Taking solstice: 9 ways to wear day dresses on the summer's longest day

"With sunshine at a premium, time is not to be wasted. Add a pair of flat or heeled sandals, sunglasses, and a raffia bag to any of these looks and you’re good to go."

Thu, 19 Jun, 2025 - 18:14

Annmarie O’Connor

It’s the longest day of the year on Saturday.

No better time to make the most of the daylight and, while you’re at it, your favourite day dress.

You know the one. The go-to gúna that spends more time on your body than on its hanger.

The one with a cost-per-wear ratio so — you owe it money.

Soon the long nights and chilly temperatures will return, and you’ll be brainstorming ways to layer a tea dress that don’t involve Grey Gardens cosplay.

Embrace the height of summer and while we’re here, let’s find you a new wardrobe hero.

The message here is one-and-done.

With sunshine at a premium, time is not to be wasted. Add a pair of flat or heeled sandals, sunglasses, and a raffia bag to any of these looks and you’re good to go.

Similarly, look to colour and shape to do the heavy lifting. Penneys clearly understood the assignment with puff sleeves and ruffled V-neck maxi dresses in bright green and red.

Whether pointelle or cotton, the result is easy and breezy. Ditto for & Other Stories and COS; their t-shirt and flounced iterations make laid-back look lovely.

Dressed to impress? You will be in Clare O’Connor’s silk shift with its painterly print and - wait for it - pockets.

Equally, Sinead Keary’s linen mini (a.k.a. The Marykate) wins big with its detachable shoulder bow ties for days of quiet luxury.

As for me? Since visiting RIXO at Kildare Village, I’ve acquired a life-size crush on their ‘Raven’ midi dress.

Can I take this into winter? No better time to test my theory.

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