I have already written about my view that in the Northern-European climate, an extensive summer wardrobe tends to be unnecessary. Spending lots of money on things that can only be worn for approximately two weeks every year just isn’t the best use of resources – especially if you feel you should update that wardrobe every summer.

On the other hand, I am very much in favour of owning certain summer staples and a flattering summer dress is definitely among the top 3 items on that list. The style doesn’t really matter, as long as it suits you and isn’t particularly trendy (being trendy usually makes it difficult to wear beyond one season).

As you can see, that type of a dress does not need need to be white or come in a floral pattern – black is perfectly acceptable as well. Although as you can also see, I have cheated a little bit*, considering that this black dress has small white dots which make it look somewhat lighter and less serious than it would in pure black.

For me, I believe this style delivers on the flattery front: I like the square neckline, the shirring in the back makes the dress fit really nicely and the slit ensures the length doesn’t come off as frumpy. I admit the details are slightly trendy: the small puffy sleeves, the neckline, the shirring. They are, however, rather understated and will hopefully still look OK next year.

As with almost everything I own, I have worn this dress to work. And also when out drinking with a football team. And to a birthday party of a 85-year old. That kind of versatility is a sign of a good dress, I feel. If you are interested in something similar with a more Autumn-Winter vibe, please note that & Other Stories now has this long-sleeved version in leopard print.

*I have also cheated with pictures, as the idea was to have the entire series in black-and-white. But the matching red of the city, shoes and lipstick is too good to pass by.

Dress by & Other Stories, shoes by Zara. Images Getter Kuusmaa, MUAH Erle Taklai.