Monikh layers her Mango x Simon Miller blue midi dress over the matching trousers.
Willpower is an important skill to nurture, especially when it comes to shopping. Personally, I'm quite good at being selective with most categories of clothing—I tend to hold out until I find the pair of jeans, cotton T-shirt or classic loafers that feel like they were made for me. But when it comes to dresses, try as I may, my cup will never be filled.
And can you blame me? Every season, the array of dresses released by luxury brands and high-street stores is borderline overwhelming. And every one of them is unique from the last. Be it a sweetheart mini or a sleek black maxi, each time a dress catches my eye, my mind fills with potential outfits and hypothetical occasions that only this dress will work for. Yes, it's a problem.
I accepted a long time ago that I can't possibly own all the dressers I fall in love with—storage issues, lack of funds and the environmental impact of excessive buying being just a handful of reasons—but I have found a way to indulge my dress obsession to a reasonable extent.
Jessica styles her & Other Stories crochet maxi dress as a bikini cover-up.
Where I try to invest the bulk of my fashion budget in pieces I know I'll own for the long haul and I'm unlikely to tire of (think 100% cotton basics and vegan leather accessories), I generally stick to high street dresses. This way, I can enjoy a myriad of styles that take my interest without breaking the bank, while paying attention to the quality of the materials and considering whether they'll work in my wardrobe for the foreseeable.
It helps that brands like & Other Stories, H&M and Marks and Spencer all have their finger on the pulse when it comes to trends—as well as offering a wealth of timeless silhouettes each season. And you might be surprised by how expensive looking they are. Don't worry, I'm not going to leave you to sift through the masses of dresses by yourself. I've rounded up 30 below that I think are worthy of your attention. While you scroll through, I'm off to decide which I can justify adding to my wardrobe...
Rachael showcases a butter-colour midi dress with frill detailing from Arket's new collection.
1. & Other Stories
Get ready to see open-knit dresses everywhere this summer.
& Other Stories bring this bestselling shape out every year, and for good reason.
Sometimes simple is the best route, and it means you can have fun with your accessories.
This is a beautiful option for a beach wedding.
This print is a work of art. Monet's Waterlilies, anyone?
2. Arket
I'd wear this delicate dress to a garden party or a park picnic.
As comfortable as it is stylish.
Blue-and-white stripes are the picture of summer.
The perfect dress for balmy days.
I'm usually hesitant to wear bright colours, but this unique shade instantly caught my eye.
3. Mango
If it's good enough for Monikh, it's good enough for me.
Every warm-weather wardrobe needs an LWD (little white dress).
All our editors are *obsessed* with this designer-looking dress.
If someone told me this was over £100, I wouldn't question it.
Take this beauty on holidays and wear it from beach to bar.
4. H&M
Did someone say Norma Kamali?
You could easily dress this up or down.
Sometimes T-shirt dresses can be a bit shapeless, but this one feels so elevated.
The pleating on this one looks really premium.
Well done, H&M.
5. Whistles
A classic summer dress you'll reach for time and time again.
Another great wedding guest option.
We consider gingham to be an essential print to have in your wardrobe. It's up there with stripes and polka dots.
I haven't seen many sleeveless denim dresses; this way, I can wear my favourite fabric even when it's warm out.
Just the right amount of ruffles.
6. Marks & Spencer
I'm picturing wearing this as I laze about on a sun-soaked Greek island.
Shirring always draws me to a dress.
M&S has created so many special prints this season.
Bookmark this breezy style for the next heatwave.
Date night ready.
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