Dream Summer Dressing With Very

Summer is definitely the season of occasion dressing. Weddings, days at the races, garden parties and Summer holidays mean that even those of us who normally live in jeans embrace the chance to really dress up. And that phrase ‘dress up’ is key, because Summer really is all about the dress. I know that jumpsuits, tailored trousers and maxi skirts have all gained in popularity in recent times, but when it comes to putting on true style, a beautiful dress is still Queen.

Very have the most incredible range of dresses this season that are perfect for every Summer occasion. Their range of summer dresses incorporate a rainbow of colours, and come in a great range of sizes that also incorporate plus size styles, whilst their occasion dresses span style choices from short and flirty, to full length and fabulous. I have chosen some of my key styles that I think would be perfect for Summer 2024, with ideas of where you could wear them to their full potential.

Nobodys Child Georgia Midaxi Dress

One of the things I love about Very is the wide range of brands it stocks. Nobodys Child is a real favourite of mine, and the Georgia Midaxi Dress in the most stunning blue shade is a dress I kept seeing on social media.

I think this dress is perfect for a Summer wedding as it is elegant and glamorous, but, as it is cotton, it is also cool and the simple design means it will suit a range of body shapes. It is also a pull on style, so there are no fiddly zips to struggle with.

I wore this for my own special birthday meal and felt very glamorous in it. Just add gold (or white) accessories for an effortlessly glamorous look.

River Island Shirred Waist Midi Dress

Another great brand stocked by Very is River Island, and I love the fact it often has dresses that I have not seen in store. The River Island Shirred Waist Midi Dress in a glorious pink and white candy stripe is a super pretty design that would be perfect for a summer garden party or barbecue as it is cool and simple, and looks great teamed with sandals.

The shirred waist is a lovely design feature, and I love the elegance of the neckline. You could easily add a white blazer to this look for a more tailored styling, and a straw hat would make this perfect for a trip to the seaside. I added a white flat sandal from Yours (also at Very), which come in a wider fitting, and a cute New Look bag which has a long shoulder strap, but I chose to use as a clutch.

FatFace Clea Crochet Strappy Beach Dress – Black

And what about the ultimate holiday dress? The one you could wear at the seaside, for drinks at the bar, for sightseeing, one that would even work for a festival? I think the perfect dress for all these occasions is the FatFace Clea Crochet Strappy Beach Dress. This is a dress I loved in the FatFace store but could not find it in my size, so I was over the moon to find it at Very.

The dress has a real retro feel due to the crocheted bodice, but the elasticated back makes it comfortable to wear, and the slightly heavier cotton fabric of the skirt gives it a beautiful shape.

This dress is all about the detailing, check out the pretty scalloped design of the shoulder straps. I added a pair of classic Barbour espadrilles to the look, along with a River Island knitted waistcoat to continue the boho styling. The Monsoon Caroline Raffia tote bag is another design classic that you can use year after year.