My 3 Favourite Boden Summer Dresses: The Ultimate Summer Capsule

Brand	Boden
Featured Styles	Mia V-Neck Jersey Midi & Ivy Button Line Midi
Size Range	UK 6 to 22 (Available in Petite, Regular, and Long)
Key Features	Flattering waistlines, vibrant colours, and hidden pockets (on most styles!)
Care	Machine Washable

I’m a 46-year-old, curvy yet petite woman. I’m 157 cm tall, wear a UK dress size 12/14, and have a 32G bra size. When it comes to summer dressing, I want outfits that require zero effort but deliver maximum impact and suit my curves.

For years, Boden has been my absolute go-to for exactly that. They are renowned for their premium fabrics, vibrant colour palettes, and cuts that genuinely flatter real bodies like mine.

Whether I am packing for one of my European city breaks or just heading out for a breakfast or pub lunch on a sunny weekend, a Boden midi dress is always my first choice.

After much deliberation (and plenty of trying them on), I have narrowed down my summer capsule to these three absolute favourites: the Ivy Button Line Midi and the Mia V-Neck Jersey Midi, which was so great I had to buy it in two different colours.

1. The Mia V-Neck Jersey Midi (Passion Flower)

If there is one dress that defines "throw-on-and-go" elegance, it is the Mia. Crafted from Boden's signature drapey jersey, it feels as comfortable as wearing loungewear but looks incredibly polished. I am wearing - Size UK12 - Petite length

Dress Details

The V-Neck

The V-neckline is so flattering for my larger breasts, drawing the eye inwards to give the illusion of narrowing this area of my body without being too plunging and showing too much cleavage.

Ruched Waistband and Belt/Tie

The ruched waistband creates a beautiful, defined curvy silhouette while hiding any tummy 'hang-ups'. The waist tie sits nicely at my waistline, which is completely adjustable and can also be worn in multiple ways.

You can wear the waist tie tighter or looser depending on how you feel, and you can position the bow at the back, front, or like I have, to the side.

Hidden Pockets

We all love a pocket, and this dress has two hidden pockets that always help with a casual hand in pocket stance for a photo.

Back

This dress offers excellent coverage at the back, making it ideal for wearing with any bra without worrying about the straps showing.

Colour

The purple shade I am wearing in this photo is called 'Passion Flower'. It is a wonderful rich purple/pink fuchsia colour, which is one of my favourite colours.

This dress transitions beautifully from daytime strolls to evening dinners. Because it is jersey, it rarely creases, making it an absolute dream to roll up and pack in my packing cubes and suitcase for my city breaks.

Pairing

Pair with cream or tan sandals and a crossbody bag for a daytime city touring look, or flat flip-flops and a beach bag over your shoulder for a casual beach look.

Also, you could remove the waist tie completely and replace it with a nice tan-coloured belt and tan ballerina flats for a smarter and more structured office look.

I have paired mine with my super comfortable cream LENORA SANDAL from CARVELA. Honestly, these sandals are so cushioned I can walk for miles around the gorgeous city of Madrid. Just don't forget your anti-chafing undershorts. I wear H&M Seamless Medium Shape Bikers under my dresses for walking around on a sightseeing city tour.

Also, I am wearing my cream leather crossbody bag from ELIE BEAUMONT, which nicely fits my purse, sunglasses case, lipstick, and much, much more.

My phone case holder and chain are from BANDOLIER, which is so useful for taking many photos without digging in and out of my handbag, plus the security of the cross-body chain.

My lipstick is from JANE IREDALE in the shade Peony, which matches perfectly.

Cost, Sizes and Colours

• Cost: £79 (Though Boden frequently runs sales!)
• Sizes: UK 6 - 22 (Available in Petite, Regular, and Long)
• Colours: Passion Flower (Purple), Firecracker Red, Black, Olive, and Blue

2. The Ivy Button Line Midi Dress (Bright Blue)

When I want something that feels a little more structured and vintage-inspired, the Ivy Button Line Midi is my top pick. The bright blue colour is one of my favourite colours and a certified mood-booster that looks stunning when the sun catches it.

Dress Details

Button Front and Waistband

The functional button detailing down the front elongates my upper body, while the slightly puffier sleeves balance out my proportions perfectly. The waistband gives me a nice defined shape.

This dress is linen, so it feels slightly dressier than the jersey options, making it an ideal choice for summer weddings, garden parties, afternoon tea, or like me, just to feel fabulous on a city break.

Hidden Pockets

Again, we all love a pocket, and this dress has two hidden pockets.

Back

This dress offers excellent design at the back, with ruching and gathered detail at the top that narrows my back and shoulders. Also, this dress has a gathered elasticated waist panel which is a lovely detail to have a little more stretch and comfort.

Colour

The colour is a gorgeous vibrant blue, which looks great with blonde/grey light hair and works well with a Greek Island vibe.

Pairing

Pair with cream or tan sandals and a crossbody bag for a daytime city touring look, or flat flip-flops and a beach bag over your shoulder for a casual beach look.

Like the other dresses, you could add a nice tan-coloured belt and tan ballerina flats or wedges for a smarter and more structured look.

Above is a photo of me and my husband at a recent wedding where I have paired it with a matching hairband from ETSY, and an orange-red lipstick called Poppy from JANE IREDALE.

Cost, Sizes and Colours

• Cost: £149
• Sizes: UK 6 - 22 (Available in Petite, Regular, and Long)
• Colours: Bright Blue, Pink Peony, French Navy, Olive, and Summer Blue Chambray

3. The Mia V-Neck Jersey Midi (Firecracker Red)

Yes, the Mia V-Neck again! The golden rule of shopping is: 'when you find a fit that makes you feel amazing, buy it in another colour'.

While the purple version is my sophisticated, everyday staple, this Firecracker Red is the ultimate statement piece. It commands attention and requires almost no styling—just add a pair of simple sandals, some sunglasses, and a bit of lippy. The fact that I reach for both of these dresses constantly is a testament to just how well Boden understands comfortable, confidence-boosting design.

Features

This dress has all the great features of the gorgeous pink one, so please see above for more details!

Cost, Sizes and Colours

• Cost: £79
• Sizes: UK 6 - 22 (Available in Petite, Regular, and Long)
• Colours: Firecracker Red, Passion Flower, Black, Olive, and Blue

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Exceptional fabric quality that washes incredibly well Brilliant sizing options (Petite, Regular, Long) for a tailored fit Jersey styles (like the Mia) are highly crease-resistant for travel Vibrant, mood-boosting colours that don't fade in the wash	Higher price point than fast-fashion high street brands Popular sizes and bold colours often sell out very quickly in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boden clothing true to size? Yes, generally Boden is very true to British high street sizing. What makes them stand out is their length options—offering Petite, Regular, and Long—which ensures the waistlines and hemlines hit you exactly where they are supposed to.

Do Boden dresses shrink in the wash? No, their fabrics are excellent quality. Provided you follow the care label (usually a gentle 30-degree machine wash), the jersey and cotton blends retain their shape and vibrant colours beautifully without shrinking.

Are Boden jersey dresses good for travel? Absolutely. Dresses like the Mia V-Neck are made from a viscose-elastane blend which makes them incredibly resistant to creasing. You can roll them up in your suitcase, shake them out at your hotel, and wear them immediately without needing an iron.

Overview

To sum it all up, investing in a high-quality summer capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed on warm days an absolute breeze. Boden has truly mastered the art of creating dresses that are not only vibrant and stylish, but also incredibly forgiving and comfortable for real life.

Whether you opt for the effortless drape and travel-friendly fabric of the Mia V-Neck or the slightly more structured, vintage charm of the Ivy Button Line Midi, you are getting a piece that will last for countless summers to come.

If you have been on the fence about the price point, I can honestly say the cost-per-wear makes them incredibly worth it—just be warned, you might end up wanting them in every single colour like I did!