Party season is officially underway and to get some inspiration for what to wear we asked some wonderful local designers to share with us their favourite party dresses and why they think they’re perfect for summer.
Sleeve McQueen, $809 from Trelise Cooper.
Trelise Cooper
“My favourite party dress from the Summer collection is our “Sleeve McQueen” dress which comes in silver or gold. I think sparkle is a must for any party dress and this is the ultimate with heart-shaped sequins and puff sleeves straight from my 80s collection archive. I’ve sat in the back of a taxi and nearly blinded the driver when the sun hit the sequins!! With embellished sequin wing detail on the back, you will be the Angel of any party this summer!” – Trelise Cooper.
Little Kicks dress, $370 from Twenty-seven Names.
Twenty-seven Names
“The Little Kicks dress. It’s down to clown. Made in a beautiful Japanese silk-cotton taffeta, with a gathered peplum at the waist, and fit-friendly adjustable singlet straps. It’s ready when you are to get the party started.” – Anjali Burnett.
Olya dress, $799 from Ingrid Starnes.
Ingrid Starnes
“I love the Olya dress especially in the lilac colour way. It’s a beautifully voluminous full length dress in drapey silk Crepe de Chine that is loose and free in the body – so perfect for those warm summer night parties. The tiered gathers create volume and dramatic shape that falls to the ankle making you feel super luxurious.” – Ingrid Starnes.
Redux Dress, $370 from Jarrad Godman.
Jarrad Godman
“A simple silk slip dress in our custom flame print. The sheer georgette drapes delicately around the body giving a great sense of depth and movement for the wearer, it is perfect for parties on a warm summer night as well as layered over something long sleeved for the cooler temperatures.” – Jarrad Godman.
Scarlet floral wrap dress, $199 from Désirée.
Désirée
“I love wearing this dress because it makes me feel happy, cheerful and summery. Creating this dress was a really fun process which just adds to my love of the dress. Usually I create items and the public doesn’t see them until months later but with this dress I filmed and shared the whole process as it happened which I really enjoyed. This dress was specifically designed with the Kiwi summer party season in mind so its colourful, lightweight and in a flattering and easy to wear style.” – Désirée Turner.
Bias burnout slip dress, $485 from Sabatini.
Sabatini
“Loving our Sabatini slip dress. The rich opium velvet/silk fabrication makes you feel exactly the same – bold , festive and sophisticated with a bohemian flow, glow… my kind of feeling.” – Margi Evans–Milich.
Bettie Slip Dress, $299 from Carlson (available in store only).
Carlson
“The Bettie Slip Dress is a gorgeous polka dot bias-cut dress that looks fantastic for a summer party. I’ve always loved this silhouette – whether from the 30s or 90s and it’s great to bring it back – something that’s well designed is always a classic. It’s made from silk cotton sateen and has adjustable straps so is easy to wear and looks great dressed down the next day with a t-shirt and trainers.” – Tanya Carlson.
Hula Bow Minidress, $299 from RUBY.
RUBY
“One of our favourite party dresses of the season has to be the Hula Bow Minidress, from our Resort 18 collection. A 50’s influenced silhouette, with a ruched bodice and bow neckline detail is in a punchy green gingham cotton, so its really light and airy, perfect for a summer evening!” – Deanna Didovich.
Live Satin Shirred Dress, $249 from Storm.
STORM
“This has to be my favourite party dress this season as it has so much styling potential. Simply wear it with a heel and layered accessories or drop it down to a maxi skirt with a sandal and your favourite party top. The options are endless!” – Deborah Caldwell.
Light of My Life dress, $1,100 from Maggie Marilyn.
Maggie Marilyn
‘The sparkling Light of My Life dress was made for the holiday party season. The bias cut is so flattering, and the pleated sash can be worn any way you like. Plus there’s a minidress and full length style. I can’t wait to wear the full length dress in Elderflower Pink – a fresh and light colour for Summer.” – Maggie Hewitt.
Images supplied.