Dress to impress: How Bangladeshis are rocking sundresses this fall

It's nearly October and fall season in the fashion world. Here in Bangladesh, summer shows no signs of waning. Well, if the sun is out, so are the sundresses!

Bangladesh has only been getting two seasons in recent years — a long, hot summer and a short, sad, winter. As such, sundresses have been a popular wardrobe staple for the country's women, who wear them guilt-free for as long as they want, until they can't. And honestly, can we blame the ladies for whipping out their favourite, flowy summery pieces to stay comfortable?

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

First, let it be clarified that sundresses are not the same as summer dresses. The latter can be described as any dress one wears in summer. A sundress, however, is a little bit different. A forever classic, sundresses are cool, breezy, and with just the right amount of oomph to keep the wearer fashion-relevant, without compromising on their comfort.

Sundresses come in a variety of cuts and styles. Long, flared dresses are in, and look graceful and feminine. These billowing silhouettes can be worn in the worst of summer and be styled both long or short. Usually coming in cool, summer-friendly fabrics, the dresses look exceptional when worn with pumps or clean, white sneakers.

Flouncy-sleeved sundresses are equally in vogue and usually look great in monochromatic colours, such as white and black. Casual enough to wear every day and versatile enough to pair up with tights and a scarf, flounces are great sleeve styles to sport, and definitely more comfortable.

Shorter sundresses in snazzy patterns and super puffed sleeves are great choices for party wear. The A-line hems work wonders for mobility, and if you wish to take attention away from your legs, chunky, sporty sandals can be a good way to do that. These dresses can also double as streetwear — go monochrome on the tent style and add some clunky heels in a vibrant colour.

If none of the above are quite your style, simply go back to the basics. Floral prints on sundresses are a match made in fashion heaven and deserve their due credit. Imagine small flowery prints on a fitted, sheer, shin-length dress and a daring neckline. You can break tradition by opting for ankle-length boots instead of pumps or slimmer heels.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Being the country that tailors clothes for the major fashion houses of the world, all kinds of sundresses are readily available for steal prices, just through a day's excursion to the market opposite Dhaka College. For those who live in the northern part of the city and are deliberating about giving up on fashion for fear of the traffic, fret not! Pink City in Gulshan 2, Banani Supermarket, and Rajlaxmi, Uttara all carry these favourites and are a stone's throw away.

Model: Jabin, Suhi

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe & Jewelry: Madhuree Sanchita Smrity

Makeup: Badhon

Special Thanks to Saimul Karim for assisting with the photoshoot