Rogue August showers may have led you to believe that summer is nearing its end, but the UK weather has a few surprises in store. In fact, the weather apps are now predicting a heatwave over the weekend. It's good news if, like me, you were looking for a reason to snap up another breezy frock. While there's plenty out there worth considering, none have caught our eye quite like Uniqlo's Gathered Mini Dress, and if Instagram is any indication, the style set agrees.
Made from lightweight cotton to keep you cool once temperatures skyrocket to the late twenties, the mini dress is also incredibly affordable, meaning you won't regret only getting a few wears out of it before the September chill (until next summer, of course). So what is it about the dress that has us charmed? To start with, the silhouette. Designed with an elegantly gathered bodice that cinches the waistline, it bears a striking resemblance to some of Dôen's whimsical frocks, namely the viral Ischia dress, minus the signature, extravagant puffed sleeves. Its fit and flare shape is also flattering across a range of body types, with sizes XXS through XL available to buy.
Shop: Uniqlo's Gathered Mini Dress
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If you're looking for something lightweight that will see you through the stifling heatwave, consider this cotton Uniqlo mini dress. Fashion insiders have taken a liking to the olive green version.
Of course, as with any Uniqlo staple, the brilliance of the dress doesn’t end there. It comes in a conveyor belt of colours and patterns to cater to every mood. The classic black iteration is ideal if you're looking for something a little more traditional and chic, while the mossy olive is an excellent option if you want to inject a touch of (muted) colour into your wardrobe. Meanwhile, the ditsy floral versions have become a big hit and are, surprisingly, still in stock in all sizes. Oh, and did I mention it comes with pockets (!)?
Plenty of stylish dressers have worn the Uniqlo dress on its own with western and biker style boots. For a touch of boyish charm, retro style trainers are your best bet, and for a pop of colour, choose Adidas Gazelles in either pink or blue. We've also seen plenty of fashionable people wearing mini dresses like this one as blouses, layered on top of wide-leg jeans and trousers. For casual outings, sling a best-selling Uniqlo Round bag across your body, or for an elevated touch, opt for a designer-inspired tote bag such as the Ellyla Woven Leather Hobo Bag.
Shop the dress below.
Shop: The Uniqlo Mini Dress
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The darling ditsy version of the Uniqlo is simply pretty, and is available in two colours, including this light blue iteration.
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The off white version is equally as charming.
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For a chic put together look, consider the black shade, which can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.
Image credits: @lau.maree, @tonediscoveries via TikTok and @Angela.bella.swift
Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.