With more warm weather on the way, if you’re looking to update your spring and summer wardrobe, we’ve found a flattering and very versatile dress from Boden’s latest range – and you can save over £20 on it right now.
The newly-launched Alexa dress is an easy-to-wear, breezy shirt dress made from 100% linen. In a maxi length, it has flattering puffed sleeves and a waist belt to cinch you in.
It comes in three bold patterns: a green gingham print, an electric blue polka dot and a colourful rainbow stripe. If you’re looking for something more pared-back, there’s an understated plan blue tone too. There are petite and regular lengths, and sizes range from 4-22, but as it’s proving popular, some are already starting to sell out.
Whichever you go for, we think it would work as well for a city break as it would for a summer barbecue or picnic.
Due to the dress being part of the new-in section, you can actually save money right now, with the discount code NB7C. The 15% off cuts the patterned dresses from £156 to £132.60 and the blue shade from £146 to £124.10.
Shoppers are leaving their reviews on the dress, which has racked up a 4.5 star rating so far.
One shopper said: ”Beautiful vibrant blue dress, lovely linen material. I purchased the petite, as others have said it is small in the bust area. I may wear a camisole underneath and leave it unbuttoned. Lovely to have dresses made from natural materials.”
Another praised their new wardrobe addition, commenting: ”This dress is fantastic! I sized down one size. I am normally a size eight in US sizing but bought the six and it fits perfectly. I am curvy on the bottom and the dress is very flattering and perfect for summer parties or work!”
However one shopper didn’t feel the dress suited them, saying: ”This might be a pro for some, but I ordered the linen dress expecting it to be more lightweight since I live in a very hot climate. I didn’t like the elastic on the sleeves and while I love pleats in theory, they added a lot of material and weight to this dress and the result looked a little frumpy on me so I returned it. The fabric is beautiful and the garment was great quality! Just not for me.”
A third added: ”This beautifully-made linen dress just speaks Easter and Spring. The sleeves are not too short and the fit through the shoulders and body is perfect. The length is a little long for me (5’4″) but I’ll wear a platform sandal. I think this dress will be a part of my regular spring/summer/autumn wardrobe.”
If this dress isn’t for you, White Stuff is a go-to for patterned dresses, and ditsy floral prints are popular every spring. The Rua Midi Jersey Shirt Dress costs £65, and like many White Stuff pieces it comes in a range of prints, sizes 6-24 and petite and regular lengths. If your office is slightly more casual, you could get away with this shirt-style dress for work, but it’s handy for weekends, too.
Yellow is everywhere at the moment, and Marks and Spencer has tapped into the trend with its new collection. A stand-out piece is this Linen Rich Side Detail Midi Shift Dress. Clever ruching means the dress skims across the stomach area, giving a flattering shape, while the gathered round neckline adds a unique detail. Best of all, the dress comes in at under £50, with sizes 6-24 all still available.
