I was interested to see that Kate Moss was credited over the weekend with the rejuvenation of summer dresses for all. I’d rather hail wrap dress inventor Diane Von Furstenberg as Queen and when I spoke to her recently (backstage at a Biba show – OK I know I’m name dropping), she was still extolling the virtues of the simple classic dress, like she knew we were in for a heatwave.
“But there is a sea of summer dresses out there,” I hear you say, “What makes a simple classic?” This is a question I feel I will shortly be answering in “Ask Caryn,” so I thought I would ponder it here.
Summer dresses are all about frivolity and freedom so for me the best ones are those that, like a best friend, are ready to have fun and can accompany you to any event. They shouldn’t be hard work to wear, they should be effortless to accessorise and they should see you through thick and thin, year in, year out.
At last count I have five full on (need some sun to look good in them) dresses. That’s quite an economical count I know – I have a few others that I wear with skinnies and another layer, but I’m talking full on, girly summer dresses. And it looks like we are in for a hot summer so I may well splash out on another.
I too find myself looking around at the myriad of choices. But as you know from everything we’ve discussed about dressing for your body shape, a simple item of clothing can totally transform you, so why pick anything else? I’ve picked out a style from Wallis that ticks all my style boxes darlings, let me tell you why.
Classic design: Slight fifties references but modern fit. This unlike the tunic or smock style will have much more longevity in your wardrobe.
Faltering shape for your body: There is no body that won’t be flattered by this shape. The fitted bust area, low (but not too low) neckline’ will give you good definition and shape at the bust. And the wide flared skirt will make your waist look smaller. It will cover pear shapes as well as balancing out top-heavy shapes.
Wide shoulder straps: I can’t do bra straps poking out on women over 30. It looks lazy and intentionally unkempt on my teenage daughter so why should it look any better on a woman in search of style serenity. The shape of this dress will ensure that you will never exhibit any feature of your underwear unless you want to.
Print: Well you just can’t loose with a classic floral print of an indiscriminate type. Summer dresses were invented for the floral print. This style has a pleasing not too recognisable pattern, which means you can get it out season after season.
Versatility: I love the way this dress is accessorised with chunky tan sandals and belt, next year however it could look very different with the latest extras.
It’s a plus for me that this dress comes in UK sizes 8-20 because that’s a decent size range for a mainstream store and it is available now for £45. Enjoy!
Wallis ships throughout the UK and to Ireland.
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2 responses so far
1 Jill // May 31, 2008 at 9:02 pm
very interesting article, I wonder what boots will be in fashion this summer, I can’t understand why Ugg boots are still hot, in the summer time.
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2 Caryn Franklin // Jun 2, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Hi Jill
Uggs make legs look thinner because they are so wide and flappy. That I think that is their only appeal to young women.
I’m sticking to the shoe boot so I have covered feet when the sky is tipping it down.
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