’Tis the summer season for French labels and wrap dresses.
When it comes to dressing up for warm summer days – or just days in general when you’re living in Malaysia’s constant heat and humidity, it can get challenging to find the right fit and material to keep you fresh and cool. On days like these, it’s the time for summer dresses to shine.
Here are 15 of our favourite dresses to rock this year, whether you’re experiencing a balmy summer on a beach somewhere, or simply walking down the streets of KL without any shade.
Reformation Nantes Dress
The Nantes Dress from Reformation promises you shape without sacrificing comfort. It’s fitted in the bodice and cinched at the waist, with a relaxed, free-flowing skirt and ruffle-edged sleeves. This dress is everything that's feminine and delicate, with just the right amount of seduction. The Nantes dress is made of 100% Viscose (a.k.a rayon) that’s sourced from sustainably managed forests. Reformation works with non-profit group Canopy to help lead their efforts in obtaining ethical forest products in its fashion offerings. W thereformation.com
Sézane Holy Dress
Live the bohemian life with the Holy Dress by Sézane. Decked out in Moroccan colours, it features a fitted waist and wide shape so that you get all of the lightweight airiness without the shapelessness. This dress is perfectly matched with delicate gold jewellery, gladiator sandals, large floppy hats, or a straw bag. Dresses with V-necks provide just the right amount of sensuality, while the short-sleeves style still keep it casual. W sezane.com
Missoni Long Dress
Go bold with this multicoloured crochet-knit, triangle top dress from Missoni. It features a lamé silk blend, with a back-tie fastening and fitted waist. If the peacock-inspired colours are too much for you, you can even throw on a white or cream-coloured cardigan or shawl over it to tone it down while maintaining a chic, boho look. W missoni.com
Rouje Gabin Dress
This is the iconic dress of Paris-based fashion brand Rouje. It’s also the favourite of the founder, Jeanne Damas. It’s truly a timeless wrap dress representing the very essence of the brand. It highlights the leg beautifully, slims the waist, and enhances the neckline. It’s a subtle seduction, and a wardrobe must-have. Best worn with a bright red lipstick and hair that’s been let loose. W rouje.com
Stella McCartney Louisa Floral Midi Dress
This beautiful sleeveless, one-shoulder dress from Stella McCartney doesn’t just remind you of never-ending flower fields, it’s also made of 100% silk - making it perfect for enduring hot summers and humid days when you really just want something lightweight and airy to throw on. W stellamccartney.com
French Connection Eka Embroidered Dress
Add some extra detail to your usual wrap dress to create a more elaborate look, like in this French Connection Eka Dress. Delicate Floral embroidery meets bright citrus hues and subtle floral designs, for the ladies who prefer a more casual pattern. The dress is crafted with a semi-sheer embroidered overlay, with the signature V-neckline and self tie-belt for optimum comfort and fit. It’s the quintessential feminine design that goes well with a pair of slingback heels. Alternatively you can dress it down with a pair of sneakers and a denim jacket to keep it casual and boyish. W frenchconnection.com
Diane Von Furstenberg Theo Pleated Poly-Shiffon Mini Wrap Dress
We can’t compile a list about summer dresses without mentioning the OG and pioneer of the iconic wrap dress - Diane Von Furstenberg. The wrap dress is the summer fashion essential, and this feminine mini dress should definitely be a part of your arsenal. Cut from an airy poly-chiffon blend, this dress features DVF’s iconic wrap silhouette paired with pleated sleeves and a tiered skirt that falls into an asymmetrical hem. Pair these with a pair of lace-up boots, strappy sandals, or sneakers. W dvf.com
La Semaine Paris Constance Dress
La Semaine’s Constance is the perfect summer date dress if you’re looking for something that’s a tad fancier. It’s the younger sister of the brand’s ‘Enchanté’ dress, with a cinched waist and balloon sleeves for a more elegant yet whimsical look. It’s such a fluid dress that fits all body types, and goes beautifully with a simple gold necklace and strappy heels. If you want to inject a bit more edge into your look, match this dress with a pair of black knee-high boots. W lasemaineparis.com
Jacquemus La robe Manosque
It’s time to break out the basket bags to pair with this maxi dress from Jacquemus. Sport this hot pink flared-cut dress in light taffeta, and you’ll surely turn some heads when walking down the street. La robe Manosque features a bodice-style V-neck, with front button fastening, and an A-line shape. It’s the ideal summer dress for romantic sunsets or beach trips. W jacquemus.com
Li’s Atelier Two-Way Midi Dress
Beauty lies in simplicity, as shown in this 100% linen two-way linen dress from Li’s Atelier. If you’re someone who doesn’t care for wearing jewellery during humid days, this dress solves that with its square neckline and puffy sleeves to add more character and structure to this dress. You can customise this dress however you wish, by wearing it with the buttons on the front or the back (gone are the days when you wear your clothes on the wrong side!), cinching the waist with a sash, or just embracing its free-flowing shape. The best part? It comes with side pockets! W lisatelier.co
Valentino Printed Poplin Dress
If you’re looking for a more conservative cut but don’t wish to get suffocated in the heat, this beautiful dress by Valentino is the one for you. Sporting Grecian colours, this Poplin dress is decorated with Bluegrace Reedition print, and comes with a sash to cinch your waist, creating a more shapely silhouette. Don’t be intimidated by the long sleeves and collar, as its 100% cotton composition will keep you fresh and cool all day long. W valentino.com
Balzac Brigitte Dress
This simple, button-down collar dress evokes images of frolicking through the British countryside - though it’s probably because of the White English embroidery fabric it’s fashioned out of. Made out of 100% Oekotex-certified cotton, this dress was made in line with Balzac Paris’ A.M.W (Always More Responsible) campaign to produce sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly clothes. Fashion with a conscience is always a plus point! W en.balzac-paris.fr
Fendi Roma Joshua Vides Denim Dress
So you still want to go with florals for summer but are tired with the typical designs? Go the funky mile with this sleeveless shirt dress that’s covered in contemporary, graphic floral patterns on a cloudy sky base that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. The Fendi Roma Joshua Vides dress is made of 100% cotton denim, so you won’t lose your cool when all eyes are on you. W fendi.com
Sayang Low Back Maxi Dress
This off-white low-back maxi dress by Sayang is a fine marriage between beauty and simplicity. It sports spaghetti straps, a high square neck and an invisible back zipper. The dress is made of wood fibre, and a full satin lining. You can also put your conscience to rest when wearing this dress, as Sayang is a brand that’s known for using natural fibres, environmentally friendly materials, and recyclables in creating its clothes. W shopsayang.com
Isabel Marant Ilesia Dress
If you prefer neutral tones and structured cuts, go for this androgynous number by Isabel Marant. The Ilesia dress is a cotton dress with short sleeves, peppered with painterly prints in various shades of beige. This is the ideal pick for those who don’t necessarily enjoy overly feminine or floral designs. W isabelmarant.com
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Photos courtesy of the respective brands.
