I'm a fashion editor who's obsessed with summer dresses - here's everything I'm buying from Monsoon's new collection
From poplin minis to floral midis and linen maxis, dresses dominate the majority of my summer wardrobe. Not only do they make warm-weather dressing so much easier – you can just slip them on in the morning with a pair of strappy sandals – but they also simplify packing for your next trip. My golden rule? A dress for every night, plus a few extra if your baggage allowance permits.
If you're in the market for a new frock this summer, you've come to the right place. Brands everywhere have been releasing their new-season styles and as a fashion editor who's always looking to add to her collection, I've looked through them all. Massimo Dutti, Mint Velvet and Nobody's Child never disappoint, but there's another label that's really up its game this season and that's Monsoon.
The British heritage brand has teamed up with influencer India Cardona, also known to her 81.5K Instagram followers as The India Edit, on a capsule collection of dresses you'll want to wear on repeat this summer (and for years to come). The silhouettes are contemporary yet feminine – think square necklines, drop waists and ankle-grazing hems – and the colour palette is muted, with earthy tones of pale yellow and khaki green.
My favourite piece from the collection is the linen Leila One Shoulder Maxi Dress Green (£150), which I packed for a trip to Thailand last week. It comes with a matching scarf and I paired it with some nude strappy sandals and a raffia clutch, but add some statement earrings and platform sandals and you've got the perfect summer wedding guest outfit.
Leila One Shoulder Maxi Dress Green
The same goes for the Tara Drop Waist Maxi Dress (£160), which is made from chiffon for a more formal look and also comes with a matching scarf. I'd style it with these silver heeled sandals from Aldo and this playful clutch from Mango for my next big summer occasion.
Tara Drop Waist Maxi Dress
£160 Shop
Aldo Sandals £110
Shop
The Isabelle Drop Waist Maxi Dress (£150) is another linen throw-on-and-go number that can be dressed up or dressed down. I'd wear it to the office with some flat sandals, like this pair from New Look, and a woven tote that carries all my belongings (this one from Jigsaw can even fit your gym kit).
Isabelle Drop Waist Maxi Dress
£150 Shop
And then there's the Matilda Puff Sleeve Broderie Midi Dress (£110). With its square neckline and puff sleeves, it's one of those midis you'll reach for over and over again. Your bag and choice options are endless, but I like wearing white with denim so I'd go for these braided ballet pumps from Zara and this tote from & Other Stories.
Matilda Puff Sleeve Broderie Midi Dress
£110 Shop
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
I got the viral Primark under seat bag and wanted to see how much it fits inside & the results surprised me
RYANAIR and easyJet are known for being ruthless with their luggage allowance - but could Primark's viral underseat bag be the answer? TikTok user Pia Blossom decided to put it to the test and see how much the popular tiny bag can hold - while being within the regulations. 4 4 Primark's underseat bag has racked up a legion of fans, and measures 40x20x25cm, when its wheels are removed, meaning it's fully compliant with Ryanair's underseat baggage dimensions (40x20x25cm) It's also ideal for EasyJet customers, with their under-seat cabin bag's maximum dimensions being 45x36x20cm, including handles and wheels. The airline claims this size allows you to 'bring all the essentials for a short trip' - but Pia decided to see if this was true for her. Heading to Primark she shared: 'This whole suitcase apparently fits as your small cabin bag — as in your underseat bag, the free bag in a plane. 'I am a chronic overpacker that refuses to pay for luggage, so this is ideal. 'Shall we see how much we can fit in it? Getting to work, Pia managed to add a 'couple of dresses, a couple of jackets, cardigan, underwear, spare bra and [two pairs of] summery shoes.' On her @piablossom_x account, she continued: 'I'm gonna see what happens. Jackets in. I'm just scrunching. 'I almost forgot pyjamas, but we got them in there, too. 'This is closing much easier than I thought it would, which feels like a challenge to put more in. Shoppers rush to snap up Primark's 'underseat suitcase' which is perfect for holidays & it also has removable wheels if you need it to be even smaller 'I am so impressed with that.' TikTok viewers were impressed with the bag capacity, and her video has racked up over 34,000 likes. One said: 'I actually bought this recently and it fit a ton of clothes.' Another added: 'if you learn to fold/roll your clothes like the (Ranger Roll) you will get your entire wardrobe of tops in there.' A third commented: 'i managed to fit 6 days worth of clothes in mine.' Removable wheels 4 4 Primark bag's wheels are 'easy click', so they can be detached in seconds on the plane if you need. The hardshell suitcase even includes a handy bag for storing the wheels during the flight. Inside the suitcase there are a number of different zipped compartments to make packing easier. The bags also won't break the bank, costing just £25 each and saving you having to pay for any luggage on the flight. For easy transportation to and from the airport, the suitcase has four swivel wheels to make it glide effortlessly no matter the weather or road conditions. If you are not able to get to a Primark, Sun Travel created a guide to their favourite cabin bags, ranging from budget bargains to stylish statement pieces, all of which will make your trip worry-free. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
I moved from Britain to South Africa – the quality of life is so much better
I first landed in Cape Town back in 2004, at 22 years old, for a one-year study-abroad programme with the University of Edinburgh. I'd never set foot on the African continent before, but I was completely hooked the moment I stepped off the plane. My mind was blown, seeing a buzzing city surrounded by incredible scenery, from Table Mountain to the Atlantic Ocean. Something about the energy of Cape Town got under my skin. After my study year ended, I headed back to Edinburgh to finish my economics degree, but I knew I'd be returning. After hundreds of phone calls and messages, a friend I had met in Cape Town and I came up with the idea to start a travel company running gap year adventures in South Africa for UK students. I moved back to Cape Town in 2008, when we ran our first trip. The early days were a blur of school talks and dodgy projectors, but the end result was a series of successful three-month overland journeys across South Africa. The business evolved into tailor-made travel, starting with friends and word of mouth. Then, in 2014, I co-founded a new travel company, Timbuktu. South Africa has more than lived up to my expectations. It is an incredible country. You can hike in the Drakensberg mountains, drive across the Karoo desert, sip world-class wine in the Cape Winelands and spot lions in Kruger National Park. Cape Town itself is such a great mix of just about everything – mountains, beaches, restaurants, shopping (so my wife tells me!) and culture. South Africa has a very entrepreneurial spirit with amazing talent, especially creatively, and it's a great place to build a team. The operating costs in South Africa are relatively low, which is a huge advantage in scaling a business, locally and internationally. The flip side is the bureaucracy! There's a lot of red tape and restrictions around banking and international payments. There are also very strict labour laws, heavily weighted towards employees, which is great in theory, but it can make it tough to move quickly when you're trying to grow. The cost of living, compared to the UK, is incredible. You can have an amazing lifestyle without the eye-watering prices of London (especially when it comes to renting property and eating out). In terms of lifestyle, it really couldn't be more different to the UK. Here, my days revolve around the outdoors – surfing before work, hiking at the weekend, and visiting some of the best restaurants and vineyards in the world. Endless blue skies and sunshine help too! Of course, there are downsides. The social inequality and economic issues are huge. Many people live in poverty and there are high levels of crime in certain areas. Pockets of racial tension still exist too, after the country's apartheid past. Safety is probably the biggest question mark for most people and, when you look at the bigger picture across the country, it's sadly not unjustified. However, it is very location specific. I have now lived in Cape Town, in various locations, for nearly 20 years and have always felt very safe in most central and coastal suburbs. You definitely learn to be more vigilant, however. You have to be aware that there is a lot of petty crime on the streets, related to the high levels of poverty and unemployment. This means not leaving anything visible in your car, not walking alone at night and avoiding certain areas. Visas are the less glamorous side of moving to South Africa. My initial visa was relatively straightforward as it was a study visa linked to my course in Cape Town, but it only gave me a year in South Africa. When we started our first travel company – which was based in the UK with an office in Cape Town – I got an Intra-Company Transfer work visa, which allowed me to work in South Africa for up to four years. I then managed to renew that visa for another four years. When we started Timbuktu, which is based in Cape Town, I got a Critical Skills visa with the help of an immigration lawyer. Finally, after five years and jumping through more hoops than I can count, I got Permanent Residency status, which allows me to live and work in South Africa indefinitely. Navigating the visa landscape can be overwhelming – and it has become more challenging in recent years, with long wait times and fewer options – but finding a good immigration lawyer is a game changer. Finding one early on is my best advice. Since I first moved here, Cape Town feels more international. There has been a huge increase in tourists visiting and working remotely due to the lifestyle benefits. There's an influx of new apartment hotels and Airbnbs along the Atlantic coast, where we live. From a business perspective, the number of people starting businesses and investing in the country is higher, which is fantastic to see. There's also been a shift in the social fabric. When I first arrived, racial tension was much more visible, but now I think there's more integration, collaboration, and progress. There's still work to do, but the direction feels hopeful. My (now) wife and I met in Cape Town 10 years ago. We both love living here and it definitely feels like home, particularly since we bought a house in the coastal neighbourhood of Sea Point two years ago. We are both very free-spirited and don't make long-term plans, but neither of us can imagine life without Cape Town in it. My advice for anyone moving to South Africa is to say yes to everything (within reason!). Be open, be patient, and embrace the adventure. Things like setting up bank accounts and navigating paperwork can take longer than you'd like, but the rewards and lifestyle far outweigh any of these frustrations. If you come with an open heart and a flexible mindset, you'll discover a country bursting with natural beauty, creative energy, and a lifestyle that's hard to beat. How to move to South Africa Immigration lawyer Nora Dawud, founder of Cape Town-based Black Pen Immigration, breaks down some common visa options for British citizens. Retired Person's Visa Requirements: Monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 (approximately £1,600) from passive sources (e.g. pensions, annuities or investment returns). Work Visa (e.g. Critical Skills Visa) Requirements: Qualifications and experience in fields listed on South Africa's critical skills list and an offer from a South African employer. Financially Independent Permit (Permanent Residency) Requirements: Proof of net worth of at least ZAR 12 million (approx. £500,000), plus payment of ZAR 120,000 (approx. £5,000) upon approval. Processing times: Between eight weeks for a work visa and up to two to four years for a financially independent permit, depending on specific circumstances. Find out more on VFS Global (through which applications are processed) and South African Home Affairs websites.
Times
3 hours ago
- Times
The South Asian city with a creative underbelly
The best cities in the world often seem to have a gritty, hard-to-penetrate exterior that keeps uncurious travellers at bay — and Colombo is no exception. On the surface, the Sri Lankan capital is ruled by overzealous tuk-tuks, grumbling Ashok Leyland buses and oil-slick black crows cawing from fragrant frangipani trees. But dig a little deeper and curious souls will find an island metropolis buzzing with excitement, creativity and passionate residents. From the uneven pavements of Colombo 7 — uprooted by sprawling ficus tree roots — where art spaces hide, to the unmarked buildings, close to Beira Lake, housing rooftop bars serving world-class cocktails, there's plenty to seek out. And visitors should make time to do just that. Deserving of a few days on every Sri Lankan itinerary, the city offers a more authentic look at local life, away from the south coast, which caters heavily to tourists. In his book Cut Pieces, Ashok Ferrey describes Colombo as the fastest-changing capital city in the world — he's not wrong. Evident around the photogenic Old Fort area, with its colonial-era dark pink buildings, and the ever-growing sprawl of Port City and Slave Island, where shiny new buildings seemingly emerge each day, it seems the only constant in Colombo these days is the continuous quotidian whoop-whoop of the Asian koel bird. • Morning: Museum hopping• Eat at: Ranbath Organic• Afternoon: Number 11 • Drink at: Eskobar• Evening: Paradise Road• Eat at: Table by Nyne • Morning: Kelaniya Temple• Eat at: The 'Stache• Afternoon: Pettah and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque• Drink at: Uncle's • Evening: Bar crawl• Eat at: Gini ● Dive into Sri Lanka's fascinating history at the Colombo National Museum (£4), where gigantic bronze Bodhisattva sandals from the 9th century are a highlight. Nearby, and occupying a characterful old house in Colombo 7, Sapumal Foundation (free, @SapumalFoundation) holds around 300 works by famed Sri Lankan artists. The quiet setting allows visitors to appreciate Lionel Wendt's intimate black-and-white photography and Harry Pieris's moody oils without the crowds. Then hop in a tuk-tuk (expect to pay around a £1) to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA) just 10 minutes away, to view thought-provoking local art by the new generation (free; ● Swerve the afternoon heat by dropping in at Number 11, the impressive home of one of Sri Lanka's most revered architects, Geoffrey Bawa. As the godfather of tropical modernism, Bawa's architectural style celebrates nature with airy, open-plan interiors, all of which can be witnessed firsthand during one of the informative daily 45-minute tours that take place at 2pm and 3.30pm during weekdays and at 4pm on Saturdays (£13; ● Prominent Sri Lankan brand Paradise Road has a brand new flagship store, spanning three floors at 138 Galle Road. It's famed for its black and white ceramics, including some very cool Tamil and Sinhalese alphabet mugs, and the site also features an exhibition space and concept clothing store filled with monochromatic pieces by Sri Lankan designers. ● Most visitors to the city head to Gangaramaya Temple, but it's not the prettiest and worth eschewing in favour of Kelaniya Temple, 11km northeast of Colombo. With intricate images of the reclining Buddha, and gasp-inducing paintings by renowned temple artist Walimuni Solias Mendis (which took more than 20 years to complete), it's a fantastical place rarely mentioned in guidebooks. Be sure to dress respectfully (free). ● Painted in bold crimson and white stripes, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in the Pettah neighbourhood of Colombo, is marked out as a must-visit on account of its photogenic appeal. Take in the grand exterior from Main Street and 2nd Cross Street, or head inside to get a closer, more serene look (free). On the way out, pop into Bombay Sweetmeat Mart for a Barbie-pink falooda (a refreshing milkshake-style drink made with rose syrup, milk and ice cream) and a homemade samosa (from 50p). ● Get acquainted with the local side of the city on the self-titled 'dodgy bar tour' with Dilshan Sirisena and Adam Kenny of Soulful Sri Lanka. This two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, which begins close to Pettah, takes in a handful of Colombo's most low-key and most-loved watering holes, where arrack (the country's famed tipple made from the fermented sap of the coconut flower) is the star of the show (£55pp; • Read our full guide to Sri Lanka This locally loved café serves an array of delicately spiced curries and locally grown rice, served on lotus leaves alongside coconut husk cutlery (there's no plastic used here). The daily changing buffet features must-try dishes such as beetroot curry, spicy pol sambol (a grated coconut relish) and lunu miris (chili paste). Don't miss the Lavariya (caramelised coconut wrapped in a string hopper) too (mains from £1.80; @ranbathorganic). Always bustling with locals and rightly so, all-day brunch spot The 'Stache has an exceptionally eclectic menu. Listing addictive kaya toast (local toasted bread topped with a pandan, coconut and brown sugar spread), roast paan sandwiches (the pol sambol and cream cheese version is superb), and Siam Ceylon (a twist on the Sri Lankan staple milk rice), there's something for everyone (mains from £1.80; @ Get a different perspective of the city from secret-ish jazz bar Eskobar overlooking Beira Lake in Colombo 2. Bold orange velvet and a South American theme form the backdrop to a list of innovative cocktails. Top tipples include Sour del Sol, a smoky whiskey-based blend with hints of maple syrup and local lemon, and the tangy Tamarindo, a signature sip with a pisco base (cocktails from £8; @ Tucked away in a cul-de-sac close to Beira Lake, Table by Nyne's tiny outdoor space is the ideal place to retreat to when the buzz of the city gets too much. Everything impresses here, from the service to the surroundings and, of course, the food and top-class cocktails. Fusing European cooking styles with local ingredients, expect delights such as grilled barramundi with pumpkin gnocchi and buffalo curd sorbet(mains from £7.50; Old school cinema-inspired murals, on-tap toddy and beautifully crafted cocktails ensure Uncle's is always lively come the weekend. Alongside small bites like mutton rolls and chilli-topped cheese toast, the cocktail to order is Rampe — a blend of Sri Lankan gin, pineapple, pandan and coconut water. Its washed-out, pale-green appearance and creamy flavour can be likened to bakewell pudding in refreshing liquid form (cocktails from £5.50; @uncles_colombo). Leading the charge on Colombo's food and drinks scene with a showstopping menu overflowing with local produce, family-owned Gini impresses with live fire cooking, a beautiful garden setting, and exquisite dishes. Unmissable bites include an extremely moreish curry aïoli and fermented, chili-topped, deep-fried prawn sausage, Negombo white fish crudo with nori and the house favourite, charred cabbage served with mushroom crema and local cheese. Cocktails are equally spectacular (mains from £8.80; This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue • Fantastic beaches in Sri Lanka For ocean vistas and serene suites One of the few city hotels with impressive (uninterrupted) Indian Ocean views, Shangri-La Colombo stands out for its top-class spa and comfortable, sea-facing bedrooms. Watching over the ever-changing Port City area of the city, the highlight of stays, however, is the pretty swimming pool area decked out with bright yellow sun shades and surrounded by greenery. The Tiki Bar — which comes adorned with wooden Sri Lankan folk masks — on the fourth floor offers more than 50 house-made arrack infusions using local fruits and spices such as ambarella, wood apple and B&B doubles from £127; The prettiest boutique hotel in town A magical air swirls around Maniumpathy's eight individually designed bedrooms, each flawless in execution and laden with dark-wood antiques, deep-soak bathtubs and chintzy floral fabrics. Located in a colonial-era residence passed down through generations, this private, peaceful and incredibly intimate idyll feels like a true home away from home, only better. Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Cinnamon Gardens, it's worth venturing out for a cup of Uda Watte tea at t-Lounge by Dilmah just around the B&B doubles from £204; A haven for architecture lovers A true Mecca for Geoffrey Bawa fans, it's possible to stay in one of two suites in the architect's old Colombo home, Number 11. Surrounded by Bawa's favourite frangipani trees, bright-white painted concrete flooring leads guests into the tranquil abode where original art by some of Bawa's best pals lines the walls. The home has been left exactly as it was when the architect was alive, antiques, books and all, ensuring waking up in this special sanctuary is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Details B&B doubles from £317; • More great hotels in Sri Lanka SriLankan Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow in about 11 hours (from £634 return; Bandaranaike International Airport is about 45 minutes from the city centre. Taxis from the airport cost around £12 and can be booked via Uber or through the Sri Lankan app, PickMe. While Colombo is a pretty walkable city, tuk-tuks are affordable and convenient and can also be booked through Uber and PickMe. Remember to change the app's payment setting to cash, as taxis and tuk-tuks rarely accept card payments. Note: tipping is highly encouraged in Colombo since the wages for drivers, tour guides and hospitality staff can be low — ten per cent is a good amount to adhere to, or more if you can afford it. Sri Lanka is an outstandingly beautiful country that deserves as much time as can be spared. The vibrant northern regions (which were once out of bounds due to the country's civil war), as well as important pilgrimage routes where ancient temples mingle with dense monkey-filled jungle, provide plenty to keep curious souls captivated. While it's pretty easy to navigate the country alone, hiring a local guide ensures a deep and fascinating immersion into local customs, culture and history. Soulful Sri Lanka ( curate bespoke tours that incorporate Colombo into longer trips off the beaten path. Lydia Swinscoe was a guest of Shangri-La Colombo ( and the Geoffrey Bawa Trust (
