armholes avoid perspiration issues and allow you to stay fresh. Length is down to personal preference, with midis, maxis, and minis all popular.
Always keep an eye to the proportions of your dress and which necklines, waist positions length and sleeves suit you best.
A-lines give the illusion of a smaller waist, deep necklines lengthen a short torso and flatter larger breasts, while a column dress can add the illusion of height. Always look for pockets – they are not only functional; they give a sense of relaxed style.
The really great dresses go quickly so if you find the one, buy it. The right dress really sums up your style personality – romantic, extrovert, or minimalist and if you really love it, you will wear yours constantly.
