Nothing quite beats the feeling of finding ‘the one’. And by that, I mean a brilliant dress. The kind that takes all the guesswork out of getting dressed: something you can throw on with a pair of boots and instantly feel polished.
Lately, there's one style I've been noticing everywhere: the plaid dress. It's easy to see why. The floaty silhouette feels just right while the warm weather continues to linger, but the heritage-inspired print taps into the rich, cosy colour palette we associate with autumn.
I've lost count of how many stylish women I've spotted wearing the trend over the past few weeks, so I decided to track one down for myself. Would you believe my favourite I found is from Sainsbury's, and, better yet, is on sale for just £22?
It has all the makings of a great dress. First, there's the universally flattering tea-dress silhouette. The elegant V-neckline instantly elongates the frame (something I especially appreciate at 5'3"), before the dress nips in at the waist and falls into a floaty, body-skimming skirt.
Navy Check Tea Dress Lace Trim
Even better, it has sleeves. Which, at this time of year, is exactly what I'm looking for. It's not quite cool enough for heavy jackets, but it's not warm enough to go completely bare-armed either. The pretty puff sleeves offer just the right amount of coverage. And, best of all, they save you from needing to throw an emergency cardigan over the top.
It's the thoughtful details that really elevate it, though. Peek at the back and you'll spot a tie-back detail that can be fastened into a bow to gently define the waist. Then, there's the delicate black lace framing the neckline, adding extra charm.
Of course, the print is the real star. Plaid is one of those prints that never goes out of style. And, as proved by the A/W 26 runways of Chloé and Louis Vuitton, it's firmly on the agenda for the season ahead.
The beauty of this dress is that it does all the hard work for you. The heritage-inspired pattern instantly makes you look polished, while the dress itself is a complete outfit.
All that's left to think about are the accessories. I'll be wearing mine with knee-high biker boots and my favourite suede bag for daytime. Come evening, I'll switch to sparkly tights and kitten heels. All-day chic.
