It’s at about this time of year that, after a few days of fairly consistent sunshine, I suddenly realise that all I really have to wear is that one old trusty faithful dress from a couple of years back. And after wearing it to as many gatherings as it’s socially acceptable to get away with (with minimum washes in between) I find myself rushing to the nearest shop on my way home from work and panic buying a dress that exactly the same as the one I’ve been recycling for all this time.
But this year is different, people. This is the year of actually taking a bit of time to find and try affordable dresses, both in and out of my comfort zone, that’ll mix up my summer repertoire. Here’s what Topshop currently has to offer…
Not A Posh Frock
I find it really hard to find long sleeve, mid length dresses that don’t automatically make me look really formal. Here’s some proof that if you throw some flowers, asymmetric ruffles and a pair of well-worn Converse at one, you can do that nonchalant ‘dressed for all occasions’ thing.
Little Dress On The Prairie
Okay. On the rack, I was definitely not a fan of this dress. But then I put it on and it was a bit less Little House On The Prairie than I expected. I’m not great at anything too cutsie so back came the converse. Probably to be paired with a sassy bold red lip for a look that is perfect for meeting your girlfriend/boyfriend’s nan at a family BBQ.
Layer Me In Lace
If you're up for a throwback to your sixth form end of year party, here's your dress. Lace on lace on lace on bodycon. The asymmetric lines and faux wrap around detailing bring to dress forward into this year and away from those hazy memories of fake ID, while the sliders tone the whole thing down a bit.
Walking Waterfall
There’s no time like the present to embrace the bright and bold. The hem is fun and floaty but the dress is weighty enough to withstand a rogue gust of wind when you’re out and about. Pretty vital if you ask me.
Wedding Winner
Is it me or is everyone getting married this summer? This lightweight dress is so wedding appropriate I’m finding it really hard to picture it in any other scenario. The sneaky slits in the arms and across the leg are really flattering and allow for a lot more movement than you’d usually expect from this sort of material.
Fun ‘N’ Floaty
This dress made me want to dance. And fly. And basically run, spin and jump around to make the pretty floaty bits dance. There are so many. The neckline is super complimentary against the busy sleeves and with some fancy footwear like the pretty ribbon ones here you’ll feel like something straight out of an early noughties dance party movie.
Do It In Denim
I think of this very much as a homage to the outfit I wore for most of my childhood. The shape, the design, the whole shebang. When in doubt, denim is your friend. And I feel like me and this cute embroidered mini dress are going to be besties. Yep, denim embroidery isn’t going anywhere. Welcome to your new trusty faithful.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.