The Joanie Ashley Gingham Boat Neck Mini Dress is the perfect summer frock, and has been a go-to for me when the temperatures soar. Here’s why I think it’s worth the investment…
Gingham is to summer what florals are to spring, and for fashion fans who can’t get enough of the picnic-inspired print, I’ve found the perfect mini dress for the warm weather ahead. Sustainable fashion brand, Joanie, best known for its vintage-inspired designs, has released the Ashley Gingham Boat Neck Mini Dress, which taps into the summer trend and has fast become a go-to when temperatures soar.
At £69, the dress comes in a red and off-white colourway, making it ideal for brightening up wardrobes for the warmer season. It’s made from a textured organic cotton barkcloth, which not only means it’s cool and lightweight, but doesn’t really need ironing either.
The fully-lined sundress boasts a boat neckline, a functional button-down front with vintage-inspired horn-effect buttons. But my favourite part is the elasticated shirring at the back waist to add shape and provide all-day comfort.
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While it’s definitely got that nod to vintage style, it doesn’t feel like you’re playing dress up which can sometimes be a difficult balance to strike. I love the mini length which is a refreshing change to the brand’s usual mid styles, and the patch pockets at the front give it a playful yet practical design.
As someone who overheats quite easily, I enjoy the sleeveless design which minimises any sweating, and the patterned design is forgiving on any sweat patches that may have shown. The dress comes in quite a good range of sizes, particularly for those who are plus size, ranging from size 8-26. However, it is a little unusual that it doesn’t go any smaller than an 8, with sizes 4-6 also being popular.
Elsewhere, Nobody’s Child has this Black Gingham Nova Mini Dress for £75. It comes in sizes 4-18 and has a square neckline and short puff sleeves. Abercrombie and Fitch’s V-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress comes in at £52, comes in three lengths and has earned a 4.6 star rating from shoppers.
Those on a budget, however, may prefer to look to ASOS, where this ASOS DESIGN wide strap channel waist mini sundress in pink and red gingham will set them back £26.
As for the Joanie dress, it’ll set fashion fans back £69, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. I styled mine over the recent bank holiday and it earned me endless compliments from both family and friends, as well as strangers on the internet. I styled the dress with a pair of cream coloured cowboy boots – another trend I refuse to let go of any time soon – as well as my nan’s woven wicker basket, tying in nicely with Joanie’s retro aesthetic.
After I shared the look on my social media, one commenter said: “I feel like you belong in the Arizona sun in this outfit. Super cute!” Another added: “Such a beautiful dress,” while a third penned: “Gorgeous dress!”
On the Joanie Clothing socials, it generated similar praise, with one fan writing: “I’m obsessed. This is such a staple.” However, some have deemed the price point a little high for their liking, with one comment left under a post where the dress had been discounted for a limited time reading: “Wow only £50 for half a dress. What a bargain.”
Comparing Joanie to similar brands, £69 is in the mid-range for a sustainable fashion piece. The key is to look at its value in your own wardrobe and if it can be styled in different ways, which it absolutely can. On the Joanie Instagram, influencer Sophia Rosemary showcased how she styled the frock in four different ways.
Similarly, on the brand’s site, one shopper left a five star review where she suggested layering it over a blouse on chillier spring days. They said: “I’ve had so many compliments on this dress! I’m 5’6 and it isn’t too short. I’m between 10-12 and the 10 fits perfectly with a bit of room. It looks so chic; I’ve been layering it over a blouse as the weather is cooler, but I can’t wait for it to be my summer holiday staple.”
For me this dress is a go-to for warm weather plans, whether that’s sitting in the beer garden with a nice cold drink, having a picnic in the park or, as I did over the bank holiday, exploring my favourite National Trust spots. My only complaint? I’d love to see this come in more colours, and to have it come in a maxi dress version, too.