Everyone needs a go to dress – something you pull out of the wardrobe and that feels just right for a nice lunch with friends, a BBQ or outdoor concert.

The problem is there aren’t any rules for this type of dressing. Events such as Ascot and weddings call for some planning to get your outfit right but you will have guidelines to help you. But what do you do if you want a dress for less formal occasions that still looks good.

My advice is to stay within your comfort zone and also to choose a style that is comfortable – but flattering. Silk chiffon is always popular for summer dresses and comes in so many different prints. This lightweight silk is floaty and diaphanous. You can also get polyester chiffon if you want to be able to wash your dress but this does not have the same luxurious look or feel. A good quality cotton is practical and comfortable in warm weather. There are so many different cottons and a huge variety of finishes. Linen is another summer favourite but it creases, fine for relaxed summer days but it rarely looks dressy. If this bothers you choose a linen mixed with silk or a manmade fibre such as viscose and this will solve the problem.

Sally wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture dress with pussy bow tie neck

Sally wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture summer dress

Sally came to see me because she wanted to have some pieces in her wardrobe to make summer dressing easier when she is invited to a neighbour’s party, lunch with work colleagues or a private view at a London gallery. I made her two dresses one in a navy and white cotton print in an easy to wear shape. This dress has also proved useful in her holiday wardrobe as it is made from a cotton/silk mix that washes beautifully. The other dress I made her is a little more dressy in a very unusual Liberty print in muted shades of greens and neutrals. This dress has sleeves and a pussy bow tie neck, if the weather is hot it works well with the blouson sleeves pushed up.

Felicity wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture silk chiffon dress with palm print

Felicity came to see me to have a dress made for summer events. She wanted it to be dressy enough to go to weddings as a guest. Felicity has a great sense of fun and has a lively personality.

I wanted to create a dress that reflected her sunny disposition. I made her a silk chiffon dress with a vibrant green palm print on an ivory background.

The sheer three quarter length sleeves were finished with a frill from the same fabric. The crossover bodice and floaty skirt flattered her figure.

“The dress was lovely, much admired. Many thanks…” – Felicity

Jo was also looking for a summer dress to wear to weddings and relaxed summer events. Previously I had made Jo a dress and jacket in my favourite duck egg silk/linen and this proved a useful addition to her wardrobe after its’ initial wear for her daughter’s wedding. This time Jo wanted a patterned easy to wear dress, I found a stretch cotton with a wash of aquas and greens blending together with a black spidery print over the top. The dress was cut to show off Jo’s small waist with a flared skirt and three quarter sleeves. It was lined with a lightweight silk for comfort.

Jo wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture summer dress with three quarter sleeves

Jo wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture duck egg silk/linen dress and jacket

”Just thought I’d send you a photo of your lovely dress you made me. We had a wonderful wedding in Devon with spectacular weather. The reception was in a marquee in a field overlooking the sea. I’m with my beloved youngest son! Many thanks for all your work you did for me. The lighter lining was perfect for the hot day.” – Jo

Although we are fast approaching the end of the summer season a lovely dress is useful anytime of the year. If you would like to discuss this please email me [email protected] for a free no obligation consultation.