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    1. Fashion

    Andrea's It List: The quick 'one and done' outfits I'm wearing on repeat until September

    Multi-tasking pieces you'll wear again and again

    Andrea Thompson's avatar
    By Andrea Thompson
    Published 11 April 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Andrea Thompson
    (Image credit: Andrea Thompson)
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    It's around this time of year that my mind starts turning to dresses. I've spent the winter months in separates, and I'm ready for some quick, easy ‘one and done’ outfits I can invest in now and wear on repeat till September.

    When it comes to summer dresses, my favourite buys are the hard-working multi-tasking pieces that are just demure enough for the office with a blazer but also work alone with heels for a range of summer events I'll inevitably be attending straight from work.

    The key for me is finding a dress that subtly leans into one of the key trends but has longevity too, and you can't beat a fit and flare style midi. I'm all about something I can invest in now and wear for many summers to come - so if it works as a wedding guest outfit or laid-back holiday dinner, too, that's a major plus. Here are some hard-working heroes I love.

    SHOP MY TOP PICKS

    Victoria Beckham Asymmetric draped stretch-crepe midi dress

    Victoria Beckham Asymmetric Draped Stretch-crepe Midi Dress
    £690 AT NET-A-PORTER

    It's time to embrace some colour and this bold green dress by Victoria Beckham is the perfect statement piece for summer. A versatile length, it can be styled up or down for a multitude of occasions and features an asymmetric hem, which is very on trend this season but is subtle enough not to date.

    Reformation Everett Linen Dress

    Reformation Everett Linen Dress
    £298 AT REFORMATION

    There's a reason the black Everett dress from Reformation is one of their most popular styles. Its effortless chic with a blazer and loafers for work, but the fitted bodice and full skirt create a super-flattering silhouette and a bit of wow factor for evening events.

    Becca Butter Halter Maxi Dress

    Becca Butter Halter Maxi Dress
    £224 (WAS £280) AT LIBERTY

    This elegant butter yellow halter-neck maxi dress by Significant Other has made it onto my wish list after I saw a friend in it last weekend. In everyone's favourite shade for spring, it’s cut to perfection and currently on sale, too. It features an open back, so it might not be one for work, but it is a real keeper you'll wear year after year.

    Me+Em Fluid Crepe Jersey Pleat Front Maxi Dress

    Me+Em Fluid Crepe Jersey Pleat Front Maxi Dress
    £250 AT ME+EM

    I bought this ME+EM dress in the black linen last year and was excited to see they've just re-released the same style in a jersey fabric and new colourways. Beautifully cut on the shoulders and neckline and gathered at the front, this super flattering style was one of my most worn items between May and October for everything from work events to holiday and and even in the winter months with tights and boots too. Definitely a hard recommend.

    Rixo Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress

    Rixo Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress
    £275 AT RIXO

    You can rely on Rixo for a well-cut, head-turning frock that will last. This polka dot halter neck, like their best-selling Abi style, is flatteringly fitted on the hips and bust but loose on the hips for all-day events. Definitely one you can recycle for everything from an office event to a garden party.

    Zimmerman Pleated plunge-V-neck woven midi dress

    Zimmerman Pleated Plunge-V-neck Woven Midi Dress
    £675 AT SELFRIDGES

    This beautiful pink plunge-neck Zimmermann dress with its pretty puff sleeves and feminine silhouette is the perfect summer season dress you can style up with a hat and heels. Pair with sandals or ballet flats for laid-back summer parties.

    HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

    Hutch The Ridge Dress

    Free People Hutch The Ridge Dress

    Hutch The Ridge Dress
    £298 AT FREE PEOPLE

    In need of more dress inspo. Over at Marie Claire, we've been busy rounding up the best wedding guest dresses we can find. From buttery yellow to cherry red, we've got a range of bold statement colour options suitable for any event. Prefer something more minimalist, like a classic slip? We've got those too. Check out the full edit now, including this cute drop-waist dress by Free People in fire engine red.

    A montage of images of Andrea Thompson, Marie Claire's Editor in Chief and the words 'Andrea's It-List' to advertise her new column

    (Image credit: Future)
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Andrea Thompson
    Andrea Thompson
    Editor in Chief

    Andrea Thompson is Editor in Chief at Marie Claire UK and was named by We are the City as one of the UKs top 50 trailblazers for her work championing gender equality. She sits on the committee of the British Society of Magazine Editors where she acts as Chair.

    Andrea has worked as a senior journalist for a range of publications over her 20 year career including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, Channel 4, Glamour and Grazia. At Marie Claire UK, Andrea oversees content, strategy, events and campaigns across fashion, beauty and the brand's purpose pillars. Follow her on instagram at @andreacanwrite

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