SHOP: The 24 best on-sale dresses to buy now before they sell out – from Nobody’s Child, John Lewis, Phase Eight and more
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For years, fashion has favoured oversized dresses in vague, unstructured shapes – in fact, shapeless might be the best word for this ongoing trend.
They are practical for those with a straight up-and-down figure who prefer to hide their own lack of curves. But for the majority, it hasn’t been an easy look to wear; most of us need a waist as a flattering anchor point to nip us in, and I was starting to fear they were on the brink of extinction.
But rejoice, the tide is turning. This summer’s dresses are finally celebrating form again. Cuts that gently contour the waist – occasionally the bust and torso too – but loosen up in all the right places are springing up everywhere.
Floral Print Shirred Waist Crinkle Dress £13
Shop Ava dress in Purple Poppy £149
Shop
The return to a little bit of figure- hugging is refreshing after years of loose fabrics: we’re re-engaging with shapes that flatter everyone.
Shirred dresses are leading the charge, with bands of fine elastic that gather fabric across the bust and waist while allowing stretch and comfort. The result is a balanced silhouette – fitted where it matters and fluid everywhere else.
This marriage of structure and ease is why these dresses are more than a trend. They work just as well in the city as they do poolside, making them a smart investment for these warmer months.
Kendall Cotton Midi Dress £185 Shop
Natural Tabitha Sleeveless Smocked Midi Dress £75
Shop Leia Embroidered Short Sleeve Midi Dress Blue £95 Shop
If you’re bold enough to embrace a block colour (and you should be!), John Lewis’s deep shirred-waist green midi gives a hit of confidence and glamour. It works perfectly with simple pared-back accessories and is £79. Bonmarche’s floral print version offers something softer, with its frill sleeves and swooping, deep V-neckline. It’s an absolute steal, half price at £13.
The empire-line silhouette makes it intensely flattering on any figure – which is to be expected when it’s available from a size 10 to a size 28.
Deep Shirred Waist Midi Dress £79
Shop Butter Yellow Shirred Nara Dress £69
Shop
Never Fully Dressed takes a more sculpted approach, with full-bodice ruching that flatters without clinging – available in this season’s must-have butter-yellow, a parakeet green and also a fabulous blood red stripe. It’s on sale at £69, down from £129.
For those seeking craftsmanship with conscience, Neve and Noor’s Ava purple poppy dress, made from 100 per cent organic, hand-printed cotton is a standout – and has £30 off at £149.
Founded by Sophie Mitchell in 2015, the label champions sustainable and ethical slow fashion – this piece is ideal for summer weddings or occasions that call for something special, day to night.
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