To ease us into ‘dressing up’ again, we’ve teamed up with Simply Be to share five gorgeous summer-approved dress and heel combos that will ensure you make your evening entrance with a bang. Think attention-grabbing balloon sleeves and delicate pastel dress shades, fun wedges and strappy block heels.
Simply Be are experts in fit so from the first cocktail ’til the last, from dusk ’til dawn, you’ll feel your best.
All hail the ever-versatile leopard print! Animal print is a trend that never goes out of style. A variety of prints crop up on the catwalks year after year but this summer there has been a resurgence of true fashion maximalism.
This leopard-print cotton midi dress by celeb-fave brand Finery is available in sizes 10-26 and has a relaxed, gathered waistline that will keep you cool on balmy summer evenings.
Team this dress with a pair of mint-green knotted mules for a bold, feminine-casual look that’ll have heads turning into the night.
Simply Be Calais Knotted Block Heel Mules Extra Wide Fit, $, available at Simply Be
Finery London Finery London Rosanna Leopard Dress, $, available at Simply Be
When choosing outfits that can take you from day to night, it’s important to think about fabrics – especially throughout summer. A go-to fabric for maximum breathability is chambray, followed by poplin and linens, which all allow air to easily pass through, keeping you cool and providing a lovely subtle breeze.
We’ve got you covered with this cute, loose-fitting number featuring ruffle details on the string shoulder straps. A real dress up or down piece, it’s perfect for that brunch date with the girls that inevitably lasts into the night – just add a pair of square-toe block sandals.
Simply Be Moulins Square Toe Block Heel Sandals Extra Wide Fit, $, available at Simply Be
Vero Moda Vero Moda Akela Chambray Dress, $, available at Simply Be
You can’t go wrong with a pastel midi dress and white sandals. It should almost be considered a uniform at this point; the simple yet super cute look with a hint of cottagecore.
This pink dress knocks it out of the park, featuring a multitude of on-trend accents that make it the perfect piece if you’re looking for an outfit that screams romance.
Details include puffball sleeves, sweetheart neckline and a fitted, ruched bodice that nips in at the waist to create an A-line silhouette. We’ve teamed the dress with a pair of white strappy sandals with a block heel for navigating those cobbled streets and hidden-gem bars.
Nobody’s Child Nobody’s Child Rosie Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Simply Be
Simply Be Tennessee Knotted Strappy Block Heel Sandals Wide Fit, $, available at Simply Be
One thing that’s been greatly missed over the last year? Having a bit of a boogie on the dance floor, all dressed up. Dance parties on video call are great but nothing beats the feeling of cutting shapes within an electric atmosphere – even if that’s just at small gatherings and evening BBQs for now.
A curve-hugging body-con dress is an absolute dance floor staple. The puffball sleeves provide structure to this dress, as well as being breathable and airy for when you need to cool off. You’re going to want to pair it with cute, standout platform heels that’ll keep you dancing the night away.
Simply Be Shirred Puff Sleeve Bodycon Dress, $, available at Simply Be
Simply Be Rennes Platform Sandals Wide Fit, $, available at Simply Be
Afternoon tea, but make it eclectic! A cheeky crumpet and a cuppa in front of the telly is lovely but there’s nothing like the grand spread of a proper high tea with bubbles.
Bring a burst of colour and joy with this exaggerated sleeve skater dress, perfect for both indoor and outdoor occasions. We’ve paired it with these blush knotted mules to offset the vibrancy of the dress and create a fun, flirty, feminine look that packs a real punch.
Simply Be Exaggerated Sleeve Taffeta Square Neck Skater Dress, $, available at Simply Be
Simply Be Calais Knotted Block Heel Mules Wide Fit, $, available at Simply Be
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