Throughout the spring/summer season (opens in new tab), there is simply no better piece of fuss-free clothing than a dress. When wearing a beautiful summer dress, you don’t need to worry about coordinating complicated separates or thinking of an outfit formula (opens in new tab). Just throw it on, add a pair of shoes (opens in new tab) and a handbag – and you’re done!
Plus, the beauty of this classic wardrobe staple is that there is a dress to suit literally every taste. Minimalists will love simple linen or silk maxi iterations, while maximalists can experiment with bold colours and floral prints.
(Image credit: Getty)
When it comes to summer dress trends, this season it’s all about embracing colour. As a natural continuation of last year’s feel-good mood, we’re seeing plenty of colour-blocking, whether that’s pinks (hello Barbiecore), sunset tangerine shades or even vibrant cobalt blue hues.
We’re also seeing a penchant for timeless neutrals, which is perfect if you’re after a more understated look. Think jade greens, butter yellows, creams and the palest of beiges.
Length-wise, while midi dresses are still king, hemlines are getting a little longer in a nostalgic nod to the noughties, which means its the perfect time to invest in a straight-length maxi dress. In terms of prints, a classic floral will never go out of style, yet this season we’re seeing more abstract patterns gain prominence, too.
Whatever your fancy, I’ve cherry-picked the best summer dresses from my favourite designers and high street stores so you just know the options below are editor approved. Without further ado, keep scrolling for the best summer dresses to shop now.
Linen Summer Dresses
Linen is one of the most in-demand materials throughout the spring and summer months and for good reason. The fabric is breathable, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, meaning it will keep you cool in warm weather. When it comes to linen dresses, there are so many options on offer – we advise opting for a solid colour and classic silhouette, so you can keep the item for years to come.
John Lewis High Neck Linen Dress
Reformation Red Zenni Linen Mini Dress
Printed Summer Dresses
Investing in a printed dress is the perfect way to add a little fun to your summer wardrobe. And luckily, between Rixo, Kitri and more, there are plenty of UK-based contemporary brands that seriously excel in this area. From large-scale designs to ditsy floral prints, this summer there is no shortage of printed dresses to choose from.
Kitri Olympia Leaf Print Midi Dress
Matteau One-shoulder floral-print maxi dress
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Aligne Helaine Shirred Midi Dress
Minimalist Summer Dresses
For those who like a slightly more pared-back aesthetic, minimalist summer dresses are the way to go. Brands like Tove, Totême and St Agni, are experts in crafting sleek silhouettes that feel contemporary yet timeless. Our tip? Go for a neutral shade of white or beige to ensure the dress stands the test of time.
St. Agni Neutral Shirred Maxi Dress
Marks and Spencer Linen Blend Square Neck Midi Dress
Toteme organic cotton-jersey midi dress
Mini Summer Dresses
Summer is certainly a season when hemlines trend to rise, so adding a mini dress to your rotation is always a good idea. We’re loving this season’s puff sleeve iterations from the likes of Ganni and Faithfull The Brand.
Ganni Square-neck floral-jacquard mini dress
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Arket Cotton Neps Wrap Dress
Faithfull Nikoleta ruffled linen-blend mini dress