I'm someone who tends to approach trends with caution. In order for me to invest in a trend, it has to be two things: a) something I see myself wearing for longer than just a season and b) a piece I know will work with at least five different outfits. It's a personal rule that's saved me from more than a few (probably more like hundreds of) impulse buys. That said, there are certain things I'll make an exception for, and the latest item to slip through the cracks is Damson Madder's Lilo Mini Dress, which combines two of summer's biggest trends - butter yellow and polka dots.
The Lilo dress might seem like a simple summer mini at first glance but it features a handful of details that, in my opinion, make it better than your average frock. The shirred bandeau gives the dress a fitted top, before flaring out at the bottom - making it perfect for throwing on over a bikini or even a pair of jeans when it's cooler. Plus, as its made from 100% organic cotton, the Lilo dress is floaty without feeling thin, and has adjustable straps (which are always a massive bonus). The dress is also cleverly a two-in-one outfit, as it can be turned into a skirt by tucking in the straps and finishing the look with a baby tee or the matching bikini top, which many influencers have chosen to pair with it.
Damson Madder damsonmadder.com
The Lilo Mini Dress is a great silhouette to have in your holiday wardrobe, with its shirred bust and flared out hem that's perfect for pairing with flip flops or kitten heels. The best part about the dress? The fact it can be worn as both a dress and a skirt; for the latter, simply fold in the straps and tuck-in your favourite T-shirt.
To style the Lilo dress, wear on its own with a simple pair of Havaianas, layer over the top of a T-shirt, or wear as a skirt with a boho blouse and chunky sandals. If you're the kind of person to fully commit to a trend, embrace an all-out polka dot look by styling the mini dress with the matching butter yellow Damson Madder sunhat.
I'll be the first to admit that my self-imposed no-trend buying rule has crumbled in the face of this dress. It's breezy, flattering, taps into two key trends of spring/summer 2025 and can be worn as the weather (unfortunately) gets cooler, as well as when you're on your summer holiday. Clearly I'm not the only person falling for its charms either, as the dress has already sold out once and was only restocked earlier this month. So, if you, too, are looking to justify your next trending purchase, take this as your sign.
Main image credit: Instagram/@lau.maree
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.