Shop well and the best summer dresses will become investment pieces that can be wheeled out every season, not just every year. It’s imperative now, more than ever, that we make smart purchases and spend our money in areas we’ll see a good return – so if treating yourself to a ‘do it all’ summer dress is going to achieve that for you, then now is the time to start looking. Before they begin to sell out.
Spring dresses and spring jackets aside (which are definitely still on our radar, FYI), its the summer dresses that’ll see you through ’til its time to dig out your knitwear again (and maybe even beyond). As for what shapes, lengths, colours and fabrics to opt for? Let Borgo de Nor‘s co-founders, Carmen Borgonovo and Joana de Noronha, guide you.
“This season we worked with signature bold blooms and hot hues inspired by the tropics,” they said. “The Biba dress, for example, is perfect for your next getaway. It’s cut from breezy cotton-poplin and decorated with tropical blooms and zesty citrus fruit.” The women the brand keeps in mind has a free spirit and loves colour, which echoes throughout the spring/summer collection.
The ethos of Borgo de Nor is to create patterns that can be treasured forever; “a timeless print is something that needs to look unique.” The fabrics across each design include a mix of linens and lightweight, breathable cotton – perfect for both beachside and city breaks – and that’s something that other SS23 runways have captured too.
Sheer silhouettes and cut-out dresses are big news on the summer frock circuit this year – as spotted at Erdem, Prada & Victoria Beckham to name a few – forcing us to forgo worries of dodgy tan lines, while the floaty dresses and linen dresses we’re seeing from Jacquemus, Bondi Born and Max Mara will ready us for those inevitable heatwaves. Elsewhere, puffed sleeves continue to reign supreme (Sleeper’s Atlanta style still gets our vote), while cobalt blue and Barbiecore pink are the hues to take note of, and animal prints and florals are the patterns.
Looking for brand specific summer dresses? These are the best & Other Stories summer dresses and H&M summer dresses. There’s also modest summer dresses and summer dresses with sleeves if you want to cover up a bit more, and if you’re after more summer fashion content then shop the best wedding guest dresses and bridesmaid dresses, swimwear brands, summer loungewear, beach dresses and summer workwear. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.