Fashion: Day to night garden party bargains in the sales

It’s almost impossible to believe that the long summer holidays have only just arrived. Surely it’s been summer for ages and autumn is just around the corner? But let’s not wish life away in such an ungrateful manner, no matter how enticing the AW15 collections are looking.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jul 2015, 13:32 BST
Shubette sleeveless midi stretch sateen beaded waist, was £150, now £45, from House of Fraser.Shubette sleeveless midi stretch sateen beaded waist, was £150, now £45, from House of Fraser.
Shubette sleeveless midi stretch sateen beaded waist, was £150, now £45, from House of Fraser.

There are still weeks and weeks of outdoor events to look forward to, from garden parties to family barbies and picnics, from festivals and proms to village fetes and fairs. Like pretty much every episode you’ve ever seen of Midsomer Murders (without the murders).

The sales continue to shine along with the sun. My latest haul this weekend includes two fabulously useful asymmetric work skirts from M&S for £7.99 each (I bought two of the same skirt) plus, from Gap, a denim shirt dress at £14.99 and a grey linen smock dress, same price, slightly too large, but hey – it was £14.99, and anyway, the looser the better with a smock dress, within reason.

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It was only late on Sunday, after the shops had closed, that I realised I should really have sought out something slightly smarter, because I have a few events coming up over the school holidays – nothing overly special, just family barbecues and get-togethers, plus an away break to a smart hotel, and I could do with some semi-formal dresses and separates to see me through the summer.

Fionn fern print dress, was £79, now £39, from Phase Eight.Fionn fern print dress, was £79, now £39, from Phase Eight.
Fionn fern print dress, was £79, now £39, from Phase Eight.

All is not lost because there are still plenty of options about in the sales, as you can see from the pieces selected on these pages, although they are flying out of stores now, so be quick.

Check out Phase Eight, famed for its wonderfully wearable and flattering dresses and outfits perfect for garden parties, weddings and posh hotels. The sale is excellent. There are bargains to be had too at House of Fraser, which has Phase Eight, Pied a Terre, Ted Baker, Biba, Shubette and Dickins & Jones, among others.

Floral print dresses are showing no signs of waning, so they are a good bet for this season, next and beyond. Just make sure whatever you buy suits you and fits you. As, of course, I always do.

n Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ

Modal rich floral column dress, was £59, now £20.99, from Marks and Spencer.Modal rich floral column dress, was £59, now £20.99, from Marks and Spencer.
Modal rich floral column dress, was £59, now £20.99, from Marks and Spencer.

n Fashion assistant: Susanna Cirulli.

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Fionn green fern print dress, was £79, now £39, from Phase Eight.

Modal rich blue floral column dress, was £59, now £20.99, from Marks and Spencer.

On steps: Floral print prom dress, £55, from M&Co.

Related topics:FashionHouse of Fraser