If there is one item that can single-handedly pull us out of the depths of winter fashion and into the rays of a summer style, it is the statement dress. Defined by its usefulness, it is a total look: an item that works both for day and for night, for work and for play — the ultimate, all-occasion frock. Last year, we came over all land girl, with floral tea dresses; before that, it was all about boho. But this summer’s statement dress is much more modern.

Whether printed (graphic, as opposed to whimsical) or coloured (punchy primary shades are the way to go), this season’s dresses are bold and bright. The high street has fabulous tribal and floral prints that look not the least bit mainstream, and boutique brands are good for more directional shapes.

Smart shoppers are looking to American labels for secret finds — the problem with statement dresses being that they’re too recognisable, making it easy to fall prey to same-outfit syndrome. Seek out brands such as Thread Social (far left), a New York hipsters’ favourite currently being stalked on the internet, which delivers beautiful shapes with its particular brand of edgy yet feminine cool. Whatever accessories you go for, they need to be simple. Courts are the perfect tail for your talking-point frock. Big belts will make it look good for day, big jewels even better for night.

But essentially, as shown by Sienna, this is a look about one thing only: the dress, the dress, the dress. And fashion solutions don’t come much simpler than that.

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