I Just Got Rid of These 6 Summer Dresses for a Much Chicer Replacement

We've reached the very happy point in the year when I'm slowly bringing out my summer dresses. This usually happens one by one and then all at once, and I love to watch the process of my closest transitioning over. I must admit something, though—not every item I bring out of storage ends up being a winner.

I have a hard time letting go of things, especially when I have memories attached to them, so you might find some outdated dresses in the collection. I've rounded up the things I am currently adding to the donation pile. On the other hand, there's one dress trend I think is seriously worth investing in right now: the cotton poplin dress. It's lightweight and elegant and comes in so many iterations you'll never grow tired of it. Also, the best part is it will never end up in a donation bin. Scroll down to find your summer uniform.

Donating: Cowl-Neck Slip Dresses

Buying: Classic White Cotton Poplin Dresses

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

I guarantee that a white cotton poplin dress is in every fashion person's closet. It's a piece that manages to be timeless while also being very right now. You'll feel just as elegant and poised as they do when you wear yours.

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Donating: Embroidered Dresses

Buying: Cutout Cotton Poplin Dresses

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Cutouts are going to be everything this summer. The trend has really reached its peak. You're in good hands with cotton poplin. It is demure and sophisticated, making for an interesting contrast from the sharp cutouts.

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Donating: Knee-Length Dresses

Buying: Colorful Cotton Poplin Dresses

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(Image credit: @nicoleocran)

If I could pick only one color to wear this summer, it would be pink. All my Y2K dreams come true whenever I wear it.

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Donating: Bandana-Print Dresses

Buying: Maxi Cotton Poplin Dresses

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

There's just something about a floor-length skirt. While certain trends are starting to feel outdated, maxi dresses that I bought years ago still look just as good. You can invest without fear in this trend.

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Donating: Polka-Dot Dresses

Buying: Floral-Print Cotton Poplin Dresses

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(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

This is the most Bridgerton-esque and cottagecore section of this story, so you might want to scroll slowly so you don't miss something good. These dresses will have you glowing.

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Donating: Lace-Up Dresses

Buying: Cotton Poplin Shirtdresses

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(Image credit: @cocobassey)

Last but not least, the most effortless staple of all happens to be the shirtdress. With it being such an easy way to get dressed, you can count on it to make your summer style easy.

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This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.