Silk Cut: The 3BM Round-Up of the Best Silk Summer Dresses

When the mercury rockets and the sun scorches down, staying chic becomes ever more impossible. Hair frizzes up to giant afro proportions, make-up slides off the very second that the sun pops his hat on - we generally just turn into hot, sweaty messes... And don't even get us started on warm weather wardrobe nightmares...

Which is why if I was being sent to a dessert island, the one piece of clothing I'd call out as an essential, would be a silk dress. 

Luxe, cool and guaranteed to make you feel pretty and swishy in an instant, the silk dress is your perfect summer companion whether you're bargain hunting in the Souks of Marrakech, sipping cocktails poolside in Ibiza or at a country wedding in the South of France. It even works in a beer garden in Battersea. And would be particularly fabulous on a dessert island, I think you'll agree...

Having said that, silk can be a bit of a tricky beast. It stains easily, can deteriorate in sunlight and tends to sag with age. But, if you treat them with a little love and care your silk pieces will be the hardest working in your wardrobe and I find that I sometimes even prefer my silk dresses with a couple of flaws.

We've recently spied (and snapped up) some pretty awesome silk summer dresses. If you're in the market for your very own slip of silk, here our our favs...

Edie Mac
Brand new label, Edie Mac's debut collection is basically just the contents of our dream summer suitcase. Zingy block colours, pretty prints and oversized cuts make every single piece a little slice of boho-louche with a generous dusting of chic. The perfect components of a 'just threw it on' look. 

Maxi Cami Dress
£360

Square Shoulder Tunic
£280

High Neck Maxi Dress
£540

Charlie by Matthew Zink
I've just spent a hefty chunk of my summer shopping budget on Charlie by Matthew Zink silk dresses. Magazines constantly harp on about the elusive beach to bar outfit but nothing I've ever bought has ever quite lived up to the tag until I discovered this label. Shrug a shirt dress over your bikini, sweep your hair into a topknot, add a slick of lipgloss and you're 100% cocktail hour ready. 

Charlie Maxi Resort Dress
US$210

Charlie Maxi Tank

US$85

Charlie Resort Dress

US$95

Beulah London
Not only does Beulah London produce dreamy, slinky, swirly dresses, it also has a conscience. Each Beulah piece is ethically produced and helps to provide a sustainable livelihood for victims of sex-trafficing in Delhi. These dresses are beautiful and romantic with a dash of pow - ideal wedding guest outfits.

Luella

£320

Blossom Dress

£490

Painted Lady

£495