If you’re not yet familiar with Albaray’s work, let us introduce you. The female-founded UK womenswear brand specialises in contemporary pieces, designed to be worn on repeat, season after season.
It reproduces its most popular silhouettes each year, refreshing them with new cuts and prints. So, while its dresses tend to come in at around £100, they're classics that don't date, which means you can get them out of your wardrobe year after year.
Take its bestselling V-neck cotton midi dress, which has become the summer go-to for our product director, Saska, the first piece in her suitcase for trips away and a failsafe work dress that combines style and practicality – it has those all-essential pockets, a flattering-but-not-too-low neckline and a loose, heatwave-ready fit.
Saska bought hers in the brand’s signature leopard print a few years ago. “I have the original version of the dress and the sleeves on mine are very slightly different,” she explains (hers doesn't have the current blouson sleeve). “But, it’s incredibly similar. It’s a really great print – not all leopard is created equal but this looks high-end. The cut is incredibly flattering – the gathered seam dips at the back rather than going straight around, which makes it hang really well and gives it structure. It’s the sort of dress that looks good on everyone.”
Consistently one of the brand’s most popular designs, the midi dress sells out every year, but we're pleased to say it’s currently in stock. It’s made from crisp, organic cotton with a slightly oversized, sculptural silhouette that's airy and effortless to wear.
And if you find the sleeves or the length aren’t quite to your liking, the brand has partnered with SOJO to offer a tailoring service. The team will talk you through the measuring and pinning and, depending on what you need, it will take up to seven days for alterations. You can also trade-in your pre-loved Albaray pieces to give them a second life – you'll receive credit to spend on something else.
Leopard print not your style? The dress is also available in a dark denim for year-round wear.
This striped linen option is another brilliant summer staple. Top tip: if you can’t find your size on the Albaray site, the brand is also available at Next, John Lewis and M&S.
And we love this bold red variation with tie detail.
Or for something cooler, this sleeveless, blossom print linen version is made for long, hot summer days.
Wear with a pair of ‘barely there’ summer sandals...
