FEMAIL picks out the best floaty maxi dresses for effortless style this season 

What to wear this weekend: FEMAIL picks out the best floaty maxi dresses for effortless style this season

  • Camilla Ridley-Day shared advice for embracing the floaty maxi dress trend 
  • British style expert suggests pairing with chunky jewellery and a short cardigan 
  • She shared a selection of retailers currently stocking the seasonal trend 


SWISHIER THAN EVER

Keeping cool in a heatwave can prove a style challenge, particularly if you don’t fancy revealing all in order to achieve it. The easiest answer is a maxi dress. This season designers Oscar de la Renta and Valentino gave them a deliciously floaty feel. 

To pull off an airy look, your dress needs to be voluminous — size up if needed although without leaving gaping swathes under your arms or bust. Look for extra long versions like this sky blue number from Essentiel Antwerp which has plenty of swish.

A SILKY ALTERNATIVE

Dreamy dresses not only have a relaxed vibe by day, they look supremely elegant at night too, particularly if you go for a silk which as a natural fibre is the smart choice for sustainable reasons too. 

Camilla Ridley-Day shared advice for embracing this season’s floaty maxi dress trend at any occasion. Pictured: Dress, £148, essentielantwerp. com, heels, to rent from £15 per day, Jimmy Choo at mywardrobehq.com; necklace, £115, monicavinader.com

Silk always hangs beautifully but is a devil to iron. A lazier option would be Aspiga’s Lenu dress (below) a breathable viscose which gives the same effect and you can throw it in the washing machine. 

RENT DESIGNER HEELS 

A maxi works just as well for a beach trip as a wedding. Opt for a sandal for the former and heels, as high as you need to still leave some floor sweeping, for a more formal event. This Jimmy Choo pair is from rental agency My Wardrobe HQ, as used by Carrie Johnson. 

CHANNEL INNER HIPPY 

Embrace your inner hippy and look for unstructured dresses without detailing. If you do fancy some waist definition, Des Petits Hauts’ Nina belt (£59, damselboutique.co. uk) is stretchy, comfortable and goes with everything. 

It was the envy of all my girlfriends at a recent post-lockdown reunion. Spaghetti straps like I’m wearing are best if they’re adjustable. Don’t forget another summer style essential: the strapless bra. My favourite from Marie Jo (£79, mariejo.com) is lightweight yet supportive.

NOW SHOP THE TREND…