Feeling fed up looking at the same old summer wardrobe? Then it might be time to invest in one of the new dress trends of 2019. Like most years there are so many styles to choose from – including old classics like the floral maxi and silky slip – so to make things easy we’ve rounded up the top twelve frocks you’ll want to wear all summer long. All that’s left to do is name the occasion and pick your price…
Opening shot: Earring, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market/ Dress, £430, Solace London/ Blue Shoes, £300, Loeffler Randall
The Wrap Dress
Yes it’s true what they say; the wrap dress is one of the most figure flattering frocks whatever your shape and size. It nips in at the waist and effortlessly skims over hips and thighs. To ensure your wrap dress ticks multiple SS19 trend boxes why not opt for one in a gingham check or picnic blanket plaid?
Sunglasses, £255, Marni/ Dress, £380, Paper London/ Shoes, £375, Mother Of Pearl
The Slinky Maxi
Thanks to brands such as De La Vali and Cult Gaia the slinky silky maxi has become one of the key dress trends of 2019. Although typically this style of dress is reserved for formal occasions and events, this summer we’ve spotted some of our favourite Instagram stars styling theirs with casual flat sandals and beach bags creating the perfect dressed-up daytime look.
Earrings, £190, Liya/ Dress, £495, De La Vali available at Selfridges/ Shoes, £300, Loeffler Randall/ Bag, £295, Cult Gaia at BeachCafe.com
The Polka Dot Print
If you don’t already own a polka dot printed dress then it’s time to invest pronto. Not only were the SS’19 catwalks packed full of statement spots, it’s also quickly become the go-to print amongst the A-list style set, having been spotted lately on everyone from Kate Middleton to Priyanka Chopra.
Earrings, £125, and bangle, £130, Alexandra Hakim/ Dress, £695, Mother Of Pearl
The Silky Slip
Beach breaks, weddings, festivals and staycations are all ideal for the classic silky slip… In fact we can’t think of an occasion that this trusty dress doesn’t suit! Yep, this single garment offers plenty of style mileage and can even work in winter too; just layer over a fine roll-neck or style with an oversized chunky knit.
Earrings, £48, and bangles, £60 for set of 3, Bimba Y Lola/ Dress, £600, Theory/ Sandals, £155, Ancient Greek Sandals available at Net-a-Porter
The Classic Floral Frock
Whether shopping high end or on the high street you can’t hide from floral frocks this summer. And why you want to? From pretty petal prints to bold botanical blooms there’s a flower power pattern whatever your vibe and style.
Earrings, £218, Alexandra Hakim/ Dress, £450, Solace London/ Blue mules, £300, and pink beaded bag, £235, Loeffler Randall
The Timeless Shirt Dress
Now we all know the shirt-dress is nothing new but there’s many good reasons why this trend makes a return season after season and is high up on our list of 2019 dress trends. Most notably is the fact that it’s guaranteed to go with pretty much anything and everything in your existing wardrobe. Dress it down for day-time with sneakers and a denim jacket or add a pair of strappy barely-there sandals and statement earrings for those long summer nights.
Earrings, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market/ Blue striped dress, £250, Staud
The Statement Print Clash
Ever since Rixo arrived on the scene a few years ago we’ve been crushing on their clever combination of different prints. And now with other brands following suit it’s no surprise the clashing print has become a fully-fledged dress trend of 2019. Forget a shy and subtle approach; a dress this loud and proud deserves to be styled with an equally as bold bag and some statement accessories.
Necklace, £160, Liya/ Dress, £335, Rixo/ Shoes, £375, Mother of Pearl/ Green Bag, £320, Staud available at Net-a-Porter
The Linen Dress
Planning a trip somewhere super hot? Then make sure the linen dress is on top of your packing list for a number of reasons:
1 - Linen is super lightweight (no excess baggage fees for you this vacay!)
2 - Natural fabrics like linen and cool cotton have temperature-regulating qualities meaning no unplanned hot flushes or unsightly sweat patches.
3 – Whether it’s in classic white or a combination of colours like this Rejina Pyo number, the linen dress is a huge 2019 dress trend, so, earn yourself additional style kudos by investing pronto!
Necklace, £105, Bimba Y Lola/ Dress, £625, Rejina Pyo/ Bag, £320, Cult Gaia at BeachCafe.com
The LBB (aka The Little Beige Dress)
Thanks to the likes of Chloe and Fendi neutral shades, such as sand, oat and camel, have quickly become this season’s hottest colour palette. And, despite what you think, these beige tones are anything but bland; in fact an understated beige dress can help fast track your look to the next level of effortless chic. Keep the rest of your outfit paired back with minimal accessories and simple shoes and you’ve got the ‘Oh, I just threw it on’ look nailed!
Earrings, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market/ Dress, £995, A.W.A.K.E Mode/ Ring, £165, Liya/ Copper Shoes, £345, Loeffler Randall
The Ruffle Mini
Ruffles are back in a big way this summer. And whilst the may feel frilly, delicate and dainty Henry Holland has no problem in showing us how to make them fun and fearsome with this bold and bright number.
Earrings, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market/ Dress, £395, House of Holland/ Shoes, £450, Rejina Pyo
The Broderie Anglaise Midi
Lace, crochet and Broderie Anglaise will always be synonymous with bohemian beach get-aways or romantic city breaks however that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them back at home as well as on holiday. This throw-on-and-go midi by Ganni is perfect for both work and play.
Earring, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market/ Dress, £370, Ganni/ Sandals, £180, Kat Maconie/ Brown Bag, £310, Staud available at Matchesfashion.com
The Plissé Pleated Mini
Tight microscopic pleats may be small but this new trend is anything but. As featured on the SS’19 runways at Valentino and Givenchy, the plissé pleat is the detail to don this summer! Pick a pleated mini in a candyfloss pink for an extra feminine feel – an ideal look for weddings and summer garden soirees.
Earrings, POR, Sophie Billie Brahe available at Dover Street Market, Dress, £170, Ganni
Styling and words: Sarah Barlow @sarah_barlow
Photography: Dan Williams @danwillphoto
Make up & Hair: Sophie Higginson using Kiehl’s and MAC Cosmetics @sophiehigginson
Model: Yiara at Wild London @yiarapaola @ wild.management