The must-have new ‘figure flattering’ dress you need this summer – and to how to bag yourself one for under £30
A NEW style of dress has been filtering into our fave stores and we couldn’t be happier about it.
Low-slung, dropped-waist silhouette styles have surged, thanks to the Noughties fashion trend that has swept the catwalks, social media and, of course, the high street.
First seen on the runways of luxury labels Molly Goddard and Jil Sander, the style typically cinches around the hip and pelvic area rather than the waist.
Now a plethora of more affordable options of the dress that suits a number of body shapes have dropped just as the sun starts to come out.
Our Fabulous fashion team have picked their favourites and reveal how they’ll be styling this must-have for summer.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
- Dress, £115, Cos – BUY NOW
- Blazer, £72, Next – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £15, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £175, Astley Clarke – BUY NOW
- Ballet shoes, £18.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bangles, £25, Orelia – BUY NOW
There’s something so stylish about these dresses, and I love them.
The simplicity of the top half teamed with the full skirt is like a sleeker and more grown-up tutu.
I have a short torso so the dropped waist makes my body look longer, but, thankfully, the long skirt means your legs don’t look shorter.
Plus it means I can tap into the low-waist trend without baring all in a pair of low-slung jeans.
I know I’ll be living in mine all summer, paired with black sandals and sunnies, but for now all I need is a blazer slipped over the top and a closed-toe shoe and I’m ready to go.
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
- Dress, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Rose choker, £17, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £24.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW
- Bag, £27.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £9.99, New Look – BUY NOW
I adore this style of dress and this T-shirt number from Zara perfectly suits my needs, as I’ll feel a little less exposed and won’t be showing any visible bra straps.
You could pair it with a blazer and pair of trainers for an office-appropriate look, but I’ve chosen to style mine for an evening out on holiday.
I adore this bargain drawstring handbag from H&M, and I’ve teamed it with some delicate barely there sandals, a pair of tortoise-shell sunglasses and a rose-corsage choker.
And voila! An elevated and sophisticated outfit that looks uber-expensive straight from the high street.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Dress, £268, Reiss at John Lewis – BUY NOW
- Blazer, £32.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £35.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Lipstick, £36, YSL at Look Fantastic shade RM – BUY NOW
- Heels, £75, Charles & Keith – BUY NOW
I feel like I’ve stepped into the 80s with this dress – and I love it!
The polka dots, the ruching and of course the dropped waist – it’s a perfect occasion dress that makes a stylish statement.
PLus the ruching on this dress makes it all the more flattering.
There aren’t many outfits that I won’t throw a blazer over, and this is no exception – this black version from H&M is a wardrobe staple.
With some silver kitten heels, a statement velvet bag and a swipe of red lipstick, I’m ready wedding-guest-ready.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
- Dress, £75, Albaray – BUY NOW
- Blazer, £139, Arket – BUY NOW
- Bag, £379, Dragon Diffusion at End – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £115, COS – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £55, Astrid & Miyu at Fenwick – BUY NOW
I remember dropped-waist dresses from the 80s.
I loved them then and I still love them again now!
Forty years on from when they were first popular and I am not so sure they will be quite as flattering around my middle, because two kids and middle-aged spread later, my waist doesn’t exist any more.
So I have cheated!
This dress looks like a dropped-waist style, but it doesn’t draw attention to my tummy because the waistband of the skirt is actually much higher.
With a dress like this I can disguise my middle bit and still feel on trend for summer.
I’ve added a pair of ballet flats, an oversized blazer and my wish list bag of the season – The Dragon Diffusion Nantucket basket bag.
Maybe I’ll play the lottery this weekend… Fingers crossed!
Hottest trends for Spring/Summer 2024
Fabulous' Fashion Editor, Clemmie Fieldsend has shared the biggest trends on the high street and runway this Spring/Summer.
SHORTS
I know, shorts for summer. Groundbreaking. But you’ll be seeing them everywhere this year, from micro hotpants to long, Bermuda styles in denim to tailoring and everything in between they’re a must have for every occasion.
WHITE
White usually goes hand-in-hand with your summer holidays but whether you’re in the UK or abroad you’ll be seeing an abundance of head-to-toe white looks.
The high street is already a, erm, white wash with the trend that includes shoes and accessories.
HIGH SHINE
Beit metallics or sequins, for 2024 sparkle isn’t just for Christmas.
Expect to see shimmering looks at festivals, weddings or even a barbeque in your neighbours back garden teamed with block brights or simple whites.
BAGGY BOTTOMS
Wide leg and loose jeans have gripped our wardrobes from autumn to winter, but as we move into warmer months expect baggy trousers.
From crisp cotton to lightweight linen, fluid trews should have a firm place in your wardrobe.
PUMPS
Ballet pumps and Mary Jane’s have been clawing their way back into our good books for a while now, but for summer they’re looking less ballerina and more beach ready.
Woven styles and mesh textures are hot off the catwalk and onto the high street, think the 2024 jelly shoe.
GO GIRLY
All things romantic and girly are in for spring with sheer fabrics, pastel shades of blue, yellow and pink gripping the runway. Embellished with bows, lace or flowers, most looks should have an element of being hyper ‘girly’.