Pippa Middleton's rose midi dress at Wimbledon proves heatwave styling can be elegant as well as breezy - and it has a hidden meaning
This refined floral frock is one of those items you can wear on repeat and make more casual or formal to suit the occasion
Pippa Middleton just gave us the perfect demonstration of what to wear in the heat when you want to feel put-together and sophisticated. She joined her mum Carole for a day at Wimbledon on 6th July and came prepared for the scorching sunshine with her gorgeous flowy midi dress and summer accessories.
It's rare to see the Princess of Wales's sister wearing something that's still in stock but her £278 Reformation Naira dress is still available in this exact colourway and several others. The design features feminine puffed sleeves and a sweeping V-neckline.
The bodice is fitted to accentuate the waist and then the skirt flares down in a timeless A-line shape to just above the ankles. Breezy summer dresses you can throw on easily and feel fabulous in are a must for anyone's capsule wardrobe and going for something with a timeless silhouette and print helps to elevate the look.
Shop Pippa's Wimbledon Outfit
Pippa Middleton's gorgeous floral midi dress is one of those frocks you can bring out year after year and the neutral base tone makes it easy to pair with different accessories. The Naira design comes in various colour options and has puffed sleeves and a V-neckline.
A sunhat is one of those accessories that fulfils a practical and an aesthetic purpose, and this Panama style is a lovely option. You can get it in various different tones and the neutral option with the cream piping on the suede micro ribbon is one of the most versatile.
The shell shape and raffia-style fabric combine to make this bag the quintessential summer clutch. It's playful yet simple and has a secure clasp fastening and a chain strap. This means you can wear it crossbody or over your shoulder on days when you want to be hands-free.
Shop Dress Alternatives
This affordable midi dress features feminine puffed sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and gathered sides for a flattering fit. The elasticated shirred back is a comfy touch and the rose print adds a pop of colour to any outfit.
This lined dress from Nobody's Child is cut in a comfy regular fit, with short puff sleeves for an on-trend silhouette and a sweeping v-neckline. Front button fastenings are a smart addition and the lace trims accentuate the refined feel.
Designed with scarlet floral motifs running all over it, this cream midi dress also features a round neckline and short puff sleeves. The panelled waist adds shape before it falls into a relaxed, tiered skirt. It's finished with contrasting white lace trims.
If you don't love baring the tops of your arms or your shoulders, puffed sleeves like the ones on Pippa's dress or angel sleeves are a great option. That way you won't feel constricted or overheat as easily, but will still have a lovely amount of coverage.
The Reformation dress has won over woman&home Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr already and she believes it will fly off the shelves in this hot weather.
"The bar was already high thanks to her sister's appearance at SW19 last week, but I think Pippa Middleton has just worn the best outfit I've seen so far this year at Wimbledon," she says. "The V-neckline is perfectly balanced out by the longer length of the dress, plus the puff sleeves and fitted bodice make it incredibly flattering."
Caroline adds, "The rose print is a sweet nod to her daughter's name, and actually I think this dress looks far more expensive than £278. It will sell out soon, mark my words!"
Although the Naira dress comes in various different colours and patterns, Pippa chose this one with tiny scarlet roses on the white base tone. As Caroline mentions, this could be a nod to her younger daughter Rose's name and there is another potential hidden meaning.
Red roses are the floral emblem of England and patriotic Pippa Middleton will no doubt be eager to support Great Britain's Arthur Fery against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov. The championships are also held at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club so she's very much on-theme.
I love a floral dress which is primarily white or black as it makes the pattern stand out and the neutral background also balances it. The print doesn't overwhelm the design and you have more options for accessories which makes the dress more versatile.
The Princess of Wales's sister carried a scalloped cream Panama hat by Lock & Co and her old J. Crew rattan clutch bag. Her court shoes were white suede and she also sported a pair of dark, square sunglasses.
Keeping your accessories neutral or matching them to your dress is a simple trick Pippa uses a lot to add a sense of elegance. Raffia is a seasonal favourite and if you want to make an outfit like this more comfortable, swap heels for white trainers, sandals or wedges.
