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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
