The yearning for the perfect dress each season is real. That piece that you put on, needs very little styling and you are good to go. Something that aligns with your style identity and you feel you can take on the world, when you wear it.
If you are really lucky, you will find a dress that will be “the perfect outfit” for multiple occasions in your spring/summer calendar. Think about something that you can wear with flip flops on a sunny afternoon to a barbeque but equally donned with heels/statement earrings, will look fabulous for an evening party.
While we want to move away from following the “trends” and certainly the fast fashion culture, I think it’s interesting to see how the runways have interpreted the season, taking their inspiration from whatever source. Be it, political mood, films books or music. And indeed, the fashion archive is always a place to find our future outfits! They always come again!
Having an awareness of what is coming through in these influences will help you choose items that will excite you but also stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
2 of the looks that will ensure you are current are dresses with stripes, shown by fashion newcomer Talia Byre, and Chloe’s runways brought us an ongoing joy of floaty boho ruffles
What you need consider before you part with your hard-earned cash!
Know Your Body Shape
The key to looking fabulous in any dress is understanding your body shape and choosing styles that enhance your natural silhouette. It’s the first thing to choosing any garment! The goal is always to create balance between your shoulders and hips and creating waist where possible. Read more in my expert comprehensive guide to body shape analysis
🍐 Pear Shape (Wider Hips, Smaller Bust/shoulders)
Best styles: Wrap dresses, fit-and-flare, empire waist. Styles which have accentuation around the shoulders eg frills, shoulder pads
Why it works: These styles balance your proportions by drawing attention upwards and skimming over the hips.
Avoid: Tight sheath dresses that cling to the hips. These will also draw attention to the imbalance in your proportions.
🍎 Apple Shape (Fuller Midsection, Slimmer Legs)
Best styles: V-neck shift dresses, draped styles, empire line
Why it works: A structured yet relaxed fit smooths the torso while highlighting your legs. Finding the narrowest point (sometimes just under the bust) and emphasising that area is helpful
Avoid: Tight waistbands or clingy fabrics around the middle
⏳ Hourglass Shape (Balanced Bust & Hips, Defined Waist)
Best styles: Bodycon, wrap dresses, tailored shirt dresses
Why it works: Fitted styles celebrate your curves while defining your waist.
Avoid: Baggy or shapeless styles that hide your waist
📏 Rectangle Shape (Straight Up & Down, lack of curve)
Best styles: Ruffled, peplum, or tiered dresses, off-the-shoulder styles
Why it works: These details create the illusion of curves and add feminine flair.
Avoid: Very straight-cut shift dresses, very clingy-all-over styles
Pick the Right Colour for Your Skin Tone
Do you know if you suit warm or cool colours? Knowing this will transform your choosing of clothes and how you look. Get in touch here to book your colour analysis
🌞 Spring/Warm Tones: Coral, peach, golden yellow, or warm greens.
❄️ Winter/Cool Tones: Go for bold jewel tones like emerald, royal blue, or fuchsia.
🍁 Autumn/Earthy Tones: Try burnt orange, olive green, or mustard.
🌸 Summer/Soft Tones: Pastels like lavender, rose pink, or soft blue are everywhere this season
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, hold a garment near your face in natural light—does your skin glow or look washed out?
Choose the Right Fabric & Length
☀️ Light & Breezy: Linen, cotton, and chambray keep you cool.
✨ Dressy Occasions: Silk, satin, or chiffon add elegance.
👗 Length Matters:
Petite? Midi or knee-length prevents overwhelm.
Tall? Maxi dresses elongate beautifully.
Curvy? A midi or tea-length balances proportions.
Wearing versus Styling:
Anyone can “wear” a garment! That makes it functional and possibly lack personality. How you put it together and accessorize will be how you “style” it. This is a game-changer!
Accessories that work hard
Sunglasses: I am rarely seen without mine! And if you need glasses, do yourself a favour, and get your prescription lenses. It is critical in my book. Get advice on how to style your sunglasses. I offer this service too. Huge glasses will just look strange on you if you have a petite face. And similarly, if you are a bigger person, like me, tiny little glasses look wrong
Scarves: One of this seasons MUST-HAVE accessories. Small neck scarves are a brilliant way of adding your best colours to an outfit that possibly isn’t! Play around with how you wear them. I want to bring back the head-scarf-look, but Im not brave enough to wear it at the moment!!
Cover-up: Let me get this out! I DO NOT like a pashmina. Many women feel that if they are going to wear a dress that this is the obvious thing to wear over it! I think it can be a very dated look and dumbs down a beautiful dress. Consider a blazer or kimono. Depending on your occasion your jacket is the perfect way to dress it down with a denim/leather fitted jacket. It doesn’t have to be the perfect match. Play around with fabrics and styles to give your look a bit of personality and flair. We don’t want to be too matchy matchy
If you are interested in shopping with me, to help you find your perfect summer dress, please just drop me a note and we can arrange a no-obligation chat. Click here to send me a little message