15 Bodice Dresses That Could Be Taken Right Out of a ‘50s Movie

You always know when the weather is turning, when everyone starts putting away their puffer coats and instead start cracking out their summer dresses. And this year, I’ve noticed there’s a certain style of dress dominating over both the streets and our screens. It’s that classic silhouette: a fitted bodice paired with a full skirt or a flattering fit-and-flare cut, hitting just below the knee. Whether it’s the bold blood orange hue of Boden’s Sleeveless Panelled number or the romantic ruching of Zimmermann’s Natural Midi style, these pieces have become impossible to ignore. Elevated even on their own, the styling requirements are minimal—just pair with some cute flats and you’re good to go.

As I (like many of the Who What Wear UK colleagues), have been indulging in the Netflix series Ripley, which is set in the picturesque landscapes of Italy in the 1950s and ‘60s, I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between the fashion on screen and the trending dresses of today. It’s as if these midi dresses were plucked straight from Marge Sherwood’s—immaculate—wardrobe. The lace-up details, the cinched waists, it all just oozes romance and vintage charm.

And it’s not just me who’s taken notice—my Instagram feed has been flooded with influencers and editors donning these fit and flare-style dresses in anticipation of warmer days ahead. From park picnics to city breaks, there are few occasions this style wouldn’t work.

What’s more, as I scroll through some of my favourite retailers, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer adaptability of these dresses. Take, for example, the Ambrosia Midi Dress by Dôen—sure, it’s the perfect wedding guest dress, but you could also dress it down with flats and a cardigan. With its nod to the past (there’s something undeniably 50’s about this form-fitted top with an A-line silhouette), this trend proves that sometimes the most fail-safe, classic summer staples are those that aren’t new (you know what they say, “if ain’t broke…”). So, be it milkmaid midis or ruched-stitch bodice dresses, I’ve rounded up some of the styles that have caught my eye lately.