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4 min read
This body-elongating style is the latest frock trend to take off (and we love it).
Any avid Stylist reader will know how much we love a dress, so we’re often one of the first ones to spy a new style. This summer, it’s all about the dropped waist, elongating the body to create extra shape and structure for an incredibly simple yet chic look that will have you looking elevated without almost any effort. And it appears almost everyone is a fan, so much so that some of our favourite styles have already sold out.
The good news is that there are plenty of other options, so long as you know where to find them. We’ve hunted down the high street to find a selection that will solve almost every summer dressing conundrum: weddings, barbecues and even days in the office. You just have to style them with the right accessories to create looks for a whole host of occasions.
While some styles are more formal in fit – here’s looking at the baby blue Ghospell gown, Maeve’s polka dot pick or the red Reformation number – and will pair perfectly with strappy sandals or heels, others excel for more laidback looks. Team a pair of trainers with the Asos T-shirt dress style and you’ll have a fashionable yet incredibly functional outfit in no time, perfect for this in-between summer weather. Just keep scrolling to see these options and many more.
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The skirt and top co-ords seeing us through every summer occasion
& Other Stories embroidered tank midi dress
All-white outfits are one of this summer’s standout trends, so this drop waist number is certainly chic. Plus it combines a rib-knit tank top with a cotton midi skirt, making comfort a key consideration.
Jigsaw stripe jersey dress
Combining both the dropped waist trend with the equally as stylish shirred style, this Jigsaw option is perfect for those looking to really accentuate their waists. Adding extra dimension, it’s immediately eye-catching and the stripes accentuate length.
Free-Est Onda drop-waist tube midi
Pretty in pink, this ballerina-style dress is perfect for those looking to brighten up their summer wardrobes. It’s made from a cotton-elastane blend, meaning it’s sure to be incredibly comfortable, too. We’re marking it as a great go-to for hot holidays and park picnics (if the weather ever warms up).
Ninety Percent Priam dress
Ninety Percent is a go-to brand for many a conscious fashion fan as it pays incredibly close attention to how it makes its products and where its profits go. Lending it its name, 90% of profits go back to charities and those who help create the clothing which is quite a great quality considering the clothes as so chic, especially this silky-feel floaty frock.
The Drop women's Dia mixed fabric midi tank dress
Surprisingly, Amazon is home to some standout fashion finds, not just a go-to for last minute loo roll, and this dress is a great example. Falling under The Drop, Amazon’s in-house brand, it ranges in size from XL to 5XL plus, meaning plenty of people can enjoy it.
Shop The Drop women’s Dia mixed fabric midi tank dress at Amazon, £35.65
Reformation Balia linen dress
Reformation is home to plenty of pretty dresses, this striking red option included. Combining a corset-style top with a gathered skirt, it creates extra shape for added dimension with a slight drop waist accentuating the hips.
Ghospell ender stripe midi dress
This baby blue dress is sure to become your go-to for many occasions, whether it be summer weddings, drinks with friends or even for everyday when you’re feeling fancy. Simply pair with heels, pumps, sandals or trainers and you’ll be good to go within minutes.
Free People Calla Lilly dress
Puffball skirts are having a real moment, brought back from the 80s thanks to MiuMiu and Celine. Pulling on this voluminous trend and combining it with a laidback look of a vest top (chest pocket included), this smart-casual style is sure to draw attention with minimal effort required.
Cos dropped waist maxi dress
Cos is home to plenty of chic pieces and this dress is the perfect example. Truly leaning into the dropped look, the gathered skirt starts just below the derrière, creating quite the striking shape.
Maeve halter drop-waist midi dress
Polka dot prints are incredibly eye-catching and add a fun, summertime style to any look. This halterneck Maeve frock is the perfect example, pairing perfectly with pumps, heels or sandals for summer weddings, barbecues and any other semi-fancy soirées.
Shop Maeve halter drop-waist midi dress at Anthropologie, £130
Asos Edition jersey contrast fabric T-shirt dress with drop waist
T-shirt dresses are often simple in shape yet boast plenty of styling possibilities and this drop waist option is sure to do just that. While the gathered skirt adds extra interest, the pared-back top half will work as a blank canvas for all kinds of accessories – chunky jewellery, neck scarves and cord necklaces included.
Shop Asos Edition jersey contrast fabric T-shirt dress with drop waist, £75
Images courtesy of brands.
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