20 dressed up outfits for summer style

Style advice

The best way to tackle the summer party season is to take the ‘you but on a good day\' approach. So rather than getting dressed up like a dog\'s dinner, just go for smarter, more expensive versions of regular wardrobe staples and add a fabulous pair of shoes or an eye-catching necklace. This guarantees instant confidence and, of course, something lovely to wear again and again and again.

Vintage M&S

To celebrate 125 years in business, M&S have released a capsule collection of fabulous designs from their archive. We\'re particularly fond of the chartreuse shift dress - for weddings, work and wonderful nights out.

Chartreuse dress £65

Marks & Spencer 125

Style versatile

Dress down with a pair of Converse, dress up with a pair of statement heels - we give you a cute cotton dress that\'s versatile enough for any summer occasion. And smart enough for work.

Floral print dress £59

8-20

www.boden.co.uk

Go boho

For a soiree at home or abroad, take one full-length paisley dress, a statement necklace, and a pair of gladiator flats for instant boho charm.

Maxi dress £40

s/m/l

www.wallis-fashion.com

Easy style

A relaxed occasion calls for relaxed dressing. So for summer drinks with friends, keep it cool and easy in a crinkle silk kimono top and cotton linen trousers.

Coco kimono £85

Wide leg linen trousers £95

8-18

www.toast.co.uk

Touch of colour

Add colour with this hand-cut wood and resin bead necklace - a perennial fashion favourite.

Chunky wood necklace £39

www.boden.co.uk

Daytime glamour

Check out this lovely silk crepe dress from Kew (the fashion chain, not the botanical gardens!), the looser shape softens the silhouette and makes it the perfect frock for a lunch date. We like!

English garden dress £98

8-16

www.kew-online.com

Chic coat

As every well-dressed wedding guest knows, a chic summer coat is an easy way to dress up a favourite frock. Team said coat with jeans and ballet pumps for a more laid-back affair.

Linen/cotton dress coat £189

Tunic dress £135

www.jesire.net

Exotic twist

With a stunning beaded silk dress to rely on, you\'ll never be stuck for something to wear.  Team with flat sandals and minimal jewellery for a stylish summer outfit.

Brown ‘Kasbah\' dress £135

(available from August)

www.monsoon.co.uk

First lady style

Go for M-Obama chic in this elegant three-quarter sleeve jacket and pleated skirt. Anna Wintour would approve.

Silk and wool blend jacket £195

Matching skirt £110

6-16

www.lkbennett.com

Wrap it up

This super-chic wrap dress has a certain forties charm, and the ability to flatter every figure. Guaranteed to make any woman want to wear it again, and again, and again.

Printed dress £137

By Malene Birger at www.my-wardrobe.com

Suits you madam

The short-sleeve jacket is a super-cool summer option, and a smart addition to the working wardrobe. Just make sure that accessories are spot on, embellished platforms and a straw trilby give a thoroughly modern vibe.

Short sleeve jacket £99

Tapered cotton trousers £180

www.jaeger.co.uk

Splash out

We know it\'s a bit pricey but that\'s a lot of silk! And, this gorgeous fully lined dress is perfect for that very special summer occasion, and holiday evenings when a t-shirt and sarong just won\'t do. Money well spent.

Butterfly maxi dress £200

8-18

www.monsoon.co.uk

Day to evening

The perfect day to evening bag, (with nifty metallic chain handle that can be neatly tucked away) is big enough for mobile phone, make-up and all the usual kit, yet small enough to look elegant and chic.

Pewter leather clutch £160

www.lkbennett.com

Statement wear

Dress up any outfit with a big, bold, and beautiful necklace.

Almond bead necklace £25

www.phase-eight.co.uk

Summer classic

It\'s not surprising that this is one of Hobbs\' best selling dresses, the figure flattering wrapover shape and floaty silk chiffon are guaranteed to please. 

Silk chiffon dress £159

8-18

www.hobbs.co.uk

Touch of class

We love these satin ballerina pumps - and not just because they\'re lined in gold leather - they instantly upgrade a simple summer dress and look neat with jeans on that well-earned day off.

Satin ballet pump £139

36-42

www.lkbennett.com

Easy-to-wear

If you\'re worried about showing upper arms - and let\'s face it apart from Michelle Obama, who isn\'t - then team this floaty silk chiffon dress with a cropped sequin jacket for instant star spangled glamour.

Colette dress £99

8-16

www.phase-eight.co.uk

Nude shoes

Add mileage to your summer wardrobe by investing in a pair of versatile yet gorgeous nude shoes. Perfect with a smart summer dress or a pair of rolled-up khakis. See what we mean?

Patent leather platform £220

36-42

Katia Lombardo at www.my-wardrobe.com

Year-round fashion

For cocktails, weddings and we know it\'s a bit early... but this stunning shift would look the business at any Christmas party, making it a year-round staple and a sound investment.

Satin shift dress £150

6-16

www.lkbennett.com

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