42 Of The Best Summer Dresses For All Of Your Plans

As the temperatures continue to heat up and our calendars become filled to the brim with holiday plans, alfresco brunches, and a host of weddings, there is no need to get frazzled over what to wear. A summer dress leaves you with few other styling choices left to make, and so with these one-and-done pieces you don’t have to spend hours trying to assemble a stylish outfit.

Vogue’s summer dresses shortlist

Every summer, we look forward to the release of seasonal heroes from designer and high-street collections alike. This year, it’s bubble hemlines, draped fabrics and an eclectic mix of prints that have our hearts. Every dress in our edit will pair well with trending sneakers or the prettiest sandals in your wardrobe. Now is the time to also turn to the brands that do summer best; think Nanushka, Bernadette and Dries Van Noten. In their collections, you’ll find all of the sheer fabrics, fancy florals, and might minis your heart desires. See for yourself with our edit of the best summer dresses, below.

Drop-waist dresses

A standout silhouettes from last summer, drop-waist dresses are here to stay. Opt for Me + Em’s cotton poplin style for days spent swanning about the city, and look to Proenza Schouler and Cecilie Bahsen when the invitation reads “formal”.

Mighty minidresses

In the height of summer, listen to your legs when they call out for a higher hemline. From Gimaguas’s Costa dress to Arket’s sculptural minidress, any of these styles will slip seamlessly into your warm-weather wardrobe.

Bright red dresses

There’s a time and a place for butter yellow, but when it comes to dresses, bright red will always come up trumps.

Simple slip dresses

Underwear as outerwear is all the rage. Whether you wear yours during the day or save it for something special, no wardrobe is complete without a sleek slip.

Floral-print dresses

The sartorial equivalent to a sunny disposition, a floral dress sets the tone right for a bright summer’s day. Tip: You can always trust Dries Van Noten to come up with beautiful florals.

Boho dresses

Boho fashion has re-entered the chat, thanks largely to Chloé’s Chemena Kamali and (of course) Sienna Miller. Choose from styles made from billowing fabrics in lightweight compositions, or try something a little more understated – like Maksu’s black, embroidered cotton midi-dress or Me + Em’s Zig Zag maxi.

Polka dot dresses

Polka dot dresses are a forever classic, however this summer they are having a real moment and have become London’s favourite summer item.