Check out our edit of the best high street and designer midi, maxi and mini dresses available to shop now and wear all season.
Now the mornings are brighter and the days are longer, you feel as though you have a little pep in your step. Although the torrential rain may be keeping us indoors, we’re lifting our spirits with thoughts of the sunshine-ready dress styles we can wear to every upcoming event.
The sartorial equivalent of an Aperol spritz, a summery dress is the ultimate wardrobe pick-me up. From mood-boosting colour block pieces to ditsy floral prints, we’ve found the dresses that are endlessly stylish but effortlessly easy to wear so you won’t feel like you’re overdoing it – even in your garden. In fact, we like to think that a chic new dress and a nostalgic summer playlist on full blast is the perfect way to spend any afternoon.
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From Zara’s hit dresses that’ll make you feel like you’re on holiday (even when you’re not) to Rixo’s investment offering, there’s always an excuse to dress up, feel your best and pack those leggings and hoodies away for a short while.
Whether you opt for a punchy mini, a universally flattering midi style or a printed maxi, there’s a dress that’ll suit everyone. Take a look at Stylist’s pick of the best feel-good summery dresses you’ll want to wear on repeat this spring/summer 2021.
The best summery dresses to shop now
Sugarhill Brighton Tara Batik Tiered Sundress
The Drop: Sugarhill Brighton Lauretta Shirt Tiered Dress If the recent heatwave taught us anything, it’s that you can never have too many strappy dresses. The ombré batik print reminds us of bucket-list holidays in Bali, while the crossover back detail adds an extra hit of interest without compromising the ability to wear a conventional bra underneath.
Nooki Design Azul maxi dress
The Drop: Nooki Design Azul Maxi Dress Available in three colours – pink, black, or khaki – Nooki London’s cotton maxi dress has everything we’re looking for in a summer dress. The V-neckline has delicate embroidery detail, while the floaty sleeves and long length create a breezy style that can be easily worn to your local’s beer garden as well as to the beach.
Naayib Midnight Floral Maxi Dress
Best summery dresses This lightweight navy maxi dress is perfect for summer events and evenings with friends; simply add sandals or a kitten heel. Modest label Naayib also works with manufacturers who pay fair wages, provide a safe working environment, meaning you can look good while feeling good too.
Sugarhill Brighton dress
The Drop: Sugarhill Brighton Lauren Smock Dress Ultra-comfortable and ever-stylish, Sugarhill Brighton’s pink and raspberry tiger print dress is the one-stop essential every spring/summer wardrobe needs.
Ganni dress
Best summery dresses: Ganni One of the latest prints from Ganni, expect to see this rose print everywhere for spring. Try it out the Scandi way by wearing with your chunky stomper boots.
Marks and Spencer dress
Best summery dresses: Marks and Spencer Trust Marks and Spencer to not only deliver Percy Pigs in abundance but also create an array of dreamy summer dresses. The do-it-all high street hero has nailed the ‘throw on anytime’ midi style.
Coast dress
Best summery dresses: Coast The humble smock dress is one of those styles that’ll serve you well for spring. Wear this khaki number from Coast with boots for now and switch to platform flip flops with a straw bag for summer.
& Other Stories dress
Best summery dresses: & Other Stories Knotted details are updating dresses and skirts for spring and this beige iteration is ticking so many boxes. Wear it with strappy sandals to keep it sleek.
Weekday dress
Best summery dresses: Weekday This slinky slip dress in swirl tie-dye print will see you through summer in serious style. Wear it with trainers and a bucket hat when the weather gets warmer.
New Look dress
Best summery dresses: New Look Yes, yes and hell yes to this green gingham midi. Imagine it on a sunny day with nothing but lace-up sandals. For now, layer over a high neck top with ankle boots.
Aje dress
Best summery dresses: Aje A white dress is a summer must-have and this one ticks all the boxes. Ruffles, linen and midi length, who else wants to wear this to a beach post-lockdown?
Hush dress
Best summery dresses: Hush This dress is a gem you won’t want to miss. The puff sleeves, asymmetric hem and universally flattering length is what makes it a winner all round.
French Connection dress
Best summery dresses: French Connection A summer hero piece if ever we saw one, you’ll wear this on every holiday in the future. Be patient, you’ll have the sand between your toes once again.
Whistles dress
Best summery dresses: Whistles A denim dress is basically a summer essential. Wear now over a roll neck knit with stomper boots; for summer, switch to chunky sandals.
Rixo dress
Best summery dresses: Rixo Rixo dresses are worth the investment – buy now, love forever. This cult dress will look great with everything from your Birkenstocks to your square-toe heels.
& Other Stories dress
Best summery dresses: & Other Stories The popular knitted dress isn’t going anywhere for the new season. Embrace light, neutral colours and they’ll go the distance in your wardrobe throughout the year.
Amylynn dress
Best summery dresses: Amylynn This punchy pink mini will look so good with strappy tie-up sandals and an oversized basket bag. A look that’ll make us feel like we are on our summer hols, even if we’re not there yet.
Misa Los Angeles dress
Best summery dresses: Misa Los Angeles This long-sleeved floral dress is the perfect throw-on style. Easy and comfortable, yet super chic and put together. It’s a winner all round.
Zara dress
Best summery dresses: Zara This perfect printed dress is so good for summer soirées. Imagine this with tan sandals and a clashing orange bag and golden jewellery. Swoon.
Reformation dress
Best summery dresses: The Reformation A white frock is just as versatile as the classic black dress. This embroidered style by LA brand Reformation is making us dream of warmer days.
Sika dress
Best summery dresses: Sika Looking for a summery ‘wow’ dress? Look no further. This printed style is handmade in Ghana and will make a statement any day of the week.
Mango dress
Best summery dresses: Mango A black dress will never fail in the outfit department. This swishy style will look just as good with flip flops in high summer as it will with heeled boots.
Next/Mix dress
Best summery dresses: Next/Mix The ultimate easy-to-throw-on-anytime dress, this Next/Mix style in green gingham has summer picnics written all over it. With a simple swap of the shoe, this dress will take you to any event this summer.
Opening image: Rixo
Images: courtesy of brands