Fashion Editor Lauren Goodwin-Grafton felt a million dollars wearing this green maxi from Millie Mackintosh’s Friends Like These fashion range on holiday- you won’t believe the price tag…
I was lucky enough to have enjoyed a recent holiday in Italy. After attending a friend’s wedding in Tuscany I stayed on for a few days in the stunning seaside town of Viareggio. Of course, being a stylist, my wardrobe was planned heavily before setting off- I knew temperatures would be over 30 degrees, so I needed outfits that would not only be cool to wear and elegant (the Italians know a thing or two about style), but that would also flatter my curves.
I spotted Millie Mackintosh on her Instagram account wearing some pieces from her latest Friends Like These collection (which is exclusively available at Next) whilst on holiday with her family and was immediately inspired by her looks. I decided to browse her edit online and was pleasantly surprised with the affordable price points and holiday-worthy pieces.
Dresses are usually my go-to when packing as they are light, take up little room and can easily be thrown on after a day at the beach with little fuss so the Friends Like These Strappy Ruffle Trim Maxi Dress, £58 here stood out as a winner straight away.
Read More:‘I wore this £40 M&S dress every night on holiday – it’s lightweight and doesn’t crease’
- Friends Like These Strappy Ruffle Trim Maxi Dress, from Next £58 here
Pros
- Fabric doesn’t crease
- Skims tums and thighs
- Adjustable straps
- Looks expensive
- Versatile – works as a beach dress or in the evening.
Cons
- Revealing on cleavage (if you prefer to wear a more modest neckline)
- No stretch
- Long in length when worn with sandals (I am 5’6)
It’s still available to buy in sizes 12-20, but if your sizes has sold out you could try the Friends Like These Halter Neck Ruffled Maxi Dress, £80 here, which is another favourite of mine from the collection. If you are petite and struggle with the length of maxis and don’t want to take to a tailor why not try the Friends Like These Short Sleeve Wrap V Neck Tie Waist Summer Maxi Dress, £34 here.
One thing that I especially liked about it was the fit, I’m usually a size 12 and this dress fitted me perfectly, especially up top. Having a size 32F bust cami style dresses are usually a no-go for me but I was impressed it provided enough coverage. Depending on whether you are happy to go braless, I felt quite supported and when on holiday I feel less shy about having a little more skin on show.
Looking for further holiday dressing inspo? M&S is really smashing it with summer collection this year, especially its dresses. We also love this Polka Dot Square Neck Midi Slip Dress, £39.50, which is giving Pretty Woman vibes, while this Per Una Midi Knitted Dress, £49.50, is perfect for wearing to the pool or out for dinner.
