The Best Oversized Dresses To Make A Lockdown Heatwave Much More Bearable

Last summer, Fashion Week street style surprised us all by providing sensible wardrobe ideas that were comfortable, practical and democratic. Rather than a parade of entirely theatrical outfits, the likes of Copenhagen Fashion Week showcased one item in particular that adhered to all three of the above criteria: the tent dress. And rather than become a flash-in-the-pan, transient sort of trend, this one is still enjoying its moment in the sun. But what we weren't to know last year was this: the tent dress might just be the ultimate lockdown outfit.

'Comfort dressing’ is now far from a sign of laziness, especially since Covid-19 forced us all inside and made us seriously reconsider our daily sartorial choices. Suddenly, we were confronted with an entirely new routine, one which existed in a much more confined space. And whether you're working from home, home schooling children or making daily hikes to your local park, the message is the same: being comfortable is key.

Enter the tent dress, a frock of oversized proportions that simultaneously offers said comfort as well as style. These are billowing dresses with modest, cover-all silhouettes, which allow you to roam (at a two metre distance, thanks very much) with all the freedom which trousers usually allow, but with far less restriction.

The appeal is all in the ease. ‘I think our voluminous dress is flattering for everyone,’ says the Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen, whose capacious, butter-wouldn’t-melt styles are a fashion editor favourite. ‘Their sculptural shape and light, easy volume embodies a feminine power and strength.’

‘I love a tent dress – it makes you feel more comfortable in your skin,’ adds Daisy Hoppen, founder of DH-PR, who has an excellent collection that includes designs by Rejina Pyo, Dôen and Simone Rocha. ‘You can curl up tucked within it to watch a movie, or layer over swimsuits and bikinis when on holiday.’ And did we mention they are the opposite of restrictive? Have all the pastries you want at breakfast, shrug off the streaky fake-tan faux pas – nobody will know.

But can you really wear one IRL? Even after lockdown? Absolutely. Just follow the Danish girl-approved mantra: tone down the commune-meets-fairy-tale vibes by pairing them with tomboyish, utilitarian pieces. As Suzanne Pendlebury, Matchesfashion.com’s head of womenswear, points out, ‘It is such an easy trend to wear well and I love the mix of more feminine voluminous dresses with a trainer or flip-flop.’

‘The appeal is in their versatility,’ says Lucia Caponi, creative director of Loretta Caponi – known for its wafty nightgowns. ‘They’re soft and comfortable, but can also be feminine and sexy.’

Although the tent dress seems to baulk against the received knowledge that fitted, waist-cinched silhouettes are always more flattering, it’s a misnomer that these generous, gusty shapes can only be worn by willowy teens who are taller than a basketball player. If you’re short, simply go for a midi rather than a maxi, and opt for three-quarter-length sleeves. If you’re booby, then go for one which shows a hint of décolletage. And if you’re way too confident to be wooed by such a demure cut, then try a sheer style. Put a bit of effort into finding the right one, and dressing for a summer spent in lockdown will be a breeze.

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