The effortless, timeless, illusive summer event dress

Alongside the leather jacket this really is the holy grail of a successful wardrobe. This dress will take you to summer weddings, garden parties, christenings…the list rolls on. But where to find it and what to look for? It can’t be trend specific, this will automatically date it. Think classic but not dowdy. It should have limitless possibilities when it comes to accessorising: necklaces, bracelets, hats, shoes and it helps if it works under a jacket.

Firstly go for quality, then cut, then colour. The quality of the label is something that can’t be stressed enough. For this dress to last you this year into the next 10 it is the quality that counts; it doesn’t matter that people may have seen you in it before –it is the quality that people will comment on and the quality that will carry you through many an event. A tunic shape with short sleeves is universally flattering shape with enough coverage on the arms to relinquish the need for a pashmina which means you can go all out on the shoes and the clutch. Colour that makes you stand out in a good way is the aim – a burnt orange silk tunic dress, a dove grey midi dress, a navy jumpsuit, a purple knee length backless gown all of which you can wear with sandals or heels depending on the season and location.

DVF is usually a cracking option with chock full of coloured dresses. On the high street Jaeger is a great place to start your search. Then hit up Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Net-a-Porter and The Outnet. Good luck.