These are the best summer dresses to shop in 2022—no matter your style

With temperatures slowly rising, it's time to look at the best summer dresses for summer 2022

Dresses from ASOS, In The Style and Missguided
(Image credit: ASOS, In The Style and Missguided )
Jump to category:
Sagal Mohammed
By Sagal Mohammed, Sunil Makan, Naomi Jamieson
published
Contributions from
Naomi Jamieson

When the sun comes calling there is one staple item that everyone needs in their capsule wardrobe—a summer dress. And while you might be fooled into thinking that a summer dress must equal mini, there's actually an endless list of styles, colors and shapes you can choose from—even black—that will work perfectly for a summery fit. So, to ease your summer shopping stress, here are some of the best summer dresses that will tick all your boxes.

Now don't get us wrong, finding your ideal summer dress can be quite the task. There is a lot to consider, like the material—are you after light and airy and is it sustainably and ethically made? Then there's also the style, like midi or backless and of course the color and pattern.

If you're really feeling the 'hot girl summer' vibe, a floral dress might be the ticket, or if you're not too keen on showing a lot of skin, a midi dress could be a great option for you. And of course, we can't forget about what's actually trendy this season—like sundresses and 90s-style slip dresses.

As we said, there's a lot to consider but luckily for you, we've rounded up all the best summer dresses, from cute mini dresses to backless midis.

The best summer dresses to shop now

Linen dresses

Linen dresses are the perfect choice for anyone who loves a neutral, beachy look for summer—especially because it's a great material for hot weather. It's light and breathable and definitely a must for anyone who is jetting off on vacation.

WHISTLES Imogen drawstring linen dress

(Image credit: Whistles)

WHISTLES Imogen drawstring-waist linen midi dress

RRP: $279/£130

This stunning stone-colored midi dress features a relaxed fit, a draw-string waist and best of all—pockets!

It's made of super-light linen that's breathable and can be easily dressed up with a blazer.

H&M floral linen dress

(Image credit: H&M)

H&M Linen-blend dress

RRP: $34.99/£24.99 

This dress fulfills three summer assignments—linen, midi and floral! This is the perfect option if you've got beach days planned or just want to embrace the summery vibe.

It's made from a mix of 55% linen and 45% cotton while the inner lining is 100% cotton, so ideal if you're not great with the heat.

Midi dresses

Midi dresses are ideal if you don't love baring a lot of skin in the summer, or if you want a piece that can easily be dressed up or down.

Right now, wearing sneakers with midi dresses is so on trend, as is pairing your dress with a blazer and cute mini bag for a more formal look.

ASOS halter neck midi dress in stone

(Image credit: ASOS)

ASOS DESIGN halter midi dress with open back in sand

RRP: $37/£26

This dress features a halter neck and waist tie and is the perfect neutral shade for that summer.

The shape is very flattery and it's also backless, which will make it nice to wear in the heat.

Topshop floral wrap dress

(Image credit: ASOS/ Topshop)

Topshop mix and match floral print midi wrap dress in multi

RRP: $93/£60

You can't go wrong with a wrap dress in summer. This dress has a flattering v-neckline, ruffled, flowy sleeves and a tie waist.

Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry (opens in new tab) for a very put-together look.

In the style satin dress

(Image credit: In the style / asos)

In The Style Exclusive satin cowl neck midi dress in pink

RRP: $50/£30

Much like the viral pink Zara dress (opens in new tab), a satin midi is a must!

This dreamy pink number is perfect if you missed out on snapping up the Zara version and will be ideal for a romantic dinner on vacation.

Shirt dresses

Shirt dresses are very on-trend right now and if you're a lover of Scandi-style, you can't go wrong. A shirt dress is light but still chic, which is always a good summer combo in our books.

You can pair them with gold jewelry and a cute straw bag for the ultimate beachy look, or pair them with heels and an oversized blazer for a date or occasion.

H&M Short shirt dress

(Image credit: H&M)

H&M Short shirt dress

RRP: £59.99/£39.99

A shirt dress is an absolute staple for summer. This woven dress from H&M is 100% cotton, so it's nice and airy and features a v-neck and slit in the skirt.

Pair it with a straw bag and you're onto a winner.

ASOS twill mini shirt dress

(Image credit: ASOS )

ASOS DESIGN twill mini shirt dress in white

RRP: $48/£34

We're obsessed with the shape of this dress.

It's made from slightly thicker cotton than the one from H&M meaning it will also be great for transitional weather. 

Mini dresses

Mini dresses are a no-brainer for hot weather, they're a great way to get a tan on your legs and arms—as long as your wearing the best sunscreen of course—and are perfect if you're dying of the heat but still want to look cute. 

Of course, you can also pair them with tights and a jacket in the spring and autumn, so having one that you love and suits your style is a good investment.

Zara linen mini dress

(Image credit: ZARA)

Zara Linen Mini Dress

RRP: $45.90/£29.99

The cute little mini dress is the cutest shade of bubblegum pink and is also made of linen, making it both stylish and practical in the sun.

ASOS Missguided milkmaid dress

(Image credit: ASOS/ Missguided)

Missguided milkmaid mini dress with puff sleeve in floral

RRP: $50/£30

Who doesn't love a milkmaid dress?

This flirty, floral number has ruched sleeves and a tie front detail and is ideal if you want to show a bit of leg.

Nasty Gal poplin smock dress

(Image credit: Nasty Gal)

Nasty Gal Poplin Cut Out Mini Smock Dress

RRP: $60/£35

This dreamy green-tiered smock dress has a square necklace and mid-length sleeves and features a backless tie design.

Black dresses

While we might associate summer with florals and bold colors, there's nothing wrong with wearing black.

It goes with everything, is easy to style and is a flattering color on everyone. 

ASOS black embroidered dress

(Image credit: ASOS )

ASOS Design puff sleeve mini dress with cream embroidery in black

RRP: $60/£42

This dress affords the best of both worlds, it's black but also features a simple flower embroidered pattern.

It's got long loose sleeves and a gorgeous square neckline.

Collusion mini dress

(Image credit: Collusion / ASOS)

Collusion halterneck mini dress in black

RRP: $14.90/£8.99

This dress is simple but ideal for your capsule wardrobe.

You can dress it down with a pair of converse, or up with some heeled sandals. It's also perfect to wear over your bikini on holiday.