As we finally get into the swing of the summer months (and the weather starts to actually be seasonably appropriate), staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. The focus on layering that dominated the cooler months is replaced by an innate desire to keep things simple—and what’s simpler than a really great dress?
In my opinion, the key to a great dress is its versatility. Whether I’m going for a high street or designer piece, I want to know my summer dresses can be worn on rotation throughout the season and, with just a swap of sandals for trainers, a raffia tote for a sleek shoulder bag, can still feel fresh and new.
When you’re looking for an easy, throw-on summer dress, my advice is to focus on classic shapes and light, breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are summer essentials, as they’re lightweight enough to be comfortable even on the stickiest days and somehow manage to always look understatedly refined. And when it comes to silhouettes, you’ll find that a classic shift, simple slip or midi dress with voluminous sleeves will always serve you well, this summer and for many summers to come.
With so many tempting new options up for grabs, I’ve done some digging to find the seven staple dress styles that tick the boxes of being effortless, versatile and undeniably chic. Happy shopping.
The Best Throw-On Dresses For Summer:
1. Slips
Style Notes: A slip dress is such a versatile style—pair it with trainers and sunglasses for an easy day look, or dress it up with jewellery and heeled sandals for a summer party outfit. This season, it looks like everyone is embracing more colours, so take the opportunity to explore the rainbow of options available.
Shop the Look:
& Other Stories
Slim Satin Midi Dress
The high neckline makes it look extra elevated.
Samsoe Samsoe
Samsoe Samsoe Sunna Sleeveless Square-Neck Maxi Dress
A rich brown is such a flattering hue.
LOVESHACKFANCY
Deyo Lace-Trimmed Printed Silk-Habotai Maxi Dress
This would look great with simple white trainers.
Reformation
Aribella Silk Dress
Dress it up for a wedding or down with flip flops.
Ghost
Palm Satin Midi Slip Dress
Ghost is well known for it’s slip dresses, and for good reason.
2. The Breezy White Dress
Style Notes: Does anything say “summer” more than a white dress? Even if you already own a go-to white dress, there are so many variations that I’m sure you could be convinced to invest in another…This season, I recommend leaning into the breezy, voluminous style, whether it’s a poplin dress with a voluminous skirt, or a more bohemian embroidered maxi.
Shop the Look:
Whistles
Poplin Cotton Mix Midi Dress
I’ve spotted so many London influencers in this exact dress.
Nobody’s Child
White Embroidered Tie Waist Aarti Smock Maxi Dress
This could easily pass for a designer find.
The silhouette of this dress is so gorgeous.
MATTEAU
Stapless Bow-Detailed Broderie Anglaise Organic Cotton Midi Dress
This is at the top of my wish list. The Broderie Anglaise fabric, the strapless silhouette, the pockets—it’s all so good.
3. Long Linen Dress
Style Notes: Linen is a must-have summer fabric that looks effortlessly cool enough to work in so many situations, from the office to your next holiday. This year, I’m embracing the longer silhouettes, from midi-length shift styles to ankle-grazing maxis. Dress up or down as you need with just a couple of accessory switches.
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Reformation
Frankie Linen Dress
Proof that sometimes simple really is best.
Nobody’s Child
Black Linen-Blend Lou Lou Midi Dress
This collared silhouette would be great for office wear.
H&M
Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
This would look gorgeous with gold or tan accessories.
Abercrombie & Fitch
High-Neck Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
free-est
Julietta Linen Off-The-Shoulder Maxi
This dress exudes effortless cool.
4. Colourful Maxi
Style Notes: I tend to see myself as a minimalist, but in the summer months I’m more tempted to embrace colour. If you’re also in the mood to brighten up your summer wardrobe, the easiest place to start is with a colourful maxi that does all the work for you, and will see you through warm weather at home or abroad on your next holiday,.
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The square neckline makes this look especially classic.
& Other Stories
Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress
You could add a waist belt if you wanted a little more definition.
THIERRY COLSON
Zenobia Pintucked Embroidered Linen Maxi Dress
I love the flowy fit of this maxi dress.
BERNADETTE
Fran Open-Back Linen Maxi Dress
The open back detail gives this a subtly elevated vibe.
Reformation
Delilah Linen Dress
The plunging neckline style also comes in blue, black and white.
5. Structured Mini Dress
Style Notes: As the temperature rises, so do our hemlines. Keep you mini dress feeling effortless yet polished by opting for a more structured silhouette, whether that means opting for a cleverly tailored dress that cinches the waist, or a thoughtfully ruched design.
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Reformation
Isha Linen Dress
I love the retro look of this halterneck dress.
ALIGNE
Leah Linen Mini Dress
The button-down detail makes this feel easy yet cool.
Reformation
Amorette Linen Dress
The fit of this dress is perfect.
MATTEAU
+ Net Sustain Shirred Organic Cotton Mini Dress
A gorgeous colour, fit and silhouette.
RIXO ⋆
Anise – Angel Floral Cream
6. Puff-Sleeved Midi
Style Notes: The voluminous sleeve midi dress has firmly become a summer staple over the past few years, and this season is no different. With a subtly romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, the silhouette feels particularly timeless—and thanks to its popularity, is available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
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& Other Stories
Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
I’d style it exactly like this.
Reformation
Marella Linen Dress
Straight out of a fairytale.
Dôen
Ischia Shirred Floral-Print Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
Dôen is an influencer go-to for this exact dress style.
SLEEPER
+ Net Sustain Atlanta Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Linen Midi Dress
A signature throw-on dress.
FAITHFULL
+ Net Sustain Palacio Gathered Linen Midi Dress
You can’t go wrong with a black summer dress.
7. Light Knit
Style Notes: Listen, sometimes the weather just will not cooperate. But even if it’s more of a grey sky day than blue, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dresses. A light knit style will be perfect for those slightly cooler days, and can also be a great holiday piece for layering over swimsuits when the sun suddenly sets.
Shop the Look:
Anthropologie
Slim Ribbed Knit Midi Dress
Booking a holiday to wear this on ASAP.
Nobody’s Child
Cream Knitted Racer Midi Dress
The racer back detail really sets this dress apart.
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Textured Midi Knitted Dress
This would look great on the beach.
ALIGNE
Mermaid V-Neck Knitted Dress
A black knitted dress is so easy to dress up or down.
Reformation
Camille Open Knit Maxi Dress
I love a crochet dress with a gold belt as above.