popular trends for the upcoming summer season.

Before we look at SS22’s offerings, let’s look at the origin of the prairie dress, shall we? Laura Ingalls basically the trend, and I’m only half kidding.

The high neckline, long hem and ruffles were the typical fashion in rural America in the 19th century, no doubt because the fashion was much more modest back then, but also perhaps to protect against the harsh elements for people who had to be outdoors most of the day. The only fancy was the ditzy print, often floral.

It has of course been given a modern update since then, with designers such as Batsheva, Shrimps, Molly Goddard and Brock Collection all featuring the style in their spring collections, this time re-imagined with bold floral prints and colours, whimsical details such as lace, embroidery and grosgrain ribbons – and even shorter hemlines.

How to wear a prairie dress

So how to style the trend? Although it seems like a tricky one, it’s not as much of a challenge as you’d think. You basically want to let the dress do all the talking, and keep the rest of your outfit toned down.

I personally will be wearing mine with a paired-down chunky sandal to give it a modern twist, or with a naked sandal if I want to dress it up a bit.

Shop my edit of the best designer and high street prairie dresses below.