If you’re spending your time planning for – or simply dreaming of – languid days in warmer climes, then this crop of romantic, bohemian maxi-dresses could be for you. As summer is in full swing, fabrics are becoming more decadent and eye-catching; think ikat, botanical and Alpine prints. Choosing a longer length automatically ups the ante, too – a maxi-hem always looks dramatic. Idealists – and Instagram – would lead you to believe the best way to wear these styles is barefoot, posed in a lemon grove. If that doesn’t float your boat, then a pair of leather thong sandals will add polish. Looking to tone things down? Pair your dress with low-key trainers (tennis-style runners work well here) or a simple flip flop (see Danish brand Rotate’s cool new collab with Havaianas). 

Main image: Instagram @sarah.corbettwinder.

Botanist floral linen dress, €203; www.jigsaw-online.com. 

Merle tiered printed cotton-poplin maxi-dress, Borgo de Nor, €810; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Dress with cutwork embroidery, €59.95, at Zara. 

Tango dress in cornflower safari, Pink City Prints, €229, at Emporium Kalu. 

Off-the-shoulder puff-sleeve dress, €99, at COS. 

Knot detail pattern dress, €79.99, at H&M.

Flotsam print gathered dress, €295; eu.toa.st.

Kemala dress, €675; www.ullajohnson.com.