Weekend wishlist: the best summer dresses 2019

I’m off to Universal Orlando Resort next week (woohoo!) for the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and while it’s rather a flying visit, I’m hoping to see a bit of sunshine. I’m also really hoping for a lovely long, hot summer (where is the Daily Mail predicting a heatwave when you need one?). I’m a bit inspired by the lovely Erica Davies at the moment, who always rocks a gorgeous dress and loves colour and pattern (check out her fabulous Sunday styling Instagram stories for loads of inspiration) so rather than adopting my default uniform of denim shorts and a t-shirt, I’m planning to waft about in delicious dresses and sandals (okay, or maybe Converse) instead. I went for a little trying on sesh on Tuesday, and here are my top choices for the best summer dresses right now:

I can’t talk about summer dresses without mentioning my current fave, the gorgeous Alvers dress from hush. I have the summer stripe colourway but there are two or three others too. I wore it loads in Antigua. It’s just such a loose, breezy, easy dress to wear.

hush Alvers dress in summer stripe £65 (slides are old Zara)

By the way, if you’re new to hush and think you might be tempted to place an order, I’ve got a £20 off code here.

I love a loose, swishy sundress and this strappy zebra print one from H&M caught my eye straight away (ignore the John Lewis signage on the mirror - I was wearing it when I went in!). Another thing Erica recommends is layering, so if it’s not quite warm enough for a strappy sundress, you can still wear your favourites by adding a simple fitted t-shirt underneath and a denim jacket on top and you’re good to go. This one also comes in a lovely mustardy coloured floral and is just such a bargain at under £20. Buy both!

H&M long zebra dress £17.99

And while we’re talking about maxi dresses, oh my goodness, I totally fell in love with this hush Lantana dress - it’s got the most gorgeous, flattering halter neck and it just drapes gently to the ground. It’s quite a slim shape - not too puffy, and it just looks like a million dollars when it’s on. I love a halter - I think they’re super flattering on the shoulders and upper arms. I want it soooo badly, but I just feel that I can’t justify £99 for yet another long sundress. I’m going to be looking out for it in the next sale though. There’s also a top in this same style, which is lush.

hush Lantana dress £99

I know, I know, another black sundress. The Kyra - a short sleeved, oversized cotton sundress - also comes in a fuchsia pink if you’re not as monochrome mad as I am. I’ll be honest, it looks a bit pouffy and weird on the hanger, but as soon as I put it on I completely fell it love with it. Light and airy (but lined, unlike the Lantana), and really flattering. This one comes up really big and sadly they didn’t have a 10 in store, but I’m definitely ordering it online. Love, love, love!

hush Kyra sundress £69

Last black dress before we move on to some colour: this one is a really relaxed, soft jersey dress with a broderie top that falls just below the knee and is just the easiest dress to pull on. Perfect for holidays (and every day, frankly). and super-flattering as it skims the tummy and thighs. Lovely - but size down again as it comes up quite large.

hush jersey broderie dress £65

I picked this Gemma smock dress up from the Mint Velvet concession in John Lewis and didn’t think for a minute that I’d like it at all. Apart from the fact that the top of the arms were a little tight, and I could do with some smoother underwear underneath it, I really loved it. Soft and flattering with a relaxed boho feel. My one hesitation would be the price - £89 seems a bit steep for an unlined viscose summer dress.

Mint Velvet Gemma smock dress £89

This one is basically the best dress ever, because it has pockets!! This Miller stripe cotton shirt dress style is from the ever-brilliant AND/OR at John Lewis. It’s so much nicer than it looks in the picture online and the thick cotton feels great quality too. Size down because it’s super roomy.

Miller stripe cotton shirt dress from AND/OR at John Lewis £65

Last but not least, I had to include the lovely blue and red print shirt dress that I mentioned the other week when I was talking about the new look Per Una at M&S. I went back and bought it and I absolutely love it. It’s really light and floaty - perfect for when you need to look a bit smart when it’s boiling hot, but also good for layering. It has its own thin self-coloured belt but it looks great pulled in with a leather belt too. Reasonably priced at £45 I think, too.

M&S print shirt dress £45

Something for everyone there, I feel. Hit me up if you want to ask me any questions about any of the dresses featured here. Don’t forget the £20 off if you’re a new hush customer, and have a fab weekend, whatever you’re up to!

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