While we have reached the end of summer, the weather can at least be described with adjectives far more positive than inclement, with warm temperatures promised to us for at least another couple of weeks. It seems that the heady feeling of leaving the house sans wooly layers will last that bit longer, which is excellent news for your Vitamin D levels – and your best dresses. In case you hadn't noticed, however, there's only one style which elicits the giddiest of reactions in this particular realm: Dôen dresses.
As a die-hard dress wearer, I have enjoyed Dôen's unapologetically pretty, nostalgic aesthetic since the brand emerged in 2016. Founded by Los Angeles-based sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, it encapsulates that laid-back, breezy California cool while also managing to feel far more inviting and universal than most other brands described with such alliterative fervour. I have found that 'California cool' usually equates to non-inclusive sizing and clothes made only for a beachside existence. Dôen is not that, thank goodness, as I found out when I tried three of the brand's best-selling dresses.
www.shopdoen.com
I was initially worried that this wouldn't be super-flattering for bigger boobs but, actually, I found that it fitted really well and made me feel great. You can adjust the tie at the bust so it would work for all sizes – it's comfortable, chic and genuinely suits everyone. No wonder it's a best-seller.
It's not just me, though. In recent years, many celebrities have discovered the joys of Dôen – particularly its dresses – for themselves. Kylie Jenner, Alexa Chung, Kaia Gerber and Dakota Johnson are just some of the women who have done just that, reiterating the diverse appeal of the brand to very different personal styles.
As a brand, Dôen also feels much more inclusive than some of its contemporaries. While I'm not suggesting every dress it makes will appeal to every body shape, its most successful styles tend to be its most democratic. Take the Ischia, one of the best-sellers; it has a smocked bodice with an adjustable waist tie with a suits-everyone A-line skirt. Available in sizes XXS - XXL (the equivalent of UK 4-18), it can be seen on differently-sized models on Dôen's website (still uncommon for most brands), as well as on a range of body shapes and sizes on the label's Instagram.
www.shopdoen.com
This is a truly glorious dress – again, the fit was great and the detail of the fabric elevates it so it feels really special to wear. It's very light, too, so great for even the warmest of climates. You'll want to swish your way around very glamorous locations in this dress. The only thing I'd say is it is fairly sheer, so make sure you have nude pants to hand!
I admire the versatility of a lot of these styles, too. Many (the Ischia in particular) would look as good in a pub garden under a denim jacket as they would with bare feet as you island hop your way around the Med (le sigh). Similarly, many would be perfect for weddings with heels and your best jewellery – and equally appropriate for work (depending on your dress code) if you add flats and an oversized blazer.
www.shopdoen.com
I love that this dress has an adjustable waist tie, so not only does it fit all body shapes, you can wear it to be more fitted or really loose if you want to throw it on over swimwear on the beach. The puff sleeves can be worn on the shoulder or off and the length is particularly flattering as it hits right on the ankle (I'm 5"6).
Normally, celebrity endorsements are not necessarily the mark of a truly great product. In this case, I have to (reluctantly) say that Kylie Jenner is right. Dôen dresses will be all you want to wear for the last of the summer weather, you'll just need to ensure you buy one before they've all sold out.
Shop: The Best Celebrity Dôen Dresses
Kaia Gerber
Kaia Gerber recently joined the endless list of celebrities flaunting a dress from the LA-based brand. Gerber opted for Dôen's Quinn Dress, a black poplin dress with a gathered chest, puff sleeve and romantic neckline. In true Gerber fashion, the model teamed it with an elegant, understated black ballet flat and a simple tote, as she strolled around SoHo earlier in the summer.
www.shopdoen.com
Also available in white and gingham, shop Gerber's Quinn dress here.
Alexa Chung
Before Gerber, Alexa Chung thought Glastonbury was the ideal moment to wear her own Dôen dress, a pretty pale yellow midi trimmed with white lace. Of course, in classic Chung fashion, she styled it with black knee-high boots and a long Barbour jacket, proving that it's a dress that's nothing if not versatile. It would also work for weddings and summer parties with ballet pumps or heeled sandals and it will be perfect for balmy holiday nights.
www.shopdoen.com
Alexa Chung proved that this dress really does work for every occasion, including festivals. It will also be truly lovely with flat sandals on holiday or for dressed-up summer events.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson was just spotted wearing the ethereal Nevara dress, £489 on the set of her new film Materialists this summer, made from silk with cascading ruffle shoulders and wonderful organza flowers at the front neckline. Johnson paired the dress with a pair of Nike Daybreak sneakers and Bottega cat-eye sunglasses, for the ultimate flair of summery effortlessness.
www.shopdoen.com
The ultimate summer dress, as proven by Dakota Johnson, featuring cascading ruffles and a floral neckline, shop the silky Nevara dress now.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is also a repeat-wearer. Her Dôen dresses include the Ischia, a puff-sleeved number made from 100% cotton, which is a consistent best-seller for the label, and the sleeveless Emmaretta.
www.shopdoen.com
While Gomez' exact blue version is available, you can still shop the 'wild floral' colourway below.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is another super fan, wearing her smocked dress to pose with windswept hair in front of a countryside backdrop.
www.net-a-porter.com
Worn by Selena Gomez, the Ischia dress is a best-seller, presumably due to the fact that its such a democratic style. With its adjustable waist and flattering A-line skirt, it's a dream dress for summer.
Shop The Best Of The Rest: Dôen Dresses For 2024
www.shopdoen.com
Throw under a lightweight jacket, add sandals or ballet pumps and you have the perfect outfit for a summer weekend – whatever your plans.
www.shopdoen.com
How to be the best dressed wedding guest? Buy this dress and wear it with simple shoes. That's it.
www.shopdoen.com
The perfect holiday dress, this glorious coral style has a square neckline, gathered bust and a fitted bodice framed with petite ruffles which keep the silhouette flattering. There's lots of stretch making it super comfortable, even in a heatwave.
www.shopdoen.com
The Jessica dress is a real show-stopper, crafted from luminous silk satin with vintage vibes.
www.shopdoen.com
Inspired by '30's silhouettes, this lustrous silky dress in purple features ruffle tulle and intricate embroidery.
www.shopdoen.com
As comfortable as a nightdress but far more glamorous, this pretty style is available in five different colours and prints.
www.net-a-porter.com
Exclusive to Net-a-Porter, this beautiful blue version of Dôen's Ischia dress is very difficult to resist. Wear with your favourite sandals and add a basket bag for peak summer vibes.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.