Summer event season is here with a bang. We’re certainly making up for lost time this year with weddings, birthday bashes and summer occasions like Ascot back in the calendar. The Great Dress Hunt can require serious planning, but there’s one collection that is really helping in this department. Karen Millen is known for its beautiful floral dresses, and this year, it has really excelled with a special collaboration with botanical artist Rui Jiang. She has created spectacular watercolour images inspired by her love for all the flowers in the British countryside. She really studies the colour and form of flowers in detail. She grows violas and roses in her own garden and meticulously examines each bud before picking up the paintbrush.
And these dress designs perfectly complement her watercolour prints. They all have voluminous fabric and exaggerated silhouettes, which give each piece a rippling movement and sense of romance. The collection is filled with occasion-ready winners, but we’ve hand-selected five that we know will be super popular this year, including a cute minidress and a halterneck slip. Keep scrolling for the five dresses that are beyond perfect for your next wedding or summer party.
Style Notes: This dress has a beautiful, spring-green botanical print, which pairs perfectly with the dramatic sleeves and tied waist. The print is perfect for a wedding or summer occasion, but the volume of fabric gives it a fashion edge.
Style Notes: This silk and cotton minidress feels really special thanks to the voluminous sleeves and pretty buttons down the front. The print is a really romantic nod to English country gardens. We’d style it with chunky gold jewellery and sandals for a contemporary spin.
Style Notes: These floral midi dresses come in both sleeved and sleeveless options, and both pack a punch thanks to the full skirt. Jiang’s rose-garden print is perfect for an outdoor reception.
Style Notes: This dress has a unique mirrored botanical print, and the sweeping satin gives the dress a rippling movement. The wide, fluted sleeves and cut-out detail on the back are the perfect finishing touches.
Style Notes: This dress makes me want to be at a wedding reception with a gin and tonic in hand. The slinky cut and halter neckline give this a ’90s feel, which blends perfectly with the vibrant green motif.
