I find summer dressing more of a faff than winter, especially in the heat and humidity. Wearing a tight or restrictive high street summer dress during a hot and humid day has me starting to sweat at the thought of it.
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My secret solution?Ā Breezy and billowy summer smock dresses, all tiered and terrifically loose to waft around a British beach in.
Finding the sweet spot between summer loungewear and cute fashion, a smock dress is as stylish as it is sweat-free. Typically tiered, they're voluminous in shape and oversized, without a pinch of a button or a restrictive strap in sight; some come with shirred busts to add a little definition, but the best smock dresses are nothing but big, beautiful swathes of easy-breezy material.
How to style a smock dress
Wondering how to wear a smock dress? They're the perfect pairing to a chunky dad sandal (helps to balance out the width of the dress), a light loafer reminiscent of a 00s Alexa Chung or dressed up with a block heel; you can even rely on them come autumn, by swapping your sandals for boots and a pair of tights if needed.
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Best smock dresses 2022
Floral Maxi Smock Dress, £49, Nobody's Child
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Denim Smock Dress, £46, River Island
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Black Smock Dress, £27.50, La Redoute
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Gingham Smock Dress, £48, Oasis
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Chambray Smock Midi Dress, £40, Simply Be
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 FatFace Paisley Smock Dress, £19, Marks & Spencer
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Pieces Mini Smock Dress, £15, ASOS
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Green Puff Sleeve Mini Smock Dress, £17.99, New Look via Klarna
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Sleeper Linen Dress, £260, Urban Outfitters
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Green Poplin Cut Out Mini Smock Dress, £10, Nasty Gal
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Floral Midi Smock Dress, £41, Nobody's Child
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Smocked Bodice Midi Dress, £52, Boden
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Boohoo Smock Dress, £13.50, Debenhams
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Lipsy Denim Smock Dress, £52, Next
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Black Smock Mini Dress, £38, River Island
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Smocked Check Dress, £49, Monsoon
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Embroidered Maxi Smock Dress, £158, Free People
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Smocked Tunic Mini Dress, £125, Anthropologie
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Bright Pink Jersey Frill Mini Smock Dress, £15.99, New Look
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White Frill Smock Broderie Hem Dress, £41, Oasis
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Smocked Halter Midi Dress, £59.95, Gap
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