Cast your mind back to the summer of 2019 and all you might be able to see is polka-dots. Black and white spots, to be precise, all over a long-sleeved, floaty mididress. We are, of course, referring to that Zara dress, which was so ubiquitous that not just every colleague, friend and passer-by in the street was wearing it, it also spawned its own Instagram account. As last year didn’t really have an ‘It’ dress, for obvious reasons, 2021 is now making up for it in style. Prepare yourself for a Hot COS Summer.
With its ruched waist, circle skirt and ankle-skimming hemline, COS’s gathered dress is emerging as an early hit. It’s cropping up everywhere, dominating algorithms and hogging shop windows, enticing us all in to behold the glory of this under £60 marvel. Available in versatile, goes-with- anything black (the very of-the-moment bright emerald has sadly sold out), there have been some fraught moments in COS stores across the UK, with people arguing over the last size left in stock.
SHOP: The Best High Street Summer Dresses
1 of 10COS, Gathered Midi Dress, £59
2 of 10Uterqüe, Knit Halter Dress, £125
3 of 10H&M, Wide Dress, £24.99
4 of 10Zara, Printed Midi Dress, £29.99
5 of 10Nobody's Child, Green Textured Gingham Esme Midi Dress, £45
6 of 10Mango, Vent Cotton Dress, £59.99
7 of 10Hush, Faye Printed Smock Dress, £75
8 of 10Kitri, Pink Linen Smock, £145
9 of 10Next/Mix, Gingham Square-Neck Dress, £145
10 of 10Whistles, Marni Print Trapeze Dress, £149
What makes it so good? The shape is flattering without being clingy, while the cut of the neckline adds a stylish flourish. It has distinctly ’90s vibes and is interesting without being fussy or over-complicated. In short, it’s very now.
And this isn’t just a summer fling. Layer long sleeves underneath and add tights for autumn/winter. A dress for all seasons, you might say. And you’d be right.