One of the most satisfying elements of summer – light mornings and seemingly never-ending evenings aside – is dressing for such optimistic weather. Being able to leave the tights, several layers and a proper coat at home is a simple pleasure that we Brits will never tire of experiencing, especially as such conditions tend to be fleeting.
But warm weather doesn’t instantly fill everyone with wardrobe confidence: a sudden rise in temperature can leave many of us experiencing something of a sartorial identity crisis, questioning what is appropriate for the office and exactly what constitutes a flattering-not-frumpy hemline.
Luckily, that’s where Baukjen comes in. The contemporary womenswear label’s latest offering is a veritable destination for the only pieces you need this summer – versatile dresses.
Boasting a collection of functional styles in soft fabrics across pared-back designs that you can dress up or down and roll into your suitcase, the search ends here.
Take the Isobel Dress, a fluid jersey style in chic navy with a cross-front top and short, loose sleeves. It’s the ultimate AM-to-PM transition piece – one that you can elevate with jewellery and heels, or a sharp jacket. It also serves its place at weekends with simple plimsolls and a cotton knit slung over your shoulders.
Baukjen de Swaan Arons, who founded her eponymous label hot on the heels of her hugely successful maternity-wear brand, Isabella Oliver,reveals the three favourite styles she’ll be living in this season:
Carin Bandeau Dress
“This will be my go-to dress for summer in the city,” says de Swaan Arons, who lives and works in north London. Made from a premium crepe fabric, the Carin’s strapless neckline is cleverly balanced by finishing below the knee and features a gentle split up the side.
“It’s chic, but easy and comfortable at the same time,” adds the co-founder and designer, who has made effortless pieces the signature of her brand. Wear it to the office with a white blazer to combat air-conditioned spaces, then take it on holiday for smart dinners out, topped off with a locally sourced necklace.
Marisol Bandeau Dress
“This is the first thing that’s going in my suitcase when I’m packing for the summer holidays,” reveals de Swaan Arons. “It’s easy to wear at the beach, but I can also dress it up for evening.”
And she’s certainly not wrong: cut from a slightly stretchy jersey fabric, it straddles elegance and comfort seamlessly. A strapless neckline is also ideal for walks in the sun as you won’t end up with strap marks – just remember to pack a wide-brimmed hat and generously apply some SPF.
The Marisol Dress also comes in a classic white version. “I’m taking both with me,” admits de Swaan Arons.
Hanna Striped Tank Dress
De Swaan Arons makes no attempt to hide her love of stripes: she wears them regularly, and frequently revisits the classic, graphic pattern in the brand’s monthly collections. This is why the Hanna Striped Tank Dress is her “perfect dress for warm weekends. I‘ll love wearing it all summer long.”
Red makes a refreshing departure from the classic blue Breton stripe and, like polka dots, is a print that’s hard to feel fatigued by – unlike busy flower motifs. This casual style will work just as well with trainers as with sandals.
Modern. Feminine. Versatile
For a stylish take on everything from workwear to your holiday wardrobe, the Telegraph is working in partnership with fashion brand Baukjen to create must-have edits from their Spring/Summer range.
Baukjen is a family run business with seamstresses, pattern cutters and designers working under the same roof in their North London studio. Launched in 2008 by Amsterdam-born designer Baukjen de Swaan Arons, the brand provides women with a modern, everyday wardrobe that’s expertly tailored, easy to style and comfortable to wear.
Contemporary and versatile, the Baukjen range celebrates the modern woman. With cleverly edited trends and beautiful fabrics, women can easily curate their own look from each collection, communicating their personal style through relaxed, effortless looks.
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