I Tried On So Many Summer Dresses in Rixo—These 7 New-In Styles Stood Out

Being a fashion editor means trying on a lot of clothes, all in the name of research. Whether that’s road-testing new designer collections, giving samples a spin at a press event, online shopping to try on in the comfort of my own home, or even just straight up hitting the great British high-street to see what’s in store now—I will argue to say that only when trying on a garment in the flesh will you be able to get a real feel if it is something that works for you, and will slip nicely into your existing wardrobe to be worn, cherished and revisited for years to come. This is how each of us builds our personal style—it’s all about giving things a go, and editing along the way. For me, it’s all about building a capsule wardrobe, one that works for every day, and with a little bit of styling tinkering here and there, it can take you through from season to season pretty effortlessly.

My one rule breaker, however, is occasion wear. Dressing up for an event, celebration or party needs a little more attention and planning, and many women agree on one London-based brand that ticks so many boxes for the times when you want feel that little bit more special. Gentle frills and ruffles? Tick! Florals and animal print aplenty? Tick! Vintage feel cuts and vibrant colours? Tick! And yes, it’s cult-favourite RIXO that I am talking about. Who What Wear’s Fashion Editor Remy Farrell called it last year when she tried on a curated edit of their best-selling styles, noting that their “vintage-inspired dresses are designed with real bodies in mind, so not only do they fit impeccably, but their retro approach to design makes them an anti-trend hero you can wear for years to come”. This ethos and design approach means many a shopper with an event invite in hand naturally gravitates towards RIXO to get their outfit in the bag, and have been doing so since 2015.

With all of this in mind, and occasionwear season hot on my heels, I wanted to take a visit to RIXO’s renowned flagship store on the King’s Road to experience this all for myself, and to practice a little bit of what I preach. Stepping into the store, you are instantly transported to a magical paradise—every inch of the store is a wild burst of colour, pattern and fragrance, and artfully curated with an array of new collections, a vintage selection, a bridal boutique with private fitting area, a jewellery and accessories cabinet, a coffee kiosk and, lastly, an alterations bar (a fabulous touch for those who may need their garments tweaked then and there for the perfect fit). I worked with the wonderful in-store stylists to make an edit of their best and newest styles, for me to try on in their beautiful changing rooms.

So, whether you're shopping for weddings, holidays, parties, or just summer in the city, keep scrolling to see the dresses that stood out for me, and to shop more of the RIXO styles I'm loving right now.

1. The Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress

Style Notes: Starting off with the print trend of the season, I practically leaped across the store to find my size in this midi dress in all-over polka dot. Our News writer Natalie Munro has been singing the praises of the humble polka for some time now, noting the rise in it's popularity and its wealth-whispering appeal. Slipping on this cotton number shows me exactly why. Much like many of RIXO's vast array of vintage-feel dresses, this one truly feels like a gem from time gone by, but is equally contemporary with its fitted silhouette and chic bow detail at the neckline. I don't forsee wearing this to a wedding as a guest (I would be cautious as it is still very much white, a no-no), however, I do think it would be perfect for other high summer events and occasions, or maybe the odd brunch or afternoon tea. I paired it with the brand's famous Zenni bag in silver and the Ciervo shoes in black to match the polka detail. I think this style is super chic, and I just know I would reach for it time and time again.

2. The Clementina Silk Dress

Style Notes: Next up, I slipped on this Clementina Silk Dress in the shade 'Claudia Rose Cream', a beautiful off-white base with an all-over red rose print, with just the right amount of ruffles and frills. RIXO has mastered the art of florals, with Creative Director and Co-Founder Orlagh hand-painting many of their signature motifs. This rose pattern is forever timeless, and feels just like something I would reach for in the event of an alfresco dinner on the Amafi Coast. A girl can dream! Until then, the Clementina is a romance novel distilled into a dress. She also comes in four other pretty shades. Shop the Antelope scarf for a little extra flourish.

3. The Kendall Cotton Midi Dress

Style Notes: Speak to any stylish woman on the great British high street today and many will undoubtedly admit that they have a little leopard print in their wardrobe in some way, shape or form. For me, leopard print dresses appeal, so seeing this shirred cotton-voile dress across the store, I had to give it a go. I loved the ease of slipping this one over my head and the form-fitting bust and shoulder straps. It's a fun midi option that can be dressed up for work or downplayed for daytime or weekend. RIXO's signature Antelope motif carries over the entire garment—a sophisticated beige base with artful spots which appear to be hand-painted (I have no doubt). The lightness of the dress is perfect for the high summer season, as it is breathable and super soft to the touch. I paired it with their Ischia Necklace, featuring Tiger's Eye beads to complement the safari theme. Meow!

4. The Edina Cotton Maxi Dress

Style Notes: Sometimes a pretty white dress is just the ticket for spring, and can make you feel fresh, comfortable and chic in one fell swoop. Made from easy-breezy cotton voile, the Edina dress instantly transports me to the English countryside. It's positively made for picnics and days pottering around local antiques stores (some of my favourite activities for a long stay-cation here in the UK). This was easily my stand-out dress from the selection I tried out—it feels like a breath of fresh air on the skin, and I know it will slip easily into my capsule wardrobe as it is such a classic piece. My only advice would be to wear nude underwear, as the fabric is a touch transparent. I wanted to give it a little bit of character with a bold chain necklace, adorned with a trio of shells and charms, plus a fab pair of thong sandals with a sweet little flower embroidery. I just need a Jane Birkin-style basket bag on the crook of my arm to complete the look. J'adore!

5. The Sorana Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

Style Notes: This Sorana Midi dress reminds me of a treasured dress I used to wear as a little girl, with its soft pink shade and dainty pansies decorating the surface. No doubt my dress found its next home by way of a charity shop, to be handed down for years to come for another little girl. This dress, however, feels like a contemporary update to such a '90s floral style, with whimsical ruffles bordering the scoop neckline and a simple, straight midi-length. I just know this dress would be perfect for a warm summer's evening with friends, with an Aperol spritz in hand and the sun setting ahead. I kept accessories light and golden, with the Zenni bag and Ciervo shoes, plus a Sol pendant necklace to boot. Sugary sweet and super pretty.

6. The Amari Satin Midi Dress

Style Notes: There's no doubt about it—the Amari Satin Midi Dress makes for a great wedding guest dress contender. Its cornflower-blue shade and intricate lace details to the shoulders and neckline remind me of a nightie from a bygone era, but the form-fitting silhouette brings it straight forward into the modern age, making it spot-on for an event or special occasion. Like many of the dresses I tried on, I took this in a size 10, which felt perfectly in balance with my shape, with the heavyweight satin giving a gorgeous drape and flair when it moves. This kind of dress doesn't want overcomplicating—it's a gentle beauty needing the simplest of accessories, such as a beaded bag and pair of kitten heels. I advise wearing seamless undies to help avoid any VPL showing here, as the Amari is whisper-soft.

7. The Gracye Silk Dress

Style Notes: Alexa, play 'La Isla Bonita' by Madonna! The Gracye dress is a new shape for RIXO, but has all the vintage hallmarks we know and love from the brand. The exaggerated ruffles along the neckline carry their way down to the hemline, and the long sleeves have a pillow-like quality at the wrist. I feel like the flamenco dancer emoji, albeit with an all-over English garden vintage floral pattern to remind me of where I really come from. I am desperate to debut this style at a beach club or dinner in Menorca, with a few Balearic appropriate accessories such as these absolute door-knockers, aptly featuring pearls and starfish, and a raffia bag. An instant holiday favourite, and one that will continue to hit the mark for many vacations to come.

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