Are These Dresses 2020’s Answer To That Polkadot Zara Midi?

Ah, the heady days of last summer, when all we worried about was securing a table in our favourite pub garden and whether or not we'd turn up wearing the same Zara dress as everyone else. Yes, I'm still talking about the polka dot Zara number because, frankly, I yearn for the days when we're actually permitted to socialise in accidentally matching outfits. I'm also very interested in the profound question of what might be this year's version of said dress. That is to say: which dresses are the most popular at the moment. And why?

It's mysteries such as these that I deign to solve for the good of the people. After all, it's only getting warmer and we're still stuck in some sort of post-lockdown re-emergence, so what else are we supposed to wear? Sure, leggings have gotten us so far but there are times when you might just want to welcome a degree of waft into your life.

This question of 2020's hot frocks (as possibly nobody is calling them) really arose during a Zoom meeting with colleagues. Kenya Hunt, Grazia's fashion director was sporting a black and white checked dress with an impressive sleeve, purchased from & Other Stories. There were oohs and aahs and some enthusiasm so great, the screen froze. But a few others mentioned that they'd bought exactly the same dress. Comments were made about the ease of the thing – it's slightly oversized, a practical length and, ultimately, just really comfy without actually being loungewear. Well, of course I couldn't help but wonder: is this 2020's Zara dress? Should it have its own Instagram account?

The answer is possibly no, simply because it has serious competition. Even at & Other Stories itself, might I add, seeing as last month saw the launch of a new capsule collection including this fetching black dress, complete with a flattering high waist and voluminous sleeves. Naturally, given that I wanted it so much, it sold out rapidly. Such is my lockdown luck. But worry not for my misfortune – & Other Stories has other similar styles which, it says, are wildly popular. What do they all have in common? Puff sleeves and a flounce. It's like music to my ears.

Mango, too, has launched its new collection, full of pretty summer dresses guaranteed to sell out quickly. The brand predicted that two, in particular, were set to fly off the (virtual) shelves – this rosy button-down (which actually has sold out but is back in stock soon) and this scarlet mini. Both are made from cotton poplin and have great sleeves. Can you sense a theme among the general public yet?

High-street label Kitri has just dropped its summer collection, as worn by ultimate cool girl Jessie Bush, and with it comes an abundance of staycation pieces perfect for feeling comfortable at home, picnics and country walks. The standout piece from the collection has to be the Margot dress, in a picnic-perfect gingham and voluminous sleeves - the pre-order waiting list for its drop in June is already at 500 people and expected to rise, so sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Other than sleeves, it seems that the overarching theme is swooshy, bright, printed sunny day dresses, which is truly a joyful sight during this, the time of coronatracksuits. Browns cites a cut-out midi from Peony, this show-stopping dress from Rosie Assouline , Jacquemus' ombre mini and LoveShackFancy's broderie anglaise (almost sold out) as the styles it's banking on this season.

Over at Matchesfashion, fashion and buying director Natalie Kingham says that Zimmermann continues to be one of the most popular brands, largely thanks to its array of beautiful dresses, from dramatic, floor-sweeping florals to chiffon styles with a vintage feel.

Zimmermann has been a best-seller for MyTheresa, too, along with this lace-trimmed Self Portrait dress and this crepe number from Rotate Birger Christensen.

For Net-a-Porter, Sleeper's Atlanta gingham dress is a best-seller of the moment, proving that its success of last summer is showing no sign of waning this year. Other most popular dresses for the e-tailer include Rixo's poppy printed midi, Alexander McQueen's ribbed-knit dress and Valentino's poplin shirt style.

And what of the OG of the viral dress, Zara? Well, if long queues outside newly reopened stores are anything to go by, lockdown has not dampened people's fervent desire for the high street brand's wares. Undoubtedly, this knot-detail dress has been a huge hit, selling out within days and cropping up all over your Insta feed, no doubt. While it's coming back into stock soon – and you can sign up to receive notifications when it does – you could always content yourself with this billowy, embroidered midi– smart enough for virtual conference calls but light enough to wear all day in the heat.

Elsewhere on the high street, Topshop says that its floral print kimono wrap dress is selling fastest at the moment, while ASOS states that white dresses are the most popular among its customers.

With so much choice on offer, it seems unlikely that you'll end up at Zoom drinks in the same dress as your best friend. Then again, if that happens, at least you'll only be metres away from your wardrobe.

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