Here comes the sun...

... and it looks like it's here to stay.  This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill... It appears that Summer has arrived.  WHOOOP! 

And even though it doesn't look like we're going to get a holiday abroad this year, we can enjoy the sun at home.  

Now - I have holiday dresses that are perfect for the beach and for lounging by a pool but they're not entirely appropriate for a trip to the supermarket.  Which has led me to thinking - we've got months of sunshine (she says ambitiously) ahead of us so surely we deserve the treat of a new frock to see us through.  

And you WILL be able to pack it for next year when we jet off to tropical climes. 

The key thing I'm looking for today is sleeveless,  We want to feel a little bit of sun on our shoulders (obviously lathered in suncream...), we also want something that covers our legs as I've reached the age where too much flesh on show isn't something I want to be flashing in Lidl.

I'd also like versatility to be key.  When it comes to talking about sustainable fashion, we should be thinking about buying less but buying better.  And that doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be expensive - it just means that by buying better, you can get more wear out of something.  So a dress that will work for the supermarket with flats but you could also wear to a bbq with heels or dress up (for next year!) when we're able to get out and about to fancier events.  And of course, there's the holiday... 

So let's get started with an amazing red number from La Redoute.  IT HAS POCKETS.

Sleeveless bustier maxi dress (it's not really maxi - it's definitely midi) was £60 now £39


Navy - it's really tricky to get navy dresses and this is a GEM.  No pockets... but... 

Cotton dress with shoestring straps was £55 now £33.80


And in the green also £33.80


Another navy maxi (LOVE LOVE this one) from hush.  There aren't many halter necks around this season - probably my favourite neckline. 

Reena halter maxi dress from hush £99


LOVE this one from Pepe... 

Long embroidered dress with shoestring straps was £95 now £76



Another in white at H&M.

Long V Neck Dress 100% cotton £49.99


White again at The White Company. 

Washed Satin Maxi Dress £139.. IT HAS POCKETS!


Or black... I love wearing black in the summer.  As bizarre as that sounds, I just think it's so incredibly elegant.  It can look quite heavy if you're not careful but this one is perfect with the lace panels.

Sleeveless openwork maxi dress from Molly Bracken at La Redoute was £65 now £48.75


Stuffing frill sleeve midi at hush - this is ideal if you are slightly larger of bust.  Super flattering neckline and nipped in at the waist means that the proportions will work perfectly.

Liely Ruffle Cotton Dress at hush £99


Black again at hush

Rafi Cotton Midi Dress £89


Black Tile Print at The White Company £129



Looser now at H&M - perfect for hiding a multitude of sins. 

Bow detail A line dress £34.99 I personally wouldn't wear these shoes with it - I think they're too heavy and the proportions don't work with the shape.  I would much rather see a flatter shoe... OR a heeled espadrille would look fabulous.


Loose again at Mango with a higher neckline.  

Ruffled poplin dress at Mango £59.99


The thinner straps now in a textured weave at H&M.  These are obviously not great if you're blessed with breasts, but for the pancake boobed amongst us, these are great.

Textured weave maxi dress in orange £39.99


Yellow maxi magic at Mango £59.99


Green at Mango £35.99


Or a red version again £35.99 at Mango 


Bringing the prints in now... 

Textured weave maxi dress from H&M £39.99


And in the pink print again £39.99


A slightly shorter one for those who prefer a midi. 

Sophia tie-back cotton dress from hush £99 IT HAS POCKETS!


LOVE this one from Mango.

Floral Print Long Dress £49.99


Adore this one from ASOS. 

Pretty Lavish tiered ruffle midaxi dress £80


Frill edged sleeves and an alternative print at hush - ideal for those who don't like floral but want an alternative to plain. 

Fonda linen blend dress from hush £99


Slightly skimpier now but still VERY wearable... 

Crinkled cotton dress in bright blue - love this shorter midi length £19.99 from H&M



Accessorize high neck dress in red £49 at ASOS


ASOS DESIGN cotton poplin maxi dress in khaki green £32



Printed strapless maxi dress at La Redoute was £40 now £30


And finishing with one that doesn't really fit the brief but it's so good, I couldn't not feature it. 

Forever New Becca Floral Print Dress at John Lewis £125


Now I don't have any of these to show you... and I cannot bear looking back at the ones I wore when on holiday!  So happy shopping.  I am now still burrowing down my broderie anglaise hole.  I will be back...