Yellow floral-print belted dress

FROM: LK Bennett

PRICE: £119 (was £149)

COMMENT: This is an amazingly pretty and chic retro-style dress that looks fresh as a daisy and suits hourglass shapes. It's so Bree from Desperate Housewives.

SUITS: Curvy figures.

KEY ACCESSORY: Champagne leather courts, was £70, now £40, Moda in Pelle.


Navy polka dot dress

FROM: LK Bennett

PRICE: £79

COMMENT: This dress is in jersey, clingy but not unflattering if you have the right underpinnings. It's a great investment, as it won't date.

SUITS: Slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Black platform sandal, was £70, now £40, from Moda in Pelle.


Yellow/blue floral dress

FROM: Monsoon

PRICE: £85

COMMENT: With its cream grosgrain ribbon tie, and double shell, very light sheer crepe fabric, plus tiered skirt, this pretty dress has a
Great Gatsby feel.

SUITS: Slim, leggy types.

KEY ACCESSORY: Tan leather sandals, £129, from Hobbs.


Wrap-front blue/white belted dress

FROM: Monsoon

PRICE: £65

COMMENT: With its cap sleeves, crisp white cotton, exquisite blue embroidery and a flattering full skirt, this is a simply fabulous summer dress.

SUITS: All shapes, especially curvy.

KEY ACCESSORY: White wooden heels sandals, £119, from Hobbs.


Cream cotton shirt dress

FROM: Earth Collection

PRICE: £19

COMMENT: The cotton is lovely and thick and there's fab porcelain button detail at the neck, plus neat piping detail too. And what a price.

SUITS: All shapes, especially tall and straight.

KEY ACCESSORY: Gold wedge, was £55, now £28, from Office Shoes.


Orange dotty silk wrap dress

FROM: Marella at Fenwick in York

PRICE: £59 (was £179)

COMMENT: A striking colour and a flattering wrap style make this dress a real winner. Try teaming with black, nude or grey platforms.

SUITS: All shapes, especially curvy.

KEY ACCESSORY: Black cork sandal, was £60, now £40, from Moda in Pelle.


Fashion Assistant: Naomi Stafford. Pictures: Simon Hulme.