An Elegant Affair

I have always loved a ladylike dress, they're so versatile to be dressed up for formal occasions or dressed down in a casual fun way to make an average day at work or around town a more elegant affair. In the past few years we have been avidly watching Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge's every sartorial move and she has become a champion and style icon for a new, more demure trend.
The Duchess realises the importance of etiquette and looking to heritage trends for inspiration but also supports high end labels such as Alexander McQueen and Erdem with their fresh takes on the traditional English style.
This fashion fever has gripped the nation further during the Jubilee celebrations, swiftly followed by Ascot and now Wimbledon- the London social season is firmly in full swing.
For me these dresses from the Phase Eight Collection, as found at House of Fraser, really capture the proper but vivacious spirit of the modern lady. From a picnic in the country with a glass of Pimms to afternoon tea at the Ritz these fine frocks will always feel fabulously feminine and never let you down.
They can be worn with the traditional nude tights which occasions can require, classic pearls and maybe a favourite pair of nude court shoes à la Kate Middleton. Grab a headband like Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf or make like me and reach for a pair of pastel tights and some cheerfully bright jewellery, perhaps some gorgeous Prada or Miu Miu-esque sparkling chunky gems.
The Phase Eight Collection offers a really wonderful variety of dresses to suit many occasions and figures so I've picked some of my favourites out!   ♥ Majorie Floral Dress
♥ Eliza Print Dress With their stunning floral prints there two dresses make a happy colourful statement in the crowd.   ♥ Ava Floral Cotton Sateen Dress
♥ Milly Cotton Dress These two lovely dresses carry on the colourful spirit with delightfully full skirts to twirl in.
♥ Yoko Print Dress ♥ Millie Print Dress

These prints again are joyful but by having white or black in a print it makes them very easy to coordinate with those classic accessories you probably already have in your wardrobe, or you can play with adding bright colours.
  ♥ Philli Dress
♥ Rhona Lace Dress Whilst I'm a fan of a flared skirt Kate Middleton's look is usually a slimline silhouette and I think this subtle floral jersey number for daytime and this lace little black dress for cocktail wear are perfectly in line with her sophisticated look.

♥ Belle Print Dress
♥ Bonnie Print Dress

These two dresses are in wonderfully soft pretty shades which remind me of the sea and sky- perfect frocks for garden parties! Pair with a sweet cardigan or pashmina for if it gets chilly, and perhaps an umbrella as this is the English Summer after all!