Summer might be drawing towards a close, but after weeks of relentless rain, it seems the warm and sunny weather is back once more, and here at LLM, we’ll be making the most of the chance to get some more wear out of all of our gorgeous summer attire. Whether you’re jetting off abroad for a late summer break or planning an impromptu staycation on home soil, this might just be the last chance of the year to enjoy the vivid spirit of summer fashion and stylish clothes for women to the maximum. And from boho summer maxis to chic linen shirts, if you haven’t already, there’s no better time to invest in some last-minute pieces to see you through your autumn and winter sunshine getaways in style before the shops fill up with cold weather gear for the rest of the year.
Here, we take a look at the best summer dresses for women to add to their wardrobes for these last few fleeting weeks of summer, as well as the other must-have luxury garments to splurge on before it’s too late.
The timeless sundress
The sundress continues to be an indisputable classic of summer attire, and have made yet another reappearance this season but with a contemporary twist. For 2023, we’ve been seeing patterns with fun prints, fluid shapes, and airy materials for a modern and elegant look. We love sundresses as a flexible option that seamlessly transitions from day to night, whether you like a maxi length for an elegant touch or a shorter alternative for informal activities. And better yet, as summer begins to fade into autumn, the sundress is the perfect transitional between-seasons piece too – just layer an oversize jacket over the top and pair with boots of trainers for those days when you’re not too sure what the weather’s going to be doing.
The sophisticated jumpsuit
Jumpsuits have become a mainstay of modern style, and this summer has been no different. These one-piece marvels are comfortable yet sophisticated, creating a smooth and seamless silhouette and can be endlessly flattering when you find your perfect fit. If you’re considering a last-minute splurge then look for a jumpsuit with wide-leg shapes or a belted waist in a breathable fabric like linen or cotton to keep you cool on warmer days without compromising on style. Depending on your design and accessories, jumpsuits are an excellent choice for both casual excursions and formal occasions, and can be effortlessly dressed up or down to suit.
The breezy maxi dress
Summer elegance is closely associated with maxi dresses, and this year, designers have once again favoured light and floaty materials that create an ethereal appearance. The major trends to look out for in maxis this year are floral prints, neutral and pastel colours and delicate embellishments. A light maxi dress is guaranteed to convey grace and charm, whether you’re strolling along the beach or attending a garden party, and again, makes for a great transitional piece that can be worn with boots, a jacket and other light layers to take you from summer right through into autumn.
The playful two-piece
Two-piece sets are a must-try trend if you’re looking to mix things up a bit and if you struggle with finding a flattering jumpsuit because you’re different sizes on the top and bottom then they offer the ultimate solution. This summer, matching crop tops, skirts, or shorts have been all the rage and allow you to create a cohesive look whilst also allowing for infinite outfit possibilities besides because they can be mixed and matched with other pieces, too. To nail the trend, look for bold hues, tropical designs, and ruffled accents to give your ensemble a lively feel.
The chic shirt dress
Shirt dresses are the picture of casual elegance, and the linen shirt dress in particular is experiencing a renaissance this year. Featuring structured collars and button closures, their soft, breathable fabric makes them the perfect choice for keeping cool whilst ensuring your outfit exudes elegance. Throw yours on over a bikini on the beach, or belt it up and add heels and gold jewellery for a chic evening ensemble.
The statement midi
The stylish midi dress falls between the knee and the ankle, and is a flattering length that combines comfort and sophistication in just the right measure. Look for midi dresses with striking designs, asymmetrical hemlines, and embellished necklines for a great addition to your summer collection – neutral and earthy tones will take you all the way through into the next season, too.
