Prim, not proper

Fashionistas are loving a Victoriana-inspired look for summer, with the prairie dress setting the tone, says Katie Wright

Why the prairie dress is setting the tone for a Victorianainspired look this summer.

They say that for every fashion trend that goes mainstream, the opposite look is adopted by tastemakers, and that seems to be true in the case of the prairie dress. High-necked, long-sleeved and with a hem that always falls at least below the knee (if not to the ankle), the Victoriana-inspired frock has been gaining popularity with a certain kind of cool-girl, while other parts of the fashion world continue to obsess over clingy, skimpy, neon-hued designs.

On the SS19 catwalks Erdem presented the most breathtaking example of a prairie dress, a magnificent aqua-blue gown, and Alexander McQueen showed full-skirted, puffsleeved dresses, too.

Batsheva has become a prairie lover’s go-to, with celebrity fans of the premium dress brand including singer

Florence Welch and up-and-coming actor Beanie Feldstein.

Now the trend has trickled down to the high street, making it easy to get the look at cheaper price points.

Of course, a dress is the key piece, and if you’re going to do prairie properly it has to be midi or maxi length, in a chintzy print and with long sleeves.

But as we head into summer, you might not want to be so covered up.

The good news is there are lots of very pretty frocks and blouses with Bardot necklines and puffy sleeves that are ideal for hot weather and holidays.

Colour-wise, keep it soft and subdued with creams, pinks and pale yellow hues, whether it’s floral prints or broderie anglaise fabrics.

The same goes for accessories. A pair of western ankle boots and a saddle bag are the perfect addition to a prairie ensemble, or espadrille sandals for high summer.

Here are our favourite prairie pieces on the high street...

– Wallis Cream Paisley Maxi Shirt Dress, currently reduced to £40 from £65; Stone Beaded Heeled Sandal, £45.

– Monsoon Francisca Broderie Cotton Maxi Dress, £140; Rue Raffia Leaf Shopper Bag, £45.

– Dorothy Perkins Ivory Broderie Top, currently reduced to £17 from £24; White Ivory Broderie Skirt; reduced to £15 from £26.

– Elvi Mia Printed Smock Dress, £75. – Bonprix Folklore Dress, £49.99. – Lipsy Boho Paisley Cami Maxi Dress, £60, Next.

– Miss Selfridge Burgundy Dobby Fringe Bardot Dress, £32.

– New Look Yellow Linen-Look LaceUp Milkmaid Top, currently reduced to £7 from £19.99.

– George at Asda Snakeskin Print Textured Western Boots, £25.

– Marks & Spencer Collection Suede Western Ankle Boots, £49.50.

– Simply Be Studded Saddle Bag, currently reduced to £21.25 from £25.

– Accessorize Yvonne Belt Bag, £20.

Clockwise from bottom left: model wears Wallis Cream Paisley Maxi Shirt Dress, £45 and Stone Beaded Heeled Sandal, £45; model wears Francisca Broderie Cotton Maxi Dress, £140 and Rue Raffia Leaf Shopper Bag, £45, available from Monsoon; Elvi Mia Printed Smock Dress, £75; New Look Yellow Linen-Look Lace Up Milkmaid Top, £7 (was £19.99); Lipsy Boho Paisley Cami Maxi Dress, £60, available from Next; Accessorize Yvonne Belt Bag, £20; George at Asda Snakeskin Print Textured Western Boots, £25; Simply Be Studded Saddle Bag, £21.25 (was £25); and Miss Selfridge Burgundy Dobby Fringe Bardot Dress, £32.