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13 best girls' dresses

Keep little ones looking stylish – whatever the occasion

Wednesday 27 April 2016 11:04 BST

Whether it’s to wear to the beach or a wedding, our roundup of girls’ dresses has something for every occasion, as well as every budget and age. From strappy dresses for boiling hot days to dungaree-style dresses for slightly chillier ones, we’ve also taken into consideration that British summer is never predictable.

1. Little Bird by Jools Ditsy Floral Dress: from £4, Mothercare

Little Bird by mum-of-four Jools Oliver is a label to look out for if you like retro-inspired, practical and good-value clothing for kids. This sleeveless red boat-style dress, with flower print and sailor collar, is made from comfy cotton. Nine months to eight years.

2. Monsoon Storm Riviera Stripe Dress: £55, Monsoon

Round about eight-years-old, girls often start loathing the dresses their parents choose, particularly if they’re traditional and/or pretty. This party dress is a great exception, with our testers of 8+ instantly loving this just as much as their mums did. It has adjustable shoulder straps and ties up at the waist with a ribbon. Eight to 15 years.

3. Jack Wolfskin Sunflower Dress: £25, Jack Wolfskin

Available in a pretty turquoise or pink, this stretchy dress is designed for active kids in mind (cartwheels, anyone) and is not at all restrictive. Handily for the peak of summer, it’s also got UV protection within the fabric and draws moisture away from the skin quickly and effectively. 18 months to 14 years.

4. Derhy Kids Girls Butterfly Placement Dress: John Lewis, £65

This sleeveless cream cotton party dress is not only beautifully made, with impressive attention to detail in the tailoring, but there’s a charming design of butterflies and florals – minimalist at the top and busier on the skirt. Four to 14 years.

5. Boden Philippa Dress: £44.50, Boden

An excellent choice for older girls, this lightweight dress with no sleeves has a pretty blue print against white background and is gathered at the waist with piping detail for a flattering finish. Particularly well-made, it looks great with a denim jacket and white pumps. Nine to 16 years.

6. Joules Sonaya Striped Woven Dress: £34.95, Joules

We love the attractive embroidery and tassels on this simple, lightweight dress. Made from soft-touch cotton, it is very easy to wear and extremely comfortable and it washes really well, as well as being true to size. Three to 12 years.

7. Rachel Riley Tropical Fish Shirt Dress: £45, Rachel Riley

This colourful, sea-themed dress will appeal to littluns and parents alike. The shirt style dress includes four buttons round the neckline and an attractive frill at the hem and there is a swimsuit to match, if you’re so inclined. Three to 10 years.

8. Vertbaudet Girls Pretty Dress: £9, Vertbaudet

This one manages to suit kids of all ages and it’s fantastic value too at under a tenner. It’s lightweight and made of comfy t-shirt fabric and is available in striped or printed versions too. 18 months to 14 years.

9. Patachou Navy Striped Dress: £28.80, Patachou

Made from 96 per cent cotton and four per cent elastane for a bit of stretch, this navy and white striped dress looks stunning on babies and toddlers. With pink detail and a bow at the side of the neckline, it looks smart and lasts well, making a great hand-me-down. Two to 12 years.

10. Marks & Spencer Floral and Spotted Dress: £20, Marks and Spencer

This flowing, hippy-style dress with thick stripes of different patterns and flared hem is ideal for practically any occasion you can think of, from a walk in the park to a wedding. It washes particularly well, although will need ironing. Five to 14 years.

11. Question Everything Daisy Sun Dress Blue: £36.99, John Lewis

This pure cotton, sleeveless dress is great for younger girls on hotter days. With elasticated detail just above the waist and a pretty daisy pattern against navy blue background, it looks good against all skin tones and does well for casual or smart. Two to seven years.

12. Mamas and Papas Liberty Irma Print Sun Dress: £25, Mamas and Papas

This Liberty design, which is exclusive to M&Ps, has been utilised to the full, with a wide range of dresses and rompers available for little ones. Our favourite is this simple, strappy, machine-washable sun dress, with contrasting trim that can be matched with a sun hat in the same print. Newborn to three years.

13. Fat Face Dungaree Dress: £20, Fatface

This lightweight dunagree dress looks fabulous with a white t-shirt underneath. It’s fitted, but not too tight, at the top, and has a full skirt at the bottom that makes it practical for everyday use. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure it fits all shapes and sizes. Four to seven years.

Verdict

For smart wear, the Monsoon Storm Riviera Stripe Dress gets the biggest thumbs up from us. For everyday wear, we adore Little Bird by Jools Printed Dress.