Every year, summer seems to arrive all at once…
One minute I’m still wearing jumpers and convincing myself that I don’t need to put the heating on, and the next my diary is filling up with days out, family get-togethers, barbecues and all the other things that seem to happen when the sun finally decides to make an appearance.
Along with all of that usually comes the realisation that my wardrobe isn’t quite as prepared for summer as I’d like it to be. There always seems to be an occasion coming up that I don’t quite have the right thing to wear for, whether that’s a family celebration, a meal out or simply wanting something a bit nicer than my usual everyday clothes.
The piece that covers more ground than anything else
The frugal approach to summer dressing is not about buying the cheapest things available – it is about buying fewer things that work harder. A single piece of clothing that handles five different occasions is a far better investment than five cheaper pieces that each handle one. Knowing when to wear a long dress – and choosing one that genuinely earns its keep – is one of the most practical wardrobe decisions you can make before the summer season properly begins.
A long dress sits in a rare middle ground: formal enough for a wedding or a school event, relaxed enough for a family day out, and comfortable enough to wear for a full day without a second thought.
The occasions where it is the obvious answer
A school summer event or a sports day: smart enough to look like you made an effort, practical enough that you can stand on a field for two hours without being uncomfortable.
A family wedding: a long dress in a solid colour or simple pattern does everything a more expensive occasion dress would do, for a fraction of the planning.
A day out somewhere like a National Trust property or a garden: cool enough in warm weather, presentable enough for a café or a tearoom, and comfortable enough for a good few miles of walking.
Dressing to impress on a budget is something that comes up time and again in the world of frugal living, and the long dress keeps appearing as the answer for exactly these reasons.
Why One Good Dress Often Beats Three Cheap Ones
I’ve definitely reached the stage where I’d rather buy one dress that I genuinely love than three cheaper ones that I’ll wear once and then leave hanging in the wardrobe. The cost per wear of a garment is a more honest measure of value than the price tag.
When I was younger, I used to buy clothes because they were a bargain. These days, I’m much more interested in whether I’ll actually wear something. If I can imagine myself reaching for the same dress for a family gathering, a meal out, a summer holiday and a garden party then I know it’s probably a good buy.
I’ve learned the hard way that the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical. A dress that loses its shape after a couple of washes or ends up at the back of the wardrobe after one outing isn’t really a bargain, no matter how little it cost in the first place.
What I Look For In A Summer Dress
The first thing I look at is the fabric. There’s nothing worse than spending a warm day feeling uncomfortable in something that doesn’t breathe properly. Natural fabrics or blends tend to be much more comfortable and usually wash better too.
Next comes the colour or pattern. As much as I admire some of the bold prints I see in the shops, I know I’m far more likely to wear something simple again and again. A classic print or a colour that works with things I already own will always get more wear than something that’s very trend-led.
Finally, I think about the length. For me, a longer dress is often the most versatile option because it can be dressed up or down depending on where I’m going. The same dress can work for a family barbecue, a day out, a holiday dinner or a summer celebration with just a change of shoes and accessories.
A Summer Wardrobe Doesn’t Need To Cost A Fortune
I’ve learned over the years that I don’t actually need as many clothes as I think I do.
A couple of dresses that I genuinely love wearing, a lightweight jacket for when the British weather inevitably changes its mind and a comfortable pair of sandals will see me through most of the summer. That’s usually enough for family get-togethers, meals out, days out and all the other things that seem to fill the diary at this time of year.
In the past, I’d often convince myself that I needed something new for every occasion. These days, I’d much rather have a few pieces that I know suit me and that I’ll wear again and again.
Not only does that save money, but it also makes life much easier. There’s a lot to be said for opening your wardrobe and already knowing that you have something to wear rather than staring at a rail full of clothes and insisting you have nothing. 😁
The money saved is always nice, but for me, the biggest benefit is avoiding the stress of buying things I don’t really need and then wondering why they’re still hanging in the wardrobe months later.
I’d love you to follow me on Twitter and it would be amazing to see you over on my Facebook page and on Instagram. If you’re interested, you can find out more about me here and while I’ve got your attention, if you’re wondering why some of my posts lately are a little bit less frugal then have a read of this post. 😉 This is a collaborative post.
Do your future self a favour – Pin this post for later.
Talk to me...