Lockdown leggings feeling a bit meh? So over your sweats?

Fear not. For there’s a fierce new dress in town, and it comes with added feel goods – guaranteed.

New for this season, Ganni’s Cotton Silk Smock Dress in Leopard (£325) is top of The Hambledon team’s wish list for AW20, and already doing a roaring trade (sorry) - putting it on track to become an all-time bestseller for the Winchester-based lifestyle store.

Heralded as an independent department store that just sells the good stuff, The Hambledon is a must for anyone looking for world renowned standout styles, that will actually stand the test of time – and best of all, you’ll be helping to support local business too.

Which is where Ganni saunters in…

Founded in 2000 by a Danish gallery owner, Ganni’s ethos is wearable but playful.

‘I’ve been itching to get into our Ganni collection [since reopening]’ says The Hambledon Assistant Buyer Annie, ‘I added this dress to the order book straightaway ­– I’ve been wearing just comfies for months, it’s so nice to see some proper fashion!’

VM Harriett (below) agrees: ‘I basically want all the new Ganni exclusives, but Annie, Amy and I all love this leopard print dress!’

Why <this> dress?

·      An empire-waist + A-line skirt suits all shapes

·      It’s wafty enough for a heatwave

·      The suped-up bib collar will look great under knitwear when the sun scarpers

·      Leopard print remains ‘the new neutral’ (something fashion types say to justify a buy)

·      It has pockets. Enough said.

More than that, science says certain clothes not only change our opinions about ourselves, but even our behaviour – aka so-called ‘dopamine dressing’. And if I’ve learnt anything about myself during lockdown, it’s the power of getting dressed. Be it a bright colour or – in this case – a loud print - we’re genetically pre-conditioned to react viscerally to bold clothes,  meaning this dress is guaranteed to give us a boost of fierce when we need it most.

Call it a treat. Call it a new season refresh. Call it a resolve to buy less, buy better, and buy local. But do buy it soon, for this hot cake is selling fast.

Got The Dress? Why not dip your toe in with The Hambledon’s greatest (other) Ganni hits, below:

-       Poplin Sleeveless Shirt in Bright White £105

-       Linen canvas coat in leopard £265

-       Printed Georgette Blouse in Egret £115

The Hambledon, 10 The Square, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9ES. New Covid opening times: Mon-Sat 10-5 and Sunday 11-4

< NB This is a draft article written in June 2020 and not written for publication >