Slip into something effortlessly chic this summer, whether you’re off to the beach, the bar, a bar mitzvah, or all three…
‘This is the year we’re all set to go on holiday, to celebrate weddings and finally enjoy some normality,’ enthuses Olivia Pink, Partner & Buyer for womenswear. She’s not wrong: after two years of uncertainty, summer 2022 is the one to go all-out when it comes to dressing up. And you can rise to whatever the occasion might be with John Lewis & Partners’ new range of exclusive designs.
The premise is simple: 15 styles created by 10 brands – all only available here. There’s something for all budgets and destinations, whether that’s a party in your back garden or the wedding you were meant to attend back in 2020. There are fresh twists on popular designs by best-selling brands such as Whistles and Mint Velvet, to exciting launches from newcomers like Never Fully Dressed and Nobody’s Child. ‘Our reseach shows that everyone is buying back into dresses, which is so nice to see,’ explains Pink, in regard to the dress-centric theme.
The appeal of not turning up to an event in the same outfit as a fellow guest is obvious, but another sweet spot is that two of the designs, by Anyday and Nobody’s Child, come in ‘mini me’ versions for girls. However, if, after two years of rarely wearing anything more elevated than a pair of jeans, you’re struggling to find your occasionwear groove, remember that our personal styling service can help. (And, yes, you can even use it via video call). Here’s our run-down of the key styles to note…
Shirring? Check. Ditsy print? Check. Midi-length? Check. Matching kids version? Yes! Sport this easy cotton Ditsy Floral Shirred Waist Midi Dress by Anyday on or off the shoulders, along with your mini me for a golden twinning photo opportunity.
This ankle-grazing Polka Dot Midi Dress by Mint Velvet comes with a flattering sweetheart neckline and flutter sleeves to cover the tops of the arms – a useful touch, not only if the ceremony is taking place in the UK but also if you find yourself somewhere much sunnier abroad.
A fruit print on a black base is a winning formula when it comes to dresses, according to Pink (and as a womenswear buyer, she would know). This Lemon Midi Dress by Anyday won’t break the bank and provides the ultimate summer injection for your wardrobe. Just add a denim jacket and you’re ready to go.
With its unusual colour, halterneck design and irregular texture, this Petal Halterneck Midi Dress by Nobody’s Child calls for a sun-soaked destination and sexy sandals. From sightseeing to aperitivo, it does it all.
This pretty prairie style Alicia Tiered Hem Midi Dress by Baukjen is made in Europe using drapey Tencel, which is kinder to the planet than many other similar materials. Chic at any age, its three-quarter-length sleeves and midi hem are the ultimate solution for dealing with the ever-changeable British summer.
A crisp-collared, waist-cinching shirt dress calls for two simple accessories: a basket bag and a glass of something chilled. As part of our exciting new collaboration with London-based Kemi Telford, this smart Abstract Print Pintuck Dress bears a bold but wearable pattern that’s become the brand’s signature.
For a wedding, christening or day at the races, the search ends with this floral print courtesy of Nobody’s Child. Cut for an elegant, body-skimming fit, this Esme Print Broderie Dress's bow-tie cuffs are the sartorial cherry on the top. As is the fact it comes in an adorable mini-me version for little girls.
Another swishy shirt dress style by Kemi Telford – this time in indigo denim – it comes with a checklist of prairie-inspired details, such as a pintucked front and a tiered skirt. Dare we suggest you could even wear this Denim Pintuck Dress to the office?
Don’t get caught out in a heavy jumpsuit when the mercury eventually rises. This covetable Stripe Organic Cotton Midi Dress by Albaray comes in a classic cotton pinstripe, with elevated details such as a smocked waist to keep you looking – and feeling – cool.
If a Negroni is calling your name, answer its call in this bias-cut Louella Animal Print Dress by newcomer Never Fully Dressed. The abstract leopard print lends a contemporary feel to an otherwise classic shape. Add a gold chain necklace or hoop earrings and we’ll see you at the bar.
‘I predict this style will sell out,’ says Pink of this Ditsy Sunflower Print Midi Dress by Whistles. With a smocked bodice and pretty tie-detail cuffs, it’s the definition of easy and can be dressed up for brunch with heels and a cross-body bag or worn casually with sliders.
Set to be a compliment magnet, this unapologetically feminine Carmen Broderie Dress by Thought offers plenty of wearability – from a back garden barbeque to exploring a European city baking in sun.
This banana leaf pattern is one of Alice Temperley’s personal favourites from her recently relaunched Somerset collection for John Lewis & Partners. Composed of a top and a skirt in cooling cotton, you’ll get plenty of mileage out of the duo as separates, too.
Naturally, you don’t want to turn up at an event wearing the same dress as another guest, so call on this punchy two-tone wrap style by Never Fully Dressed. It comes with a fabric leopard-print belt, which you can switch up as the mood and event take you.
Short, flippy and floral, reach for this Jodie Daisy Print Cotton Jersey Dress by And/Or and bundle it into your suitcase so you can feel instantly ready for those long and leisurely beach lunches.
