My weekends are officially booked solid until the end of September, and that has its pros and cons. Of course, a busy summer means I'll be having a lovely couple of months, but it also comes with a very real wardrobe dilemma: what are you supposed to wear to all of it? Especially when there's a mixture of weddings, festivals, and birthday parties on the calendar, and all of them come with a different theme, thus requiring a different outfit. So, to save the panic-ordering and hammering next-day delivery (as well as my bank account), I'm investing in a couple of summer dresses that will see me through all occasions. My choice for all the formal events I have coming up? Zara's Long Satin Dress.
The satin dress, which is part of Zara's ZW Collection, a somewhat secret place you'll find those expensive-looking pieces you might mistake for designer, features a flowing maxi fit, a cowl neck that's not too low cut (and is still acceptable to wear around your grandparents) and an asymmetric hem. The dress is also the definition of business at the front, party at the back, as it has an adjustable tie and deep back.
Zarawww.zara.com
Zara's long satin dress features a maxi length, V-neck and wide straps. The back is open with an adjustable tie top and cowl, perfect for those days when you want to go sans bra. Finish the look with platform sandals and a coloured bag.
Available in four different colours, each shade offers different styling opportunities, and the possibility of wearing the same dress in a different colour to stop people from realising that yes, this is the fifth time you're wearing it this summer.
In brown, the dress leans into a more neutral look, so style with gold jewellery, beige kitten heels and a shoulder bag. The butter yellow feels fresh and ideal for summer (as well as on-trend) and can be paired with flat sandals and chunky bangles. Black is perhaps the easiest win for the evening with mules and an oversized blazer, while the olive green is equally as versatile, particularly when paired with flat knee-high boots for a more casual event.
Zara www.zara.com
Zara's butter yellow iteration is perfect for pairing with colours that are equally as bright.
If your social calendar is looking a lot like mine this summer (stacked full of weddings, birthdays, and Friday-night dinners that are bound to turn into something more), then you'll understand the importance of a dress that takes the pressure off. You know, the kind that you can reach for without hesitation, knowing that it will just work every time. Whether the event has been in your diary for a while, or just added a few hours ago, Zara's Long Satin Dress is the kind of piece that buys you time, confidence, and at least one 'where's your dress from?'
Shop: Zara's Satin Dress And Alternatives
Zara www.zara.com
If you're a sucker for an LBD, this is the one for you.
Zara www.zara.com
Finally, the olive green is a good choice for those who want to be more daring (but not too daring) this summer.
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
If you like the satin style but not the open back, Nobody's Child has a style that features a similar cowl neck and flattering cut. Also available in an olive green colour, the dress can be paired with anything from ballet flats to heels.
Massimo Duttiwww.massimodutti.com
Massimo Dutti's take on a classic satin midi dress features a flattering V-neckline, as well as a low-cut back. The fabric is purposely flowy and the material looks far more expensive than its high street price tag.
Anthropologiewww.anthropologie.com
If you've got a black tie event this summer, Anthropologie's Gracie dress is the dress to wear. With a draped cowl neck and maxi length, finish the look with gold accessories and a clutch bag.
Main image credit: Instagram/@perriesian, @indiaamoon, @stylebyjjulia
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.