Joanna Lumley is a truly chic celebrity who always manages to ooze elegance, no matter what she’s wearing. The actress regularly opts for a silky blouse and wide-leg trouser combination, but when she does go for a pretty dress, it's always a winning look.
While at an event at Clarence House back in March, Joanna chose a beautiful polka-dot piece from Hobbs. It's a bottle green shirt dress, which was covered in playful pink, black and mint green spots. She accessorised it perfectly with just some dainty gold necklaces and a black shoulder bag for a really timeless look.
It was a great choice for such an occasion, and makes for good inspiration if you're on the hunt for smart casual outfit ideas. Even if your summer plans don’t involve rubbing shoulders with the Royal Family, this dress will make a wise addition to any spring capsule wardrobe and will work just as well for daytime as it will for after hours.
Polka dot pieces are particularly big this season, but they're also forever-fashionable, so you can rewear a dress like this again and again. And the best part is it's currently on sale for less than half the original price. So what are you waiting for? You can find the same design as well as similar styles below.
Shop Joanna's Look
Joanna’s dark green number is great for an evening event, but the multi-coloured spots add a playful spin that will mean it can easily be worn for a shopping trip too. Finish with black heels and a box clutch for added glam points.
This dress has a similar feel, but the grassy green base colour makes a little more of a statement. Empire line designs like this one nip in under the bust and flare out in an A-line shape making it a good choice for stylish dresses to hide a tummy.
For a more subtle take on classic spotty prints, try this circular sketched piece. It will look great with slip on sandals and a straw bag in the sunshine, and then layered over a roll neck once autumn comes around.
How to Style Yours
A wedge sandal will add some height without any 'ouch' moments, and the soft natural tones of this pair will work with absolutely everything in your wardrobe.
If in doubt, opt for a pair of your best white trainers as a footnote to your patterned dress. A box-fresh pair like these will give a comfy and casual spin to your outfit.
Ballet pumps are very easy to wear and have a lovely feminine feel that will look pretty with your ensemble. Wear with a dress or your favourite barrel leg jeans.
Joanna’s dotted outfit was a winning combination for a posh party and is a far cry from her witchy-inspired look as part of her new role in the upcoming series of the Netflix drama Wednesday.
If you’re unsure about how to style a bold print, the key is to keep your footwear and jackets simple to avoid a clash or to look overwhelmed in pattern. Black or block colour blazers and jackets will sit well over a dotty dress, and opt for soft neutrals, metallics or matching green shoes to finish it nicely.
-
The adorable baby name Kate Middleton 'set her heart' on but never used revealed - and it has a special link to Queen ElizabethKate Middleton reportedly loved an adorable baby name she never ended up using for her children's first names
-
Helen Skelton’s way of wearing denim shorts has solved my summer style dilemma - and her chunky sandals are the perfect finishing touchI can be daunted by the idea of wearing shorts but I love how Helen Skelton made them look chic and provided more coverage too.
-
Helen Skelton’s way of wearing denim shorts has solved my summer style dilemma - and her chunky sandals are the perfect finishing touch
I can be daunted by the idea of wearing shorts but I love how Helen Skelton made them look chic and provided more coverage too.
-
I'm packing for 30-degree heat – here are the best linen staples I found on the high streetThese linen pieces not only feel amazing in the heat, but look far more expensive than they are
-
Anne Hathaway wore the bag style we'll be reaching for all summer long – the mini bagThe ultimate occasionwear accessory, this bag style is a warm-weather essential
-
This flattering bikini top is a great shape if you have big boobs - and it's currently 65% offThe Shapermint Essentials Halter Bikini Top will boost your confidence this summer
-
Emilia Fox’s peony-print maxi reminds me why floral dresses are worth investing in for wedding and garden party seasonIf you’re going to invest in one occasion-wear dress for the season it surely has to feature florals.
-
Looking for a new do-it-all dress for summer? Anna Wintour’s leafy print piece might just be itThe Vogue editor sported a bold yet wearable dress that's perfect for this time of year
-
Katie Holmes is a master of comfortable casual wear - her deep red jumpsuit is ideal for springIt's such a simple but chic look
-
Victoria Beckham's leopard print skirt is the chic staple every closet needsIf you only add one thing to your closet this season, make it a leopard print skirt
