This week has given us a small dose of what’s to come in the summer, with blue skies, lighter evenings and scorching temperatures causing us to dust off our shorts and summer dresses and bask in the sunshine. Let’s be honest, with a new season comes a valid excuse to spruce up our wardrobes – and Louise Thompson has given us some serious inspiration with what we are treating ourselves to this Bank Holiday weekend.
The former Made In Chelsea star is one of social media’s favourite style icons. Some of her previous looks range from the best-selling Nobody’s Child Starlight dresses and boho-chic lace ensembles to Next’s summer ready staples. And most recently she shared a series of frocks from bohemian-inspired brand Free People, including one she described as the ‘most pretty (and flattering) dress’ for summer.
Taking to Instagram, the Lucky author posted a picture of her sporting the All For Sun maxi dress in ‘mauve orchid’ pink – although it comes in ten different colours, alongside a caption which read: “The most pretty (and flattering) dress… Suitable for flapping and feasting.”
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She added: “I love the neckline, it’s one of the only necklines I’ll support with my slight hatred for my arms,” highlighting then that it can be worn with or without straps – a nifty detail that’s welcome in any summer dress (goodbye obvious tan lines).
Plus, the dress has subtle pockets “because women need pockets. Always.” We couldn’t agree more and it seems the fashion industry can’t either as many dresses in the market today feature pockets to help women store their immediate essentials. For example, this Nobody’s Child Blue Striped Colorado Midi Dress, now down to £60 from £75, has a floaty skirt with pockets, as does Next’s Khaki Green Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress, £32.
The former Made In Chelsea star said the Free People All For Sun Maxi was the ‘most pretty’ dress for summer
(Image: Louise Thompson Instagram)
For a similar style to Free People’s dress, however, Roman’s pink Contrast Ric Rac Midi Dress has a similar empire silhouette with thin straps and a floaty skirt, while ASOS Design’s bandeau bubble hem maxi dress in neutral oozes boho-style with its bandeau neckline and oversized, smock-style fit.
Available in sizes XS to XL, the Free People number is described as being ‘billowy and ethereal’ as part of the brand’s ‘free-est’ collection. Sure to ‘turn heads from this season to the next’, the dress has removable tie straps, pleating at the bust and a built-in shelf bra (which is ideal for those who need a little extra support). Made from a breezy cotton blend, its an effortless design that can be dressed up with some low heels and statement earrings or down with some chunky Dr Martens sandals and sunnies.
Those that have got their hands on this floaty dress have loved how versatile it is, with one person sharing how they wore it for their low-key wedding in Vegas. They said: “This was the perfect wedding dress for a Vegas Wedding. I wanted a dress that could be worn again afterwards and this dress filled the assignment.”
Another Free People fan who gave the dress at five-star rating said: “FP never fails with the quality of their items! This dress has got to be the cutest and the most wonderful quality that I had ever had in an item of clothing! FP never disappoints me!! Highly recommend!”
Although the weight of the dress for some wasn’t a welcome detail as one four star shopper said: “Bought the neon yellow however the dress was so heavy, it would pull down at the top half. Due to the heavy fabric, I’ve taken it to a tailor to make into a skirt that buttons at the waist.”
Another said that it wasn’t suitable for those with a larger bust as the chest area is ‘unforgiving ‘. They said: “Not as long as some other dresses I’ve ordered but it works in a good way for this one. Very heavy, I’d recommend maybe wearing a slip skirt under it. The top is small and the fabric is unforgiving so definitely wouldn’t recommend if you have a larger chest. The buttons are flimsy and the elastic that wraps around them broke off but it was an easy sewing fix.”
However others did declare it as their ‘Favourite dress ever,’ as one stated: “Comfy, gorgeous, and quality material. It’s long for my 5’3 frame, but pairs perfectly with some platform sandals. Dress of the summer!”
The All For Sun Maxi loved by Louise Thompson is available for £88 at Free People
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