Throughout the spring/summer season, 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. Just throw it on, add a pair of shoes 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.
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 Pantone's colour of the year, peach fuzz, sunset tangerine shades or even vibrant cobalt blue hues.
We're also seeing a penchant for timeless neutrals, which is perfect if you're into the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic or are after a more understated look. Think jade greens, butter yellows, creams and the palest of beiges.
Length-wise, while midi dresses are still in, hemlines are getting a little longer in a nostalgic nod to the noughties, which means it's 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 spring and 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 dresses to shop now.
The best strapless dresses
A Y2K staple, the strapless dress has had a resurgence in recent months and now it's the style to be seen in this summer. For a sleek look, tap into the maxi trend and opt for a column style that drapes rather than hugs the body.
The best linen 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.
The best printed 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.
The best minimalist dresses
For those who like a slightly more pared-back aesthetic, minimalist summer dresses are the way to go. Brands like Tove, COS and even M&S, 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.
The best mini 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.
The best one shoulder dresses
While one shoulder or asymmetric dresses may seem like a relatively simple silhouette there are many different variations making them a great option for all shapes and styles. From minimalist column dresses to form fitting and shirred waist, there's a one shoulder dress for every occasion as this edit proves.
The best off the shoulder dresses
Whether you're looking for a dress for your next big occasion, an easy style to wear on the beach or simply something you can throw on and go everyday, there's an off the shoulder style dress for you. For added comfort, opt for a dress with an elasticated neckline, it'll not only add a fun detail to the dress but also allow for easy movement throughout the day.
