Uplifting dresses to see you out of lockdown

As secretly delighted as we’ve been about slipping into elasticated waistbands and sweatshirts for the past year, the end is nigh. The end of winter, of lockdown, of working from home… the end of loungewear on repeat. 

The simple pleasure of being able to welcome a friend over to your garden from 29 March calls for a celebratory swish of something floral and mood-boosting. Something that says ‘I’ve made an effort’ while still offering comfort and ease. We’re not all ready for occasionwear just yet.

The edit below marries the optimism of spring’s bold designs with the reality of the British weather. Long sleeves mean you can simply throw one on and go, or if it’s particularly chilly out, layer with a rollneck underneath or a chunky cardigan over the top. The busy patterns do all the hard work – so no styling dilemmas here, just add trainers or boots. Best of all, the fluid fabrics and silhouettes mean there’s no structure or waist-cinching going on. You’ll look a long way from your loungewear days, but in the comfort stakes, you won’t feel it.