As summer approaches, I start thinking about dresses. When temperatures are above her 75 degrees, there’s nothing happier than being able to break away from your usual wardrobe and express your entire style with just her one outfit. Easy, effortless, reliable dresses are everything I want to wear in June, July, and August to work, weekends, vacations, and countless summer occasions.
Luckily, there are plenty of fresh styles to spice up your summer. Determined to add some seasonal style to our wardrobe, we scoured everything from Spring/Summer 2024 runways to trends on Instagram. I also received a lot of notes from my fellow editors to see what dress styles are getting the thumbs up from the fashion world this summer.
If you’re also looking for an update on your summer dresses, you’re in luck. We’ll share 10 notable dress styles to invest in and 10 to retire (for now). From fresh takes on floral dresses to sheer fabrics and strapless silhouettes, the dresses below are sure to get you excited for summer.
1. Skip: Gingham check
Wear: Crochet
Style notes: Neutral hues, warm yellows, metallic open knits and crochet fabrics are everywhere this summer. So, ditch the gingham for now and opt for a crocheted dress with a sleek and streamlined silhouette instead to maintain a sophisticated look.
Shop trends:
flame
crochet cotton blend kaftan
This is a really cool spin on a holiday staple.
monkey
crochet style sleeveless dress
This crochet dress can be easily worn from day to night.
love shack fancy
Rohesia applique crochet cotton maxi dress
I love the embroidery added in this version.
2. Skip: Babydoll Silhouette
Wear: Strapless silhouette
Style notes: This summer is all about strapless silhouettes that show off your shoulders. Whether you lean into the ’90s minimalist trend or opt for bold prints and bright colors, this sophisticated silhouette will lead the way this season.
Shop trends:
mango
draped detail dress
Dress it down with sandals or dress it up with a slingback or oversized blazer.
skim
A tube dress that fits everyone
This dress hugs you in all the right places.
no one’s child
bandeau felicity midi dress
3. Skip: Wrap Dress
Wear: draping + shirring
Style notes: The Spring/Summer 24 runway was full of beautifully draped goddess-inspired dresses and enchanting ruched details. Retailers and the fashion industry alike have been quick to jump on this cute trend, and we’re sure to see it in full swing this summer.
Shop trends:
H&M
draped asymmetric dress
I love the colors of this cute H&M dress.
Magda Butrim
Draped cotton-blend bouclé halterneck midi dress
Pair it with neutral accessories for an effortlessly chic look.
isabel marant
Capri draped open-back crepe maxi dress
Red will continue to be a trending color this summer.
4. Skip: T-shirt dress
Wear: linen dress
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)
Style notes: Set aside casual T-shirt dresses and opt for a breezy linen dress instead. Currently, there are a lot of chic options on the market with high details that make you look effortlessly elegant.
Shop trends:
reform
Sebastian linen dress
A white linen dress is an investment you’ll never regret.
Zimmermann
Halliday Cutout Scalloped Pintuck Floral Print Linen Midi Dress
no one’s child
Linen-blend Pippin midi dress
5. Skip: 80s Puff Sleeve Dress
Wearing: 90’s minimalist dress
Style notes: As we’ve seen, the chic, minimalist silhouettes of the ’90s are on trend. Ditch the puff sleeves and go for a sophisticated, versatile dress that goes with just about everything in your closet.
Shop trends:
reform
Alden knit dress
H&M
picot trim jersey dress
This dress is easy to match with both up and down styles.
skim
Slim-fit ribbed stretch cotton mini dress
Skims makes the most comfortable layering dresses.
6. Skip: Ditzy Florals
Wear: Rosette
(Image credit: @emilisindlev)
Style notes: Avoid loud prints this season and opt for bold, beautiful rosettes. Cute appliques are a trend-forward way to wear florals this summer. And fortunately, that dominance is expected to continue into the fall.
Shop trends:
Magda Butrim
Applique silk organza and satin mini dress
Magda Butrim is known for her beautiful rosette dresses.
Next
Blue Corsage Halter Dress
Doesn’t this look much more expensive than it actually is?
You can dress it down with an oversized denim jacket and trainers or dress it up with heels and a clutch.
7. Skip: Tiered Dress
Wear: silky slip
Style notes: A silky satin slip dress always looks so luxurious and glamorous. Choose a lace-filled lingerie-inspired slip or a ’90s-inspired silhouette for a look that seamlessly goes from day to night.
Shop trends:
no one’s child
Satin Bandeau Slip Elle Midi Dress
Satin slips always look elegant.
H&M
silk blend satin dress
Wear it with ballet flats or a neutral trench.
reform
Joanna silk dress
I’m obsessed with this pink shade.
8. Skip: Polka dot print
Wear: Mermaid core dress
(Image credit: @emnitta)
Style notes: From shimmering sequins to aquamarine hues to cascading ruffles, the mermaid core trend is going strong this season, and there are plenty of stunning dresses to prove it. Ditch the polka-dot prints for now and opt for a dreamy nautical style instead.
Shop trends:
Retrofet
Shiloh crystal-embellished silk-blend mesh dress
It’s a very nice color perfect for summer.
Christopher Esber
Vivenda cutout draped jersey maxi dress
mango
sequin lace slip dress
A dress that combines sequins and lace.
9. Skip: Corduroy Dress
Wearing: Denim dress
(Image source: Getty Images)
Style notes: Denim dresses are all the rage this summer after dominating the S/S 24 runways. Whether you choose a flowy slip dress or a retro mini dress, you’re sure to look sport denim on trend this summer.
Shop trends:
Juriba Heritage
denim mini dress
This is at the top of my holiday wish list.
Alignment
Gabriella denim midi dress
I love the retro vibe of this dress.
C.O.S.
paneled denim mini dress
COS is very good for increasing your basics.
10.Skip: Leather Fabric
Wear: Light fabric
Style notes: Fresh, fun and feminine. Her sheer dresses were one of the biggest trends on her Spring/Summer 2014 runways, and fashion lovers and celebrities alike went crazy for her transparent style this season. Leave the leather dress for another occasion and opt for a subtly see-through dress instead.
Shop trends:
reform
Indah open-knit mini dress
Advanced interpretation of LBD.
H&M
crochet look beach dress
essay studio
Solace metallic lace midi dress
I love the delicate metallic finish on this dress.
https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/dresses/outdated-summer-dress-trends-uk
