It's summer but it's raining.; it's muggy but it's also cold. Not only is this weather ruining our chance to drink rosé al fresco as and when we feel like it, it's also turning the very mundane action of getting dressed into a full-blown existential crisis. Summer dresses feel too flimsy, coats on top too warm. Should we break out the knitwear again, that we so carefully vacuum packed only a few weeks ago and spent hours shoving under the bed until it disappeared from sight? Don't even get me started on what the hell we should wear on our feet.
Well, maybe Kate Middleton has the answer. Arriving at the first annual Addiction Awareness Gala in London last night, she suggested that the answer to our sartorial conundrum might just be an off-the-shoulder neckline. Groundbreaking it isn't, but it sure is an excellent answer to a grey, rainy summer.
While K-Mid's dress is a Barbara Casasola design that she first wore in 2016, the brand has a similar style still available (and in the Net-a-Porter sale, no less). But there is, obviously, a wealth of Bardot frocks available at the moment for a significantly more affordable price. Because, come June 24 – which is when we've been promised a heatwave – that rosé won't pay for itself.
SHOP: Five Of The Best Bardot Pieces To Wear During A Rainy Summer
Five Of The Best Bardot Pieces To Wear During A Rainy Summer
1 of 5Zara, Off-Shoulder Top With Metallic Thread, £25.99
A going-out top you can wear with jeans that still feels summery – it'll also look excellent on holiday.
2 of 5All Saints, Off-Shoulder Dress, £76
This may as well have been directly inspired by K-Mid's own Bardot dress. Wear with ankle boots while it's pouring and swap for sandals later on.
3 of 5Floral Bardot Dress, £39
A wear-everywhere midi that you can layer up if you need extra weather-proofing or wear with strappy sandals when the heatwave (finally) arrives.
4 of 5Boden, Knitted Dress, £110
You can wear this either on or off the shoulder and it can easily be dressed up or down. It's the sort of dress that's as appropriate for work as it is weekends.
5 of 5H&M, V-Neck Jumper, £9
Summer, but make it cosy. Wear this jumper pulled down off your shoulders with a pretty midi skirt and kitten heels for a rain-proof take on date night dressing.