The perfect dresses to survive the heatwave in

Whether it was last summer's heatwave, or our renewed love affair with everything minimal 90s (including strappy sandals), the slip dress was everywhere last year, and it's back with a vengeance for SS19.

More versatile than it looks, it was worn this winter over cashmere roll-necks, but I'm a purist, and I love it on its own, all the best to highlight sun-kissed skin. Yes, I'm a romantic at heart.

There is of course the most boudoir of all, the classic satin slip dress, declined in pastel shades of cream, mint and lilac, but this summer is all about being more adventurous.

Think florals, checks and tie dye, in a patchwork of colours from royal blue to neon green and hot pink. And don't be afraid to experiment with lengths either. The midi styles will always look more sophisticated, however I'm loving the maxi versions for holidays, and the minis are ideal to show off tanned legs, as seen on the likes of Lindsey Holland, Alexa Chung and Lucy Williams.

First seen at Reformation, Faithfull the Brand and Realisation Par, the slip dress might once have been hard to get ahold of, but no more. So many high-street stores have covetable versions, in particular & Other Stories, Mango, Zara and Stradivarius. Designer-wise, look to Lee Mathews, Rixo, L'Agence and new kid on the block Bernadette for some sexy options that are just the right side of vintage.

As well as being ultra comfortable (our expectant fashion editor Lucia calls it the 'perfect pregnancy dress') - especially if you go sans bra - there are a plethora of ways to style it this summer. I wear mine with a flat or kitten-heeled naked sandal, but I've seen influencers pair theirs with Superga trainers or glam heels, a la Monikh Dale.

The choice is yours. Shop my edit of the best slip dresses below.