May 5, 2021

Lip Smockingly Good!

Oooh I have surpassed myself with this pun!! If you haven’t got a clue what I’m on about, smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric together allowing it to stretch – essentially it was the Middle Age seamstress’ answer to elastic and was used extensively on cuffs and bodices in the 18th and 19th centuries. And it is having a moment in 2021, for this peasant style of smocked bodice is everywhere on dresses and tops.

While I usually focus on style perennials on the blog, I also like to look at key trends and this is the latter as these dresses are a hot ticket item for summer 2021. I didn’t buy any new summery dresses last year ( BTW my dress is an old H&M style you can still buy.) and the year before that I was pregnant so this season I am on the hunt…

So I thought I would pull together an edit of my favourite dresses if you are after a little bit of newness in your wardrobe and if you loved the H&M wildflower collection but missed out, then have a look at these options instead.

Sleeved
Pink Puff Sleeve Midi Dress £119 Mint Velvet
Love the colour on this gorgeous number and it is the colour of the season. This is my number one but appreciate this is too much pink for some people!

Seven Wonders Brinley Midi Dress £76 Mimi’s Edit
This also comes in a pink similar to the Mint Velvet style, blue check and floral although sizes are limited.

Puff Sleeve Jersey Dress £75 Hush
Black is super chic with the right accessories.

Leaves Shirring Maxi Dress £70 Jigsaw

Belted puff Sleeve Midi Dress £85 &Other Stories
Gorgeous rainbow stripes and the vertical lines are always good for elongating and slimming the body.

Shirred Puff Sleeve Midi Dress £38 River Island
If you’re covered up top, then flash a little leg!

Lispy Square Neck Shirred Midi Dress £40 Next
This comes in several different prints/plain colours.

Love and Roses Puff Sleeve Shirred Bodice Midi Dress £45 Next
A shirred gingham dress that is in stock…. grab it quickly as they sell like hot cakes!!

Love and Roses Puff Sleeve Shirred Bodice Midi Dress £52 Next