Life

FASHION: Summer party dress trends you need to wear now

From weddings and galas to garden parties, summer calls for dress-up options galore. Katie Wright rounds up the season's coolest occasionwear

Adrianna Papell Embroidered Tulle Fit and Flare Nude Prom Dress, available from John Lewis
Adrianna Papell Embroidered Tulle Fit and Flare Nude Prom Dress, available from John Lewis Adrianna Papell Embroidered Tulle Fit and Flare Nude Prom Dress, available from John Lewis

APART from the pre-Christmas glut of gatherings, there's no other time of year that calls for more party dresses than summer - especially if you've hit that late-20s/early-30s peak where you're attending, on average, about 500 weddings a year.

Running out of outfit inspiration? Fear not, we've got four fresh trends that will help give your summer wardrobe the shake-up it needs...

1. ASYMMETRY

Lend off-kilter cool to your look with an asymmetric dress. Go totally fashion-forward with clashing prints or keep it simple in a sweet minidress with subtle one-sided detailing.

:: Sportmax Code Maxi Dress with Pinstripe Belt and Floral Print, £310, House of Fraser (shoes, stylist's own; www.houseoffraser.com)

:: AQ/AQ Quinto Chalky Mint Peplum Mini Dress, £120 (shoes, stylist's own; www.aqaq.com)

2. HOT HAVANA FLAVOUR

Featuring lipstick red, lemon yellow, bright florals and LOADS of ruffles, the Cuban trend is feel-good fashion at its best. Get ready to embrace your inner flamenco dancer emoji...

:: Star by Julien Macdonald Black Floral Print Tiered Dress, £59, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

:: Next Red Pleat Maxi Dress, £80 (www.next.co.uk)

3. TULLE AND FLORALS

Inspired by the stunning gowns we've seen on the Valentino catwalk in recent seasons, the high street has gone mad for floral overlay dresses - and you're going to want them all. Even black tulle becomes suitable summer attire with a smattering of embroidered flowers.

:: Adrianna Papell Embroidered Tulle Fit and Flare Nude Prom Dress, £230, John Lewis (bag, stylist's own; www.johnlewis.com)

:: Miss Selfridge Black Floral Hanky Hem Mesh Dress, £49 (www.missselfridge.com)

4. YELLOW

From the red carpet to the cinema screen (we're looking at you, Emma Watson), yellow has become the A-list's favourite frock colour, and with good reason. Whether pastel or punchy (or even neon), there's a hue to suit everyone. It's time to say yes to yellow.

:: Fenn Wright Manson Valencia Dress, £149 (shoes, stylist's own; www.fennwrightmanson.com)

:: Oasis Yellow Dress, £70 (in store July; www.oasis-stores.com)

GET THE LOOK

Gal Gadot, star of the forthcoming Wonder Woman movie, proved that all-black needn't be boring on the MTV Movie & TV Awards red carpet in a chic lace-edged tux dress. Steal her superhero style by pairing AQ/AQ's Larah Jacket Mini Dress, £110, with sharp courts and a sleek ponytail (www.aqaq.com).

BUY IT NOW

It's a match made in millinery heaven, and it's back at House of Fraser. Milliner extraordinaire Vivien Sheriff has created a second collection for Biba, just in time for wedding season. In classic blush, black and navy, the nine-piece collection ranges from sweet floral pillboxes to dramatic feathered saucer styles, for when you really want to make a statement.

:: Biba Vivien Sheriff Victoria Blush Feather Pill Box Hat, currently £64, reduced from £80, House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

FASHION FLASH

:: ARE YOU AN EXCESSIVE SHOPPER?

A four-month global study, commissioned as part of Greenpeace's Detox My Fashion campaign, has identified some worrying shopping trends. Not in products sold, but the behaviour of shoppers, two-thirds of whom report that the excitement that comes with a retail spree is short-lived, with a third saying they feel even emptier after the buzz fades. The research also revealed a subset of excessive shoppers who buy more than they can afford, hide purchases (for fear of criticism) and feel bored or lost when not shopping. "We would be much happier if fashion labels provided clothes that are high quality, durable companions for life, and offered support for customers to care, share and repair our clothes. We and the planet deserve nothing less," says Kirsten Brodde, the campaign's project lead.

STYLE STEAL

Have you started planning your summer wardrobe yet? A pair of jazzy sandals like Kaleidoscope's tasselled mules will serve you well when you're jetting off on hols (or when it finally hots up at home), and at just £29, you're looking at an excellent cost-per-wear ratio.

:: Kaleidoscope Bright Colour Tassel Mules, £29 (www.kaleidoscope.co.uk)