New season thrill: Shop summer’s perfect dress edit

Best known for its iconic, function-first outerwear, Barbour has been excelling in another fashion category of late, and the new collection is worth bookmarking: its spring-summer dress edit.

Designed with summer’s busy roster of events in mind, the collection dreams up elegant, versatile styles that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: weddings, festivals, garden parties or summer soirées, there is a dress to fit every bill with Barbour this season.

The family-owned fifth-generation British heritage label enlisted the help of broadcaster Laura Jackson (a former host of ITV’s This Morning ) to showcase the new collection, and best of all, it’s now available to shop in-store and online at Arnotts.

“Life is always super busy with three kids, so having something that I can put on in the morning and wear to meetings, lunch and through to the evening is a true blessing.

These dresses can literally be worn season after season, they’re so classic and gorgeous and I know I will treasure many of them for years to come,” Jackson said of the collection.

Among the key pieces worth shopping include the Macy midi dress (€135) in a subtle navy tonal-check pattern. With a flattering square neckline and short puff sleeves, this dress will deliver on class without sacrificing on comfort for those all-day summer events.

The Glamis dress (€150), in a navy gingham with broderie anglaise trim and detailing, will meanwhile keep you cool when the mercury rises, and makes for the perfect holiday essential.

The Bowhill denim mini dress (€175) is the ultimate summer party number that would pair just as well with trainers as it would cowboy boots, but if you’d prefer separates, the same patchwork print comes in a denim Bowhill mini skirt (€105) and shirt (€115).

Elsewhere, the Kelburn peplum dress (€185) is the perfect statement-maker that feels free-spirited and sophisticated all at once.

With an offering of fresh colours, bright checks and light, free-flowing fabrics, Barbour’s new dress edit takes the guesswork out of dressing for summer. And who wouldn’t want that?

As Barbour’s director of womenswear, Nicola Brown, puts it: “The designs have been created to be completely adaptable, ensuring that the wearer has something that can take them from the beach or a book festival to an elegant wedding or stylish supper club. Simply by changing your accessories, these versatile designs will ensure you’re ready for whatever the summer has to throw at you.”

Shop in store at Arnotts and online at Arnotts.ie