Tent dresses are the fashion hero we didn’t know we needed - and now they’re everywhere
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- Billie Bhatia
- Published
Tent dresses have become a fashion insider staple and not only because they are the easiest thing to wear in your wardrobe…
Like all good things, Copenhagen Fashion Week was the birth place of the dress trend that has captured the imagination of editors this summer. And as the temperatures soar (again) this week, we are more on board than ever.
The trend in question: tent dresses. Or if you want to be super fashion about it, the trapeze dress. A giant, billowing dress that covers your body from head-to-toe. The tent dress is markered by three things: it’s oversized shape that creates an easy draping when worn, it’s lack of waist (there is no ‘nipped’ in business here) and it’s fabrics – almost always cotton or linen. Making it not only a breeze to put on, but something that is actually palatable in this hot but humid weather.
Here’s the lowdown on the tent dress, and why it’s the wardrobe staple worth investing in.
1. It’s universally flattering. The Stylist fashion desk is made up of five women coveting all shapes and sizes and we have all sported a tent dress in the past two weeks. In fact, it’s easier to wear than you think, don’t be put off by the swathes that make up a tent dress. Even those who had previously avoided this shape due to larger bust can rest-assured – it doesn’t matter that it hangs from your boobs because this is in fact the desired look.
2. It actually keeps you cool. Don’t have a fan to hand? No problem, this fabric was made for wafting. The oversized shape means that it doesn’t cling to your skin and acts as a natural barrier between the heat of the outside world and your increasing body temperature.
3. You can get dressed in exactly 12 seconds. No tied waist needed, no belt that needs to be added, no wrapping, no nothing. This is the ultimate throw on and go.
Three Graces London tent dress
Three Graces tent dress It doesn’t get more effortless than this linen number from Three Graces London. Coming in just above the ankle, team this with simple slides for a laid-back look.
Trapeze dress, £630, Three Graces London
J Crew tent dress
J Crew tent dress Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe via J Crew’s simple but elegant tent dress.
HATCH X J.Crew caftan dress, £190, J Crew
H&M x Richard Allan tent dress
H&M x Richard Allan tent dress Celebrate the 60s in H&M’s latest collaboration with designer, Richard Allan. Chuck on a pair of patent black cowboy boots for autumn.
Printed dress, £34.99, H&M
Zara tent dress
Zara tent dress If you’re a fan of a shirt dress then you will love this Zara oversized version.
Textured dress, £45.99, Zara
Tibi tent dress
Tibi tent dress For the fashion forward try this Tibi two tone dress. We would even go so far as ditching the belt for ultimate body freedom.
Poplin halterneck dress, £560, Tibi
Cecilie Bahnsen tent dress
Cecilie Bahnsen tent dress The Danish designer to wear now, and the fuel behind the tent dress fire is down to Cecilie Bahnsen. Invest now and treasure forever.
Floral-jacquard ruffle-trimmed dress, £1,410, Cecilie Bahnsen
& Other Stories tent dress
& Other Stories tent dress Just call this the ultimate summer dress. So timeless you can spin it out on holidays year after year.
A-line maxi dress, £120, & Other Stories
Arket tent dress
Arket tent dress Arket, forever catering to our minimalist needs. Layer in plenty of gold necklaces and chunky sandals to complete this look.
Washed cotton kaftan, £89, Arket
Images: Getty / Courtesy of brands