The summer holidays might be drawing to an end but that doesn’t mean the hot weather has cooled off: we’re still sweating day and night, dreaming of when we might be able to wear a jumper or a pair of thick socks.
If, like us, you’re looking for something to wear to get you through the last days of heat and start transitioning into autumn, may we suggest the tent dress?
These wonderful, oversized balloons of fabric allow us to eat what we want at a BBQ, not suffocated by elasticated waistbands, and lie in the park without fear of revealing our underwear to the world.
They aren’t exactly new – the now iconic Zara dress falls into this category and they were all over the street style stars at Copenhagen fashion week last month – but now the high street is serving them up in numbers.
So take these last few weeks of summer as your chance to snap up your own tent dress and have your male friends ask: Is it maternity wear? Is it a nightdress? Either way we don’t care because we’re the comfiest we’ve been in years.
Gloria dress, Weekday, £55
Weekday is quickly becoming our go-to Scandi brand for effortless cool. This Gloria dress is no exception. With no waistband or fitted sleeves to hold us in (and a great animal print pattern) this is going in our basket before they sell out.
Buttoned dress, Zara, £49.99
Since the sellout success of the Zara spotty dress, the brand has been desperate to recreate another hit. But was it the pattern, the shape or the cult status that got those checkouts ringing? This grey linen number is one attempt to work it out. And in a light fabric and work-friendly colour, we think they might be on to something.
Isla printed mini dress, Finery, £139
Now wedding season has drawn to a close it becomes ever harder to justify buying fancy gowns that aren’t office friendly. But this Finery dress might just persuade us to part with our cash – the pattern, the silky fabric and the high neck are putting this top of our wishlist. Although (unlike lots of tent dresses) if you have big boobs it might not be for you.
Ditsy floral relaxed dress, Marks & Spencer, £55
Oh Marks & Spencer, it isn’t just Holly Willoughby who’s obsessed with your latest offerings. This £55 yellow dress is ideal for lots of body shapes and ages. We especially like the tassels (although watch you don’t dip them in your lunch).
Maxi shirt dress, Monki, £15 (was £35)
The Monki sale is full on at the moment and they have lots of tent dresses available online. We’ve gone for this zebra one because we suspect the black and white animal print is set to be big next season. Luxury brand Ganni was just one of several big names who had it on the catwalk and – between us – we’re stocking up our wardrobes in advance.
Ruffle tier cotton dress, &OtherStories, £89
Little House on the Prairie here we come. This tiered white linen dress (with a button front and balloon sleeves) would be ideal with gold hoop earrings and converse or Birkenstocks. Although beware it is probably the least autumn-friendly dress on here.
Cotton oxford shirt dress, Toast, £130
Toast isn’t the cheapest brand but if you’re trying to invest for years of wear rather than only one season, then this oxford shirt dress is a good option. Yes the tent dress might be big this year, but the oversized shape of this green dress is timeless.
