Polka Dot Tie Front Mini Dress in White

Polka dots have survived every trend cycle thrown at them, and this is a good demonstration of why. The print is playful without trying, the white ground keeps it fresh rather than retro, and the tie at the front gives you something to fiddle with until the waist sits exactly where you want it. It is short, it is simple, and it is the sort of dress you pull on when the forecast finally turns.

The fabric is 95% polyester and 5% elastane, which makes it slightly stretchy, and the body is not lined. That elastane matters more than the small number suggests. It is what lets the dress give a little across the bust and waist rather than sitting rigid, and the measurements below actually spell this out, which is rare and genuinely useful. On a size XS the waist measures 22 inches and stretches to 26 inches, while the bust measures 26 inches and stretches to 29.9 inches. Every size is graded the same way, so you can work out exactly how it will sit before it arrives.

Length runs from 28.9 inches on an XS to 30.1 inches on a size L, so this is properly short across the whole range. Sizes go from XS through L. White with dots is one of the easiest things to style because it behaves like a neutral with a sense of humour. Flat sandals and a straw bag is the obvious summer answer and it works every time. Add a denim jacket and trainers to bring it down for daytime, or a heeled mule and gold hoops if the evening turns into something. A tan or caramel accessory is the shortcut that makes the whole thing look more expensive than it has any right to. It is light, it packs flat, and it asks nothing of you.

Why you will love it

• Material composition: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
• Stretch: Slightly stretchy
• Body: Not lined
• Features: Tied
• Tie front detail at the waist
• Polka dot print on a white ground
• Sizes XS through L

Care

• Machine wash cold.
• Tumble dry low.