The good weather has (finally) started to roll around, and with it events and occasions of the outdoor variety. I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for the picnics, boat rides, festivals and parties that feel a little sweeter with the heat of the sun on your back. And a summer filled with great plans call for equally great outfits to go with them, right?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has seen their favourite fashion people sporting bandeau dresses at everything from weddings to the beach, and one thought that pops up whenever I do is “wow. This dress a real winner”. The reason? There aren’t many items that can effortlessly span both high and low dressing, so the ones that do have my instant attention. A simple search for bandeau dresses will reveal the many patterns, prints and textures they come in, and I think this versatility is the key to their success.
Needless to say, these dresses are firmly on my radar, and I’ve done a full and thorough search of influencers wearing the ones I love best. They’re simply not to be missed. See the looks and shop the pieces you may need to recreate them below.
Style Notes: The little black dress in bandeau form. I love Ali’s minimalist glamour and it feels so easy to achieve. All you’ll need to do is swap out your trainers for sandals to totally refresh the look for the evening.
If in doubt, you can never go wrong with a Little Black Dress.
Sparkly clutches make any outfit feel high-octane. Opt for one with room inside for all your essentials.
Classic strappy sandals find themselves on our edit for so many reasons, and a lovely simple pair like these will never grow old.
Style Notes: If you’re thinking that Ama looks flawlessly fabulous here, you’d be right! Contrary to the above, less can also be more. The right silhouette can make you look tailored to perfection. Just add a pair of classic shoes and simple jewellery.
Minimalist and timeless, there’s no figure this dress won’t flatter.
The simpler the details, the better.
One of Manolo Blahnik’s most timeless heels if you ask me. The lower height makes them so much more practical.
Style notes: No holiday look could ever be complete without a sunhat, but Anna shows us a fun way to make it part of your evening bandeau dress by wearing it with a pair of gloves. Love of old school glamour? This one’s for you.
There’s something so romantic about this dress. It’s one you can definitely wear on repeat.
These are so Grace Kelly.
A little bit dramatic? Yes. But where better to experiment than on vacation.
Style notes: This look is as laid-back as it is pretty. Your dress can be so easy to style with everything from leather cross-body bags to sparkly clutches, but simply grab a straw tote when headed down to the beach for the ultimate cool-girl glam.
This gives me major princess vibes. The satin finish adds an extra layer of glamour.
An undisputed beach and poolside staple. And it’s even roomier than it looks!
This season is all about the chunky statement sandals.
Style notes: Festival chic or just plain old summertime chic, Anna’s look works equally well for both. Tonal yet so fun and playful, this dress makes the perfect base for a truly personalised look.
A great way to keep things interesting is by playing around with texture and silhouette. I love the subtle zig-zags on this dress.
Such a cool way to stay protected from the sun.
A few extra details can make classic items look so expensive and characterful. I love the white topstitching on these boots.
Style Notes: Gingham just doesn’t go out of style, so it’s well worth investing in a timeless piece that looks as good as it feels. Look out for details like a boned bodice and add a belt to keep things elevated.
How pretty is the neckline of this dress? Forgo a necklace in favour of earrings to really let it shine.
Comfort and style – a win if you ask me.
Contrast the pretty vibes of your bandeau dress with some ’90s style sunglasses. So cool.
Style Notes: Make it look like you spent hours searching for the perfect outfit with a dress that doesn’t shirk on the details. From the strapless neckline, to cutouts, bows and pretty colours, the limit does not exist when it comes to party-ready bandeau dresses. My personal favourites come in pastels and rich hues.
The buttery yellow hue of this dress is the perfect match for its sweet silhouette.
Anya Hindmarch can always be counted on to provide accessories as functional as they are fashionable. The bow is such a cute signature.
Keep the look fun by colour-blocking your dress and accessories. The bolder, the better.
Next Up: I Just Spent Hours Searching for the Best Throw-On Midi Dresses for Summer
