COS's Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress practically stopped me in my tracks when I was browsing some of the site's most stylish dresses and latest additions. They're a fantastic brand to shop, especially when you're looking for chic, fashion-forward pieces that instantly elevate your wardrobe. The Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress is no exception, and as a fashion writer, I've personally dubbed it a summer essential that needs to be in every wardrobe this season.
Complete with cleverly placed navy stripes, the dress is complementary on any figure. Drawing you in at the waist with its comfortable gathered elastic, the stripes fall vertically in the skirt, which elongates your silhouette. As someone who is pear-shaped, I imagine this dress would be ultra figure-flattering for me, and it's one I definitely have my eye on right now.
COSwww.cos.com
The dress comes in a stylish navy and white stripe as well as a classic black, running across sizes XS-L. It features a universally flattering boat neckline, fitted waist and tiered skirt.
Made from a breathable 100 per cent cotton fabric, this midi dress would be the ultimate choice to pack with you in your suitcase for an upcoming holiday. Either that, or a head-turning dress to wear for an occasion, event or party. Failing that, though, this dress can be styled for everyday wear, catching up for drinks with your friends or even wearing to the office on a hot summer's day. It has so much styling potential that it has us, as fashion writers, practically beaming.
In terms of styling, COS really does the dress justice. Pair it with an oversized bag, a pair of sunglasses and a pair of open-toe sandals to nail that chic, laid-back everyday summer vibe. If you wanted to dress it up, swap it for a pair of statement heels and a clutch bag. If you want to tone it down, a denim jacket wouldn't look out of place. As for the office? We're thinking loafers. And, for colder months, wear underneath a cosy cardigan to transition it across to autumn. This dress really does it all.
While the striped version really emphasises the dress's structure and silhouette, if the stripes aren't your thing, then it also comes in an all-black variation, too. Where some might find the stripes a challenge to style, the black option is completely effortless to throw on. It has a relaxed vibe but simultaneously looks incredibly smart, which is why it's such a good choice for office dressing.
Although the COS Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress is a summer staple, and one I wouldn't hesitate to bring on a holiday abroad, I do think it has transitional potential for autumn, too. While it may seem too early to be thinking about your autumn wardrobe in the throes of the hot weather, many are already shoppers are already thinking ahead and considering what items they'll be adding to their future autumn wishlists.
If you love this dress as much as I do, I wouldn't wait. COS dresses have a reputation for selling out alarmingly fast. And, when everyone catches on to this stunning dress, we're not sure it'll be around for long...
Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for heat. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.