I’ve found the perfect summer dress – and it’s half price

With summer holidays booked and the warm weather finally arriving (hopefully to stay!) I’ve been on the hunt for a cool, season-appropriate dress that can do it all. One that feels effortless but polished, flattering but not fussy, breathable in a heatwave but smart enough for lunch with friends. I didn’t expect to find one that met all of my wishes, but Ghost has just dropped a major sale, and this Leoni Cotton Midi Dress immediately stood out with a style that ticked almost all of my boxes. 

Right now, it is down from £89 to just £44.50, which feels like brilliant value for a piece you can wear everywhere, from garden parties to sipping post-beach cocktails to dinner. It’s made from lightweight cotton poplin, meaning it keeps you cool on sticky days, and the lace-trimmed neckline and scalloped hem strike that balance between elegant and easygoing. I love the burgundy, which, at the time of writing, is available in all sizes—8 to 20—but it also comes in a charcoal shade.

The nipped-in waist and floaty A-line skirt skim over the hips without clinging, which is ideal if, like me, you want something flattering that still feels comfortable in the heat. One reviewer (via Endource) was impressed: “Beautiful quality and perfect for summer. I wore it on holiday and had so many compliments.” Another shopper did have one reservation: “The neckline sat a little low on me – just something to consider if you’re petite.” 

Summer dress discounts are booming at the moment, so you’re in luck if you are on the search. Here are some more options to consider. 

When shopping for summer dresses, here’s what I look for:

• Structure without stiffness – a gentle fit-and-flare or wrap shape is often more forgiving than a straight cut.

• Natural fabrics like cotton, linen or viscose that let your skin breathe.

• Arm coverage options – cap sleeves or flutter sleeves that feel breezy, not bulky.

• A wearable length – midi is ideal for staying cool but covered.

• And of course, a design you won’t get bored of by next summer.