A cool summer dress is an instant mood booster, fuss free and on trend. Stylist has found the best styles to fill your day with joy.
Now the mornings are brighter and the days are longer, you feel as though you have a little pep in your step. Though we’re still staying inside, we’re lifting our spirits with thoughts of the sunshine-ready styles, and that will last us until our next summer holiday.
The sartorial equivalent of an Aperol spritz, a summer 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 a socially distanced park visit.
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From H&M’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 puff sleeve, wrap or off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, there’s a style that’ll suit everyone. Take a look at the Stylist pick of the best feel-good summer dresses that won’t blow the budget - wear in your garden/balcony/or local park.
The best summer dresses to shop now
Topshop
Best Summer dresses: Floral Topshop dress This deep ‘V’ neck floral dress, will look great now with your simple summer sandals, but also it’s the perfect dress-up style for an occasion.
Whistles
Best Summer dresses: Whistles pink dress This block colour tea dress from Whistles will look great accessorized with your chunky dad sandals and cool hair accessories.
Rixo
Best Summer dresses: Rixo floral dress Rixo dresses are worth the investment, buy now love forever. This cult buy will look great with everything from your Birkenstocks to your square-toe heels.
& Other Stories
Best summer dresses: & Other Stories black dress An LBD is a wardrobe staple, this linen puff sleeve style from & Other Stories is a great workwear option. Try with backless loafers.
River Island
Best Summer dresses: Mustard dress River Island This off-the-shoulder style from River Island, will look great with stappy tie up sandals and an oversized basket bag, a look that’ll make us feel like we are on our summer hols.
Mango
Best Summer dresses: Striped Mango dress This striped dress, it the perfect throw-on style. Easy and comfortable yet super chic and put together. Win win.
H&M
Best Summer dresses: Pale blue dress H&M Off-the-shoulder styles are definitely trending, try this voluminous textured dress with your comfy Teva sandals to toughen up your look.
Reformation
Best Summer dresses: Floral slip dress Reformation Get a fashion influencer inspired look, and wear your floaty florals with chunky dad style trainers.
Kitri
Best Summer dresses: Orange linen Kitri dress Get on the waiting list for Kitri’s eagerly awaited new collection. This hot orange milk maid style is an absolute winner.
Zara
Best Summer dresses: White Zara slip dress Silky slip dresses are trending for summer, this delicate white style from Zara definitely requires flesh coloured underwear.
Next
Best Summer dresses: Blue wrap dress Next Wrap dresses are comfortable and super flattering, team this blue style from Emma Willis’ collection at Next with your fail-safe Converse.
Images: courtesy of brands