It seems that most places in Australia have had an early taste of the summer ahead.
Scrolling through the #everydaystyle feed on Instagram last week showed that my southern style sisters were indeed enjoying some balmy spring conditions.
Here in Queensland the balmy meter has been switched on and my seasonal default mode of dressing has come into its own.
Which default is that, you ask?
So glad you did.
The Dress.
Whether it’s fancy, casual, short or maxi, in summer being able to pop on one thing – a dress – seems to underline the effortless style of the season.
Today I’m featuring one of the most popular styles from Queensland-based label, Bella Lido. Say hello to Molly.
The model
and me
Bella Lido Molly dress $99 (I’m 166cm and wearing size L) | Frankie4 Footwear sandals (new-season in store soon)
Of course, Molly had me at stripes. If the dress is my default summer outfit; stripes are my default any-season pattern.
But you knew that, didn’t you?
If you’ve previously bought this particular style, there’s a subtle difference to this year’s design, with the addition of feature beading at the neckline.
I know. A frock. With stripes. AND bling.
I love this woven rayon style for super hot days – and we have months of those hot days ahead.
The straps are adjustable and you can wear it loose and lovely as I’ve featured here or belt the dress around the waist or hips if that’s more your style. The fabric belt comes with the dress.
With a dress with thin straps like this one, I either wear a bra with a similar strap colour to the dress or I wear this style of bandeau bra underneath.
I’ve got a 16D bust and it works. It’s not as supportive as a strapless bra but I save my strapless-bra-wearing for dressier occasions. This dress is all about casual, so the bandeau works for me.
As for my arms being out and about? A bit like my attitude to swimwear, I just tell myself to get over it.
It’s a casual dress. It’s a hot day. Why swelter?
If the occasion was more formal or for an event where I wanted to feel my most confident, I’d probably opt for a different style of frock or add a half-sleeve cardi, shrug or jacket.
Are you summer-ready with a casual frock or two?
* These items were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
I’d love your vote!
I would so love your support and vote: Kidspot is hosting a competition where I have the chance to win $2500 for my charity – Dress for Success Brisbane – plus I would also receive a business grant, which I’d put towards my current project of creating a tool that will help make it easier for you to plan out what to wear each day. Click the image below or head over here to vote (you can vote as many times as you’d like). Thanks SO much. x
Comments 28
Great dress Nikki and fabulous tan 🙂
Looking gorgeous Nikki – the dress is very flattering. I’m not the biggest fan of my arms but agree with your stance – here’s to more self confidence! http://diariesofabride.blogspot.com.au/
You look lovely Nikki. Your arms look gorgeously toned and your tan is lovely. The perfect dress for summer.
Thanks Bec you’re too kind! x
I have a few of the short Bella Lido dresses and they are simply the best for our hottest days…so very light. Loving the prints this year especially those stripes. I might have already bought a Molly Maxi for this summer 🙂
Hee hee … the Molly maxi is the business!
What’s not to love? Love it! 🙂
Thanks Kathryn!
i have ordered one of those bra’s – thanks for the link Nikki – am a little bigger busted but am happy to try for all those strappy summer dresses 🙂 I have a more structured strapless but for a more relaxed fit I hope it will do the job !
I hope it keeps the girls in place for a relaxed outfit Linda … I never wear mine with anything fitted so it works!
Great tan!!!!
Thanks Leanne – it’s not as dark as it looks – realised I should have lightened the photo!
Gorgeous dress! I wish Bella Lido had the stripes in the maxi this season. x
Think they went with some other prints after stripes in previous seasons.
Stripes are always a yes for me! Looking super cute and super cool. x
Thanks hun … stripes for the summer win! x
A simple dress for when the weather heats up. Love this dress on you Nikki. V x
We need so many of them up here V – thanks x
looks cool and comfy for hot weather thanks nikki!
is that under garment effective!
enjoy your day hun! love m:)X
Well, I wouldn’t be running a marathon in that bra – come to think of it, I wouldn’t be running a marathon full stop!! – but they work for a casual look for me.
Are you wearing the navy/white or the grey/white – hard to tell?
It is hard to tell sorry, Angela … I should have brightened up the exposure on the photo a bit. It’s grey/white but it’s a charcoal/darker steel grey.
I think I’m prettty set for casual dresses but you had me at adjustable straps! Stripes and bling add to the fun, but I do have one question: Is the white transparent or can you get away with just light nude underwear?
Yes! I’m just wearing nude underwear in this photo – no slip.
SOLD! Love this on you Nikki! Who am I, I turn 40 and suddenly I love dresses and I’m considering baring my arms.
That’s the big advantage of getting older Louisa … we start to lose our own hang-ups and realise that no-one else cares about them as much as we do! x
SO TRUE!!! Noone else cares about them like we do ourselves! These dresses are a must up here in Townsville – I live in them! The stripes are fab!
such a great place to be. The things I’ve missed out on – so silly! Thank you for gently guiding me all these years Nikki. You really have helped me to live more, and break free from my own silly, small thoughts <3