5 Dress Styles You're Gonna Need for Summer

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Luke Kuisis | Styling: Akim Jardine 

Sunny days are on the horizon and prairie-ready style is the mood for the season, so it’s time to up the ante on the dress sense. Separates have their place, but the real stars of summer are the one-action wonders that are dresses and jumpsuits: all the fashion at minimal effort. From the hues to own to the silhouettes, these serve as much in style as they are functional. Here’s our edit of effortless picks you should get dressed and show up to summertime living in…

The Safari Slip Dress

A summer staple that comes through for you when you least expect it, the slip dress got a bit of a safari twist for the coming season. Think woven fabrication, tonal hues and a waist belt – taken from the game ranger uniform looks, that make for a chic look for the winelands, especially when paired with a straw hat and some espadrilles.

The Little White Dress

If there was ever a time to embody “a breath of fresh air” in a white dress, this is it! That it’s a colour that’s been known to be set aside for bridal looks – for the most part – is a concept we are gonna ignore completely and focus on the runway waves it made in the past season and how we can translate those fashion moments in real time. So, depending on how your taste is skewed, you can pull the little white dress with all the frills, knotted-front or bell sleeve drama it can come in, or you can go for understated simplicity, the colour alone is enough of a standout statement for occasion style.

The Button-through Dress

Another retro classic that’s gotten a seasonal update, the button-through dress is an essential for a wardrobe fit for the countryside. Doubling up as the go-to silhouette for casual beachfront chilling, you can either opt for body contouring midi with a collar or an “easy and breezy” feel in a woven fabric.

The Floral Dress

In terms of florals, it’s all about ditsy playful petals, oversized blooms and antique style prints. Basically, if Allie from The Notebook would pick it up, you need to get in your wardrobe right away! And what makes florals work every summer is that they come through with all the personality, so you can chill and have a look that still turns heads. We’d say save this look for a laid back brunch and allow yourself enough room to eat all you can.

The Full-length Jumpsuit 

Utility-inspired one pieces are an absolute must. From boxy styles to more boy-ish shirt shapes, this look draws inspiration from the classic flight suit and gives you just enough slouch for comfort while being polished enough to wear to a high-tea or daytime soirée.