She’s always admitted that she prefers modest, low-key attire to anything too attention-grabbing.

But Emma Watson certainly made an impact as she headed out for coffee in London on Friday, wearing a floral retro-style tea dress with a plunging neckline.

The fashion-conscious actress, 23, looked perfect for the warm weather in her stand-out ensemble, looking happy and relaxed as she met up with a friend for a leisurely catch-up.

Flower power: Emma Watson wore a plunging vintage-style floral tea dress as she headed out for coffee in central London on Friday

The star, who has been busy promoting her new film The Bling Ring, had clearly taken a break so that she could have some time to herself.

And she seemed in high spirits as she breezed through London before stopping off at a coffee shop and taking a seat outside, opposite her friend.

Emma looked like she was getting into the spirit of summer, making an effort for her day out in the eye-catching dress, which had a vintage feel.

Spirit of summer: The Bling Ring star looked perfect for the hot weather in the stand-out dress and modest black sandals

Down time: The actress seemed in high spirits as she smiled at her friend, sipping on an Orangina

If she was trying to go incognito, then the A-lister was going the wrong way about it, turning heads as she breezed along the street thanks to the chic dress and The Medea Ancient Greek Sandals.

But Emma kept the rest of her look simple, wearing minimal make-up as usual and leaving her dark brown hair loose and tousled.

She listened intently to her friend as they chatted, after ordering a bottle of Orangina and a small cup of coffee for herself.

Having a laugh: Emma seemed to find something amusing as she burst into laughter as her friend chatted away

Pared-back chic: The British actress stuck to her usual style, keeping her make-up minimal and wearing her hair straight and loose

After spending the afternoon with her friend, Emma headed off on her own, chatting away on her mobile as she headed down the road.

The British actress’ style is a far cry from her character’s in Sofia Coppola’s latest film about a group of celebrity-obsessed youngsters who rob the homes of the A-list.

‘All my usual fashion views went out the window,’ she said recently of the role. ‘[I had] visible cleavage and very short skirts.’

Catching up: Emma seemed happy to have a day to herself, unfazed by the attention she got as she wandered around central London

She told The Radio Times, that unlike some stars, she has a minimal wardrobe and isn’t obsessed with buying shoes like some girls.

‘I’ve got about eight pairs of shoes and that’s it,’ she said, while discussing what it was like to see inside Paris Hilton’s dressing room while shooting the film.

As stylish as ever: Emma wore a chic red and white Carven dress as she attended Caroline Sieber’s wedding in Vienna last week