July marks the start of wedding and events season, and with so many invites and social get-togethers - from brunching to cocktails - you might want to consider adding a new statement outfit to your wardrobe to repeat-wear all summer.
With disposable income tight, money could be better spent on one outfit you love that will get reworn time and time again, rather than several £5-10 pieces here and there that will end up in the charity shop or car boot pile come August.
My go-to for occasion wear for the past eight years has been Little Mistress, ever since I got my Year 11 Prom dress from the brand back in 2014. And nearly a decade on, they still blow me away with their stylish and extremely wearable pieces.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon stuns in gold dress on hen do - here's where to buy it
Little Mistress offers a range of styles that can be tailored to any occasion, with stunning silhouettes and attention to detail in a couture-like way I’ve seen no other brand nail. Every time I put on one of their pieces, I feel powerful and put together, but most importantly, I feel at ease and comfortable.
While their prices may be higher than your average high street brands, they’re still, I feel, accessible with pieces I’ve styled priced between £18 and £100.
Since launching in 2010 the Little Mistress Group has taken home the Drapers Award for Young Fashion Brand of the Year in 2012 and 2013, dressed celebrities and influencers and collaborated with Vogue Williams on a bestselling collection. As well as being stocked via their site, they can also be found at major high-street retailers such as Next, Marks and Spencer, ASOS, John Lewis and New Look.
This week I’ve style five outfits that you can tailor to suit your personal style – and your social calendar. And honestly? I felt amazing in all of them.
Barton Floral Print Halterneck Jumpsuit
If you’re jetting off on holiday somewhere sunny this year, I can totally see this orange and teal jumpsuit styled in front of white rendered walls and pink blossom trees. You might want to ask Stacey Solomon where her hen do was for the perfect Instagram photo.
Splashed with a standout floral print, this sassy jumpsuit is like a ray of sunshine for your summer wardrobe, and comes in at £75 . The dress is available in sizes 6 to 18. I’m an 8 up top but wear a 10 on my bottoms, but the 10 was a touch big so I’d say if you’re between sizes, then size down.
The jumpsuit features an elasticated waist and a tie halterneck that’s secured with a button so you’re in no danger of it falling down. To play up to its sunny style, I wore it with tan sandals and a straw bag.
It’s been designed to ‘deliver maximum impact with minimum effort’, with wide legs that lend themselves well to a small heel. And the best part? It has POCKETS. Because everything is better with pockets.
Ariadne Orange Shirred Frill Maxi Dress
This orange number is giving me serious wedding guest vibes and I’m here for it - I just need to be invited to one now.
Little Mistress said: “Prepare to get all the compliments in this eye-catching orange midi,” and they weren’t wrong. Wearing it to a Saturday trip to the pub, three people stopped me to comment on the piece, and sharing a snap to Twitter, followers called it ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorge’.
The chiffon dress offers a floating tiered hem with statement bell sleeves that give it a vintage vibe, while the shirred bodice is bang on-trend this summer. I particularly like this style because your underarms don’t get too warm and it’s very floaty, which keeps you cool if you’re out all day.
Currently available online in sizes 6 to 12, the dress costs £100 and can be paired with trainers and a mini bag, like me, for a casual look, or dress it up with heels for christenings, weddings or a fancy night out with friends.
Stone Oversized Blazer Co-ord
Heading out for brunch with my boyfriend, I found this oversized suit co-ord to be the most wearable and versatile piece. The trousers are currently down from £45 to £18 - but have proved popular with shoppers and are only available in a size 16. Meanwhile the blazer was £55 and is now £22 , online in sizes 12 to 16.
I’m a big believer that every wardrobe needs a great blazer, and this cool and comfy grey cord number is something I’ve been throwing over literally everything since it landed in my wardrobe.
It’s designed with an on-trend oversized fit and double-breasted front that can be worn open over blouses or a graphic tee, or buttoned up. One look I’d love to try is a bralette with the blazer buttoned up as a dress - though it’s worth adding a pair of cycling shorts underneath a fit like this.
The blazer can also be layered over jeans on chilly days or create a killer co-ord with the matching trousers. Despite being a suit, these trousers are as comfortable as my pyjamas. Little Mistress say they’re ‘take you from day to night’ but frankly I never want to take them off, so they can add ‘overnight’ to that list, too.
They’ve got a nice high waist fit to accentuate your middle, with a flared hem for a fashionable finish. Just don’t spill shakshuka on them at brunch.
Sabrina Duck Egg Satin Jacquard Ruffle Midi Dress
While this showstopper is perfect for a grand country-house wedding, I’m equally convinced it’s festival ready with a pair of cowboy boots and a fedora.
The £78 Sabrina dress is made in a luxe satin jacquard fabric in the most beautiful shade of blue, and there are countless things I love about it. First, there’s the puff sleeves and dramatic cuffs, followed by the ruffle hem that draws your attention to the shoes.
The bow waist belt cinches the waist, and then there’s this little cut out detail on the chest you can really flaunt with your hair up, or hide with your long locks. It’s really flattering and doesn’t draw attention to cleavage, but just adds something a little more interesting to the top of the piece.
Available in sizes 8 to 18, I am literally obsessed with this dress, and styled it with my vintage leather Wrangler boots and a black fedora I snapped up in the recent Missguided sale. You can shop the Sabrina dress on Little Mistress here.
Haley Gingham Tie Sleeve Wrap Midaxi Dress
If you’re looking for a slightly more subtle and casual, yet no less breathtaking, then the Haley Gingham Tie Sleeve Wrap Midaxi Dress is your statement piece of 2022. A midaxi sits somewhere between midi and maxi, falling closer to the ankle rather than the knee.
This £80 dress is in a chic monochrome gingham print that’s timeless for year-round wear. With a wrap front and waist bow tie, it's made to flatter, while the puff sleeves make it totally on-trend. I’ve gone for a straw hat and macrame bag - both from Primark - for an outfit that would fit right in with a pick-your-own fruit farm day out, or a walk around the country park.
The plain colour palette means you can make this outfit super playful with accessories, opting for colourful bags and shoes.
Little Mistress added: “Wear with boots in autumn/winter, sandals when it's warmer.” Shop the dress in sizes 8 to 18 here.
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