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5 dresses to buy if you loved Carrie Symonds' sell-out Ghost one
Boris Johnson's girlfriend wore a £120 pink and red floral-print Ghost dress that sold out online hours later
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Following Boris Johnson’s appointment as prime minister on Wednesday, increasing attention is being placed on his partner, Carrie Symonds.
As the Conservative party leader entered Downing Street, he delivered a speech in which he praised former PM Theresa May on her “fortitude and patience” and vowed to "deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn".
While political reporters gathered to cling onto Johnson's every line, fashion fans became fixated on Symonds' ensemble.
The former PR chief was seen making her first appearance as the girlfriend of the new prime minister, wearing a pink and red floral midi dress by Ghost.
The £120 tea dress, which was styled with a pair of nude-coloured pumps, pink lipstick and gold hoop earrings, quickly sold out in all sizes on the brand’s website.
Ghost describes the design as featuring “a high neckline with back fastening and voluminous sleeves and seam detailing at the bodice for definition”.
Emulating the looks of women in the public eye has become a money-making business for the high street in recent years, seeing the so-called "Kate Middleton" and "Meghan Markle" effect lead to unprecedented sales, websites crashing within minutes as people attempt to get their hands on a piece of fashion history, and brands eager to produce copy-cat designs.
In August 2018, the Duchess of Sussex stepped out in London for a charity performance of Hamilton in a black tuxedo dress designed by Judith and Charles, which resulted in a 800 per cent increase in UK Google searches for the design.
Similary, Hiut denim had a three-month waiting list after Meghan wore a pair of their jeans in Cardiff last January.
With interest in Symonds' fashion choices mounting, here are five similar dresses to her now sold-out Ghost one.
Kristen psychedelic tulip peach dress: £295, Rixo
With three-quarter-length blouson sleeves, a nipped-in waist and a high collar, this tulip-print design is a dead ringer for Symonds' one - but avoids you having to admit you copied the first girlfriend's look.
Made from a combination of silk and cotton, it is lightweight and water-absorbing and will help make the heat feel just that bit more bearable. And, just like the Zara dress you've seen all over the UK, it's perfect, whatever your shape or size.
Team it with a chunky pair of Balenciaga trainers to offset the femininity of the tiered skirt, or a platform heels and dainty jewellery to embrace it full-on.
Mindy margo cheetah orange dress: £165, Ghost
If, like the majority of the UK, you went out and bought a leopard-print midi skirt following &Other Stories and Réalisation Par’s sell-out versions that went viral last year, you'll know that leopard will never die.
With animal print leading autumn/winter 2019 trends on the catwalk (see Saint Laurent, Zimmermann, and Altuzarra for reference), the trend for punchy, statement design shows no sign of abating.
This soft satin style, with its bold orange print and knotted waist detailing is a versatile on-trend piece, and a summer wardrobe essential. Styled with a pair of mules in summer or a thigh-high boots in winter, this long-sleeved design is perfect for those wanting to achieve a summery smart look with ease.
Digital daisy Zelena dress: £179, Whistles
In a similar colour palette to Symond’s choice, this daisy-print dress is designed in an elegant midi style which is reminiscent of the 1940s-style tea dresses worn by prominent figures including the Duchess of Cambridge and US first lady Melania Trump in recent months.
Contrary to Symond’s look, this design features a V-shaped neckline, a cut-out low back with a ribbon tie, and short sleeves. Wear it with a pair of pointed-toe kitten heels or slip-ons at the weekend with a brightly-hued bucket bag and gold hoop earrings.
Floral-print crepe de chine wrap dress: £132, Ganni
If you’re someone who struggles to transition from summer to winter, it’s time to invest in a floral-printed dress.
Florals and red were both key trends on the autumn/winter 2019 catwalk this year at Victoria Beckham and Marta Jakubowski awash with scalet-hued tones in pencil skirts, blouses, and scarves.
Meanwhile, wallpaper florals were in full bloom at the likes of Richard Quinn and Erdem with ornate, vintage, and intricate floral patterns printed on gowns, skirts, and trouser suits.
Stay on trend this season with this crepe de chine wrap dress, which features short sleeves and a tiered hem.
Lea floral-print silk crepe de chine maxi dress: £165, Saloni
This Indian heritage brand oozes sophistication, with a name that means “beautiful” in Sanskrit.
With its vibrant tones, playful prints and draped dresses, it’s no wonder the label’s designs have built a cult following including the likes of actor Deepika Padukoe and entrepreneur Ivanka Trump.
Similar to Symonds' Ghost dress, this Saloni design is fitted at the waist and bust but falls loosely at the hip making it perfect for rising temperatures. It also has lightly puffed shoulders and a pattern of vibrant blooms which can be styled with a multitude of colourful sandals and clutch bags.
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