Once those properly hot Australian days arrive, getting dressed usually becomes a question of what feels easiest. For me, a long flowy summer dress makes a lot of sense. There’s enough fabric to give you coverage, but the right shape still lets air move around you. Nothing needs to feel tight or overly styled, which is exactly what I want when it’s warm outside.
And really, length isn’t what makes a dress feel heavy. Fabric, fit and how it moves matter much more.
Look for Movement Before Anything Else
A summer dress should move when you do. If the skirt feels stiff in the change room, chances are it won’t suddenly become easier once you’re walking around in the heat.
Viscose and rayon are lovely for this because they tend to fall softly. The Coralie Viscose Strappy Midi Dress, for example, has that loose, fluid feeling with an open strappy neckline. It’s the sort of shape that makes sense for a very warm afternoon.
For anyone who prefers sleeves, the Delphine Stripe Midi Shirt Dress shows that extra coverage doesn’t necessarily mean feeling covered up. A relaxed shirt shape can still have plenty of movement.
A Long Flowy Summer Dress Doesn’t Have to Be Pale
I know white and bright colour tend to take over in summer, but I still like having darker pieces around.
Navy works particularly well when the silhouette is relaxed. It also feels a little easier when the day has an evening plan attached to it.
The Indra Lightweight Denim Dress is a good example of this. Denim sounds heavier on paper, but a lightweight fabric and looser shape completely change how it wears.
The Celeste Navy Spot Rayon Maxi Dress takes navy somewhere softer again. The small spot print breaks up the darker colour, while the rayon keeps the longer silhouette from feeling too serious.
Think About How You’ll Actually Wear It
This is probably more useful than thinking about trends.
Before buying a longer summer dress, I’d ask:
- Can I comfortably sit in it for a long lunch?
- Does it work with flat sandals?
- Will I still like the fabric after a few hours in the heat?
- Could I wear it somewhere else next week?
If the answer is mostly yes, you’re probably onto something.
A good long flowy summer dress shouldn’t need an occasion invented for it. It should fit into plans you already have.
Let a Print Take Care of the Rest
Prints are especially handy when you don’t feel like styling much.
Something like the Amara Exclusive Print Linen Maxi Dress already has enough personality in its aqua scenic print. A simple sandal and small bag are really all it needs.
I find those dresses especially useful for weekends away. You put one thing in the suitcase and somehow it covers lunch, wandering around somewhere new, and dinner later if you change your shoes.
Not bad for one dress.
Choose Something You Won’t Save for Best
The summer pieces that earn their place are normally the ones that get worn on ordinary days too.
Your long flowy summer dress might end up at a holiday lunch one week and a casual dinner the next. Maybe it gets thrown over swimmers. Maybe it gets dressed up later. It doesn’t really matter.
If the fabric feels good and you can move properly in it, you’re far more likely to reach for it again.
And when it’s thirty degrees outside, ease tends to win anyway.
Love,
Megs xx
