There’s a particular kind of optimism that comes with the first real day of summer sun; not the false start kind in April, all blue skies and betrayal, but when you can leave the house without a coat and not immediately regret your decision.
In theory, the summer dress is the easiest item in your wardrobe to style. One decision, one zip (or none) and done. However, this ease can be deceptive. Without the option of layering, a summer dress has to be versatile.
Natural fibres such as linen and cotton are a great place to start. They’re breathable, allowing for airflow on even the hottest days. High-quality pieces will not only feel good but also last for seasons to come. Silk or satin, while less practical on paper, can work when the cut does the heavy lifting: think relaxed silhouettes that allow the fabric to move, not cling.
Whatever the occasion, the right dress can rise to it. From workdays to party wear and everything in between, here are some of the best summer dresses to wear this season.
The best summer dresses
The best white dresses
White is often the coolest choice in summer. By reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, it helps keep you comfortable in the heat. Beyond the practicalities, a white dress is a timeless staple that sits outside the cycle of trends. This longevity means a more sustainable wardrobe, too.
House of CB
Lauren broderie anglaise boat neck maxidress
£219
House of CB broderie anglaise maxidress
If you’re after a dress that channels the eternal elegance of Audrey Hepburn, this is the one. Finished with delicate broderie anglaise and a classic boat neckline, it’s made from 98% cotton with 2% elastane, meaning it holds its shape without collapsing into creases. It’s structured but not stiff, perfect for the kind of event that calls for something special, but that’s not quite black-tie.
House of CB
Lauren broderie anglaise boat neck maxidress
£219
Mint Velvet
White cotton broderie midi dress
from £160
Mint Velvet broderie midi dress
A white midi dress, sunglasses and a pair of sandals are often all you need. The low waist shifts the shape into something more relaxed, and the broderie keeps it firmly in summery territory. The flattering high neckline and pearlescent buttons up the back are nice details.
Mint Velvet
White cotton broderie midi dress
from £160
M&S
Pure cotton drop-waist midi dress
£40
M&S drop-waist midi dress
One way to bring interest to a dress that’s simple in colour is through shape. This relaxed drop-waist midi, a style recently revived on the runways of Dior, Balenciaga and Chanel, is Marks & Spencer’s everyday take on the trend, while puff sleeves add an 80s tinge. Keep the styling sharp to stop it from feeling too romantic.
M&S
Pure cotton drop-waist midi dress
£40
AYM
Audrey midi dress
£119
AYM midi dress
AYM Studio makes exceptionally soft dresses. Made from a bamboo blend, the Audrey midi has a classic square neckline and faux-corset style cinching in the back. With a bra-friendly cut, it has a double-layered finish, meaning it’s smoothing and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
AYM
Audrey midi dress
£119
Uniqlo
Oversized T-shirt dress
£12.90
Uniqlo T-shirt dress
A T-shirt dress is the epitome of pyjama comfort that you can actually wear out of the house. This cotton oversized style (best described as white-ish) from JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration has subtle but in-the-know branding – a small embroidered JWA logo on the front. The contrast inner lining looks great peeking over a rolled-up sleeve.
Uniqlo
Oversized T-shirt dress
£12.90
The best cotton dresses
Cotton is one of the most reliable fabrics when it comes to longevity. Naturally breathable, it keeps you cool and comfortable even in the height of summer. And while linen often leans more casual, cotton offers far greater versatility, easily adapting to everything from relaxed daytime wear to more polished occasions.
Monsoon
Mafalda sun print bandeau midi dress
from £45
Monsoon sun-print bandeau midi
This batik dress is made for the seaside. The bandeau neckline keeps things minimal, while the basque waist adds shape without feeling overworked. Removable straps offer versatility, and the sun-washed neutral print would pair with almost anything.
Monsoon
Mafalda sun print bandeau midi dress
from £45
Boden
Square neck occasion dress
from £159
Boden square neck dress
The archetypal sundress – floral, midi-length and cut with a clean square neckline and slim straps – works because it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. In a lightweight cotton with a touch of elastane, this offers enough stretch to move with you – whether you’re having a picnic in the park or walking all afternoon. Three length options make this dress really versatile.
Boden
Square neck occasion dress
from £159
Nobody’s Child
Multi-coloured striped Palermo mini dress
from £59
Nobody’s Child striped mini dress
With vintage flair, largely down to the bold palette and diagonal stripes, this shift dress is surprisingly straightforward to wear, as the pattern means you can keep everything else pared back. The breathable cotton-linen blend keeps that same easy feel, with linen adding a touch more structure in shape.
Nobody’s Child
Multi-coloured striped Palermo mini dress
from £59
Mode Mischief
Amber mini dress
£92
Mode Mischief mini dress
From Australian brand Mode Mischief, this mini dress is crafted from lightly stretchy cotton in soft pink stripes. The simple boat neckline and tie-back detail create a flattering, easy shape, while the cropped sleeves offer a touch of extra coverage, ideal for when the temperature dips into the evening.
Mode Mischief
Amber mini dress
£92
Damson Madder
Maggie mini polo dress
from £90
Damson Madder mini polo dress
This dress from gen Z favourite Damson Madder is a playful take on a sportswear classic. The contrast between the polo shirt neck and the babydoll shape, and the striped greens, is delightfully unexpected, and it even has side-seam pockets.
Damson Madder
Maggie mini polo dress
from £90
The best smart dresses
Summer dressing doesn’t always translate to a more professional setting. Here, the cut is key. Clean necklines and considered details, such as sharp pleating or subtle tailoring, bring the structure that adds formality. It’s about keeping summer in mind without defaulting to casual.
& Other Stories
Asymmetric draped midi dress
£119
& Other Stories asymmetric midi
Gingham isn’t just for casual: this loose, asymmetric dress is a smarter take on this sweet fabric, while the drawstring detailing at the shoulders and waist allows for fit adjustments. Pair with silver angular earrings and a black shoulder bag.
& Other Stories
Asymmetric draped midi dress
£119
Aligne
Harley sleeveless waistcoat dress
£199
Aligne waistcoat dress
With its nod to classic office wear, this sleeveless waistcoat dress reads like a suit without the extra bulk, and the co-ord illusion looks like you’ve done a bit more than throw on a dress. It’s kind of like a modern, summer adaptation of Dior’s 1947 New Look.
Aligne
Harley sleeveless waistcoat dress
£199
The Shirt Company
Ronnie midi shirt dress
£135
The Shirt Company shirt dress
An air-conditioned office can be unexpectedly chilly, even in the height of summer, making sleeveless styles less practical. With a pencil-shaped skirt, this long-sleeve shirt dress has a more formal edge than a swooshing silhouette. In a lighter shade, it still feels seasonally appropriate.
The Shirt Company
Ronnie midi shirt dress
£135
John Lewis
Sharp shoulder midi dress
£99
John Lewis dropped waist midi dress
The T-shirt-style top keeps this dress relaxed and easy to wear, while the structured shoulders stop it from feeling too informal. Combined with an on-trend drop waist and flowing skirt, it feels like a tailored alternative to the sundress. While khaki sits outside the classic summer brights, the earthy tone means it will last beyond summer.
John Lewis
Sharp shoulder midi dress
£99
Kitri
Keira pin dot print dress
£195
Kitri pin dot dress
If you’re ready to dash the neutrals to the side once summer hits, this sunshine yellow pin dot maxidress – with its romantic flared sleeves and flattering bias cut – has you covered.
Kitri
Keira pin dot print dress
£195
The best linen dresses
Spun from flax, linen is one of the strongest natural fibres, even more durable than cotton. It’s naturally breathable and keeps you cool in the heat, while its slightly structured feel means it won’t cling, even on humid days. Don’t worry about creasing: it’s all part of its charm.
Community Clothing
Linen sun dress
£99
Community Clothing sun dress
There is something reassuringly straightforward about this dress. Cut and sewn in Blackburn, this square-neck linen dress is unfussy and made to last. Dress it up with sandals or down with boots.
Community Clothing
Linen sun dress
£99
Cos
Pleated linen maxidress
£95
Cos pleated maxidress
A bright, block-coloured dress does all the work for you. The streamlined shape keeps this dress feeling sleek while the subtle pleating at the front adds soft movement. We love the barely there spaghetti straps and scooped back, too.
Cos
Pleated linen maxidress
£95
Palome
Maida linen mini dress
£60
Palome mini dress
This linen shirt dress has an oversized, relaxed cut for maximum comfort, while the structured sleeves and colour keep it from feeling shapeless. Pockets give your hands something to do.
Palome
Maida linen mini dress
£60
Abercrombie
Bra-free tie-front linen-blend mini dress
£55
Abercrombie bra-free mini dress
I love Abercrombie dresses because they cover practicalities that others seem to forget: the built-in bra and adjustable, supportive straps make all the difference when the weather is calling for minimal layers. The linen fabric and the sunny yellow make this dress unmistakably summery.
Abercrombie
Bra-free tie-front linen-blend mini dress
£55
Sassy Squid
Olive sassy linen dress
£94
Sassy Squid olive dress
This earthy green mini strikes the balance between playful and pared-back. The clean silhouette keeps it grounded, while the low back, finished with a delicate bow, is a subtle detail, but one that transforms an otherwise classic piece into something a little different. Wear a contrasting lace bralette for added interest at the back.
Sassy Squid
Olive sassy linen dress
£94
The best party dresses
When it comes to elevated fabrics such as silk or satin, look for relaxed, shift-like cuts that skim rather than cling, allowing the fabric to fall naturally and catch the air.
Gimaguas
Jewel dress
£169
Gimaguas jewel dress
Usually, I would steer clear of satin in heat, but the loose drape of this dress offsets that. This black-and-white mini is quiet in shape but loud in print, making it an easy party companion.
Gimaguas
Jewel dress
£169
French Connection
Printed Dori maxidress
from £130
French Connection printed maxidress
The bold tulip print is graphic and expressive, balanced by a clean, understated backdrop. A twist-shoulder detail adds subtle interest, while the column maxi shape doesn’t cling. It’s the kind of dress that needs very little styling – the print does all the work for you.
French Connection
Printed Dori maxidress
from £130
Massimo Dutti
Halterneck maxi
£169
Massimo Dutti long linen dress
With its deep V halterneck and loose, maxi-length cut, this red linen dress brings a sense of occasion, perfect for alfresco dinners on holiday, or a relaxed summer wedding. The halterneck frames the shoulders elegantly, while the sweeping skirt keeps the overall feel soft and unstructured.
Massimo Dutti
Halterneck maxi
£169
Nobody’s Child
Brown polka dot renley midi dress
from £110
Nobody’s Child polka dot midi dress
Chocolate brown and powder blue work surprisingly well together – an unexpected pairing that feels both fresh and considered, perfect for event dressing. The soft polka dot print adds a playful touch, while the fluid shape keeps things elevated and easy to wear.
Nobody’s Child
Brown polka dot renley midi dress
from £110
Stine Goya
Sleeveless fitted waist dress
£122
Stine Goya sleeveless dress
From Scandi brand Stine Goya, this A-line mini plays with a muted floral palette. In a jacquard weave, subtle flecks of silver run through the fabric, catching the light just enough to elevate it. The result is a floral dress with a distinctly party-ready edge.
Stine Goya
Sleeveless fitted waist dress
£122
The best day-to-night dresses
The problem of needing to be in two places in one day, each with entirely different dress codes, only seems to intensify in good weather. The solution lies in choosing pieces that can do both. Certain dresses strike that balance effortlessly, taking you from one setting to another without the need for a midday change.
Topshop
Linen-rich high-neck trapeze dress
from £40
Topshop high-neck trapeze dress
You can never go wrong with an LBD. This linen-blend trapeze dress from Topshop lends itself to a more casual look, paired with simple jewellery and some minimalist sandals; and for the evening, the high neck transforms with an updo and a red lip.
Topshop
Linen-rich high-neck trapeze dress
from £40
M&S
Built up satin midi column dress
£36
M&S satin midi dress
I understand, you’re probably sick of hearing about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, but if anything, CBK’s enduring popularity proves that 90s minimalism never really went away. This slip dress is one of the easiest styles to take from day to night. Layer a plain white tee underneath for daytime and wear bare for night-time.
M&S
Built up satin midi column dress
£36
Rat & Boa
Nilah shirt dress
£195
Rat & Boa shirt dress
This dress plays on a familiar styling trick. Button it up for more formality, and undo a few buttons to immediately relax it. The shirt dress shape can be changed with a removable scarf tie.
Rat & Boa
Nilah shirt dress
£195
Mango
Asymmetrical combined dress
from £45.99
Mango asymmetric dress
The off-the-shoulder cut and flowing skirt give this dress a summery edge while retaining its formality with its two-tone palette. For the day, keep everything understated – flat shoes and minimal styling to balance the neckline. For the evening, swap in a pair of statement gold earrings.
Mango
Asymmetrical combined dress
from £45.99
Zara
Short boat-neck dress
£15.99
Zara boat-neck dress
This timeless boat-neck dress, with its cropped sleeves and clean lines, comes in three versatile shades: white, grey and navy. The navy, in particular, works in multiple settings, easily dressed up or down with a simple change of shoes. Take inspiration from Jane Birkin with woven accessories and ballet flats. By night, switch to a more refined heeled sandal and add a longline necklace.
Zara
Short boat-neck dress
£15.99
For more, read Jess Cartner-Morley’s May essentials and the best wedding guest dresses for every budget
Charlotte Gornall is a fashion assistant at the Guardian