Summer still hangs on by a thread, and the more optimistic of us are still sporting off-the-shoulder (or, if you prefer, Bardot) dresses in order to get a bit of colour on those upper arms before they get put away for another year! Here our five favourites from the current crop:

Boho Off The Shoulder Dress – £80 (was £160), Maison Scotch

There’s some really beautiful detail on this Boho off-the-shoulder dress from Maison Scotch. Made from lightweight pure cotton in a cream colour, it has a wide band across the top which forms sleeves and is adorned with a beautiful blue floral print alongside and a narrow yellow band in an Aztec-style pattern. The pattern is repeated across the hem. Currently available at half price, we recommend you act now if you want this beauty.

Boutique Eva Embellished Off Shoulder Dress – £28 (was £35), Boohoo.com

This one’s definitely not a relaxed daytime number – Boohoo.com’s Boutique Eva embellished off shoulder dress is a glamorous piece of evening wear that’s sure to dazzle. In a triumph for modern fashion, the cream dress is shoulderless but has long sleeves! Embellished in a beautiful floral design formed from black beads, it’s currently available at a bargain £28, which is a small price to pay for such a glittering frock.

Aspen Bardot Dress, Denim Blue – £55, White Stuff

We love the crisp and simple styling of the Aspen Bardot dress from White Stuff, which is a loose-fit dress made from a soft-touch denim. Elastic panelling ensures a secure fit around the shoulders, and there’s a wide band of floral embroidering around the hem. The short sleeves of the dress are finished off with narrow lace inserts – a beautiful feminine fashion detail on what’s sure to become a favourite part of your summer wardrobe.

White Broderie Anglais Trim Bardot Dress – £35, Missguided

You’re sure to make an impact at any summer gatherine in this one: It’s mini in form, but Missguided’s white bardot dress is covered from top to tail in a beautiful bright red broderie anglais floral design. In 100% cotton, this fun and floaty dress has a scalloped hem and long bell sleeves, which have narrow lace inserts in white at just above elbow length. It fastens up the back with a concealed zip.

Off The Shoulder Dress – £20 (was £25), R édition

We finish with a very simple take on the trend, but no less attention-grabbing for it: just look at that colour! R édition’s off-the-shoulder dress is straight and short, with short sleeves formed by the band across its top, which is finished off with a wide and pretty band of ornate lace. Made from 100% cotton, this dress is also available in a rather quieter black version, but we love this bright yellow – and the reduced price, too!