Wearing: Toi et Moi 'La Platine' shift dress, Tony Bianco 'Future' sandals, Alannah Hill felt hat, 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Pashli' satchel bag
Easily one of my favourite shapes for summer, the shift dress never fails to impress. So easy to wear; it's super flattering for a range of figures without sacrificing comfort (always a positive!)
This dress by the always lovely Sydney-based label Toi Et Moi is a beautiful take on the classic shift shape. A single pleat in the centre front adds additional width through the bust, and angled panels through the skirt create the stunning alterations in the print pattern. The floral details add just the right amount of contrast to the dress so that it no longer feels like an "animal print" garment, becoming more delicate and feminine. The fabric is a beautiful satiny-feel (without the typical sheen) which means it feels absolutely amazing both on and off and gives a chic finish.
I've teamed with accessories that accentuate the colours in the print, without drawing attention away from it. This felt hat from Alannah Hill is a beautiful piece, and brightens up the whole outfit with a rich pop of red echoing the florals in the dress. It's also wonderfully practical - there are so many amazing hats available at the moment which are a simple way to add interest to an outfit and also provide chic sun protection through summer!
Finishing with a black bag and sandals to continue the tones from the dress for an understated look, which don't detract or fight for attention with the print. The key with a bold print is to ensure the other pieces in your outfit and accessories don't clash or compete. This is easy to achieve by picking dominant colours from the print (like I have done) and choosing simple accessories to tie in with this colour scheme. There's nothing else to it!