From tiered dresses to T-shirt cuts, these dresses are amenable to plenty of summer plans.
Whether you’re spending the festive season with out-of-office turned on, or clutching at quiet moments throughout a more regular routine, these long dresses are amenable to time spent lounging.
From a sky blue
rib knit by Dominique Healy to vibrant blurred florals by Lost and Led Astray, these pieces offer a sense of ease for even the busiest days of festive season.
Tiered dresses seem to be an increasingly popular style, as they create a breezy and billowing silhouette. This one, from Marle, is a pale blue (but they also have versions in black floral and pinstripes).
This tartan, a favourite of Grey Lynn-based designer Penny Sage, is custom-dyed – meaning you won’t find this textile elsewhere.
This season, Kowtow has delivered the ultimate go-everywhere dress. It features balloon sleeves, a drawcord waist and is 100% cotton.
A basque waistline flares out into a full skirt, creating a floaty silhouette. Sizes are running low for some, but there are more available in black.
This colourway is called tangerine, capturing the vibrancy of the shades. The print is captured from hand-carvings onto printing boards, done by Tavioni family artists.
Two floral prints are brought together for this lightweight frock. The cut is slightly asymmetric – you can see the reverse print overlaid on the right shoulder.
This vibrant dress captures flowers in motion. It also features draping through the bodice and subtle pockets.
A print from the Karen Walker archives, first showcased in 2011, has been revived. The pink and orange floral is fashioned into tops, shorts and dresses – with draped sleeves and V-neckline, this is the most sweeping.
Are you a picnic person? If so, tell the world with this sweet, cherry red gingham dress.
A cluster of flowers (daisies perhaps?) decorate the front of this T-shirt dress by Raven Design, an NZ label based in Napier.
A simple rib knit from Dominique Healy’s resort collection embraces another summer staple: sky blue skies.
This preppy navy dress has subtle seams that create pleasant structure but it’s still easy to wear. It also features pockets.
A black, sleeveless maxi dress is the summer staple that solves plenty of problems – a base to build on. This version by The Carpenter’s Daughter is 100% linen, so it will welcome in the breeze.
There is a limited run of these puff sleeves maxi dresses from Juliette Hogan. If your size has been snapped up, but you love this cut, consider their plain black colourway or this similarly-shaped dress.
If you’re seeking a breathable material for the hottest of days, consult stocks of silk. This slip, by Australian label Silk Laundry, is a shining example of a wearable dress that lets the air in.
More seasonal picks
From cosy layers to lighter jackets.