Judging by the weather forecast we have equal parts heat, rain and cloud on the horizon. This can only mean one thing – humidity.
Dressing for clammy weather requires the kind of crisp and cool dresses that swish, allow airy flow and, above all, must not cling in any way.
What kind of dresses work for that? Easy. A shirt dress. The kind that ties loosely at the waist, is cut so it sits away from the body, and the one absolute non- negotiable – it must be made from cooling cotton.
As luck would have it the Zara Woman collection, or ZW Collection, launched two excellent shirt dresses today both in 100% cotton, with sleeves and pockets and both just £49.99.
You won’t find them on the Zara homepage, that’s the thing about Zara – you really have to look hard to find the gold in their collections.
Faded blue shirt dress from ZW Collection
Faded blue shirt dress from ZW Collection
First we have the gently faded blue shirt dress, the soft blue remains the colour of the season, and it comes with long sleeves, pockets, and a subtle belt.
It opens at the neckline, to show a touch of decolletage, yet is covered up, loose and airy, ideal for humidity.
Faded blue shirt dress from ZW Collection 
Faded blue shirt dress from ZW Collection
Also, exactly the kind of dress you’d want if, say you’re heading to watch the tennis, attend a lunch, or need to look smart for a day or evening event when heat and humidity are at their peak. Pair this with elegant sandals, and a summer basket bag, and you’re good to go.
Green and white gingham shirt dress ZW Collection 
Green and white gingham shirt dress ZW Collection
For a shirt dress steeped in nostalgia – my summer school uniform was a yellow gingham dress, maybe yours was too – the ZW collection also has this crisp green cotton gingham shirt dress.
Where the faded blue dress is feminine, romantic and in tune with fashion, this one is crisp and utilitarian enough to work with hiker sandals, or everyday flip flops and a fun summer tote bag.
Green and white gingham shirt dress by ZW Collection 
Green and white gingham shirt dress by ZW Collection Credit: Courtesy Zara
Finally, a special mention to ZW collection’s pink gingham dress, it’s not a shirt dress, but it’s gorgeous.
Pink and yellow checkered dress in cotton poplin by ZW Collection 
Pink and yellow checkered dress in cotton poplin by ZW Collection Credit: Courtesy Zara
I left it until last because it’s not fully stocked, but if they have it on your size, this dress will serve you well for summer events.
If I were looking for a dress to wear to watch the tennis, any one of these three would work a treat.