As we finally get into the swing of the summer months (and the weather starts to actually be seasonably appropriate), staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. The focus on layering that dominated the cooler months is replaced by an innate desire to keep things simple—and what's simpler than a really great dress?
In my opinion, the key to a great dress is its versatility. Whether I'm going for a high street or designer piece, I want to know my summer dresses can be worn on rotation throughout the season and, with just a swap of sandals for trainers, a raffia tote for a sleek shoulder bag, can still feel fresh and new.
When you're looking for an easy throw-on summer dress, my advice is to focus on classic shapes and light, breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are summer essentials, as they're lightweight enough to be comfortable even on the stickiest days and somehow manage to always look understatedly refined. And when it comes to silhouettes, you'll find that a classic shift, simple slip or midi dress with voluminous sleeves will always serve you well, this summer and for many summers to come.
With so many tempting new options up for grabs, I've done some digging to find the seven staple dress styles that tick the boxes of being effortless, versatile and undeniably chic. Happy shopping.
The Best Throw-On Dresses For Summer:
1. Slips
Style Notes: A slip dress is such a versatile style—pair it with trainers and sunglasses for an easy day look, or dress it up with jewellery and heeled sandals for a summer party outfit. This season, it looks like everyone is embracing more colours, so take the opportunity to explore the rainbow of options available.
Shop the Look:
The high neckline makes it look extra elevated.
A rich brown is such a flattering hue.
Dress it up for a wedding or down with flip flops.
This would look great with simple white trainers.
Ghost is well known for it's slip dresses, and for good reason.
2. The Breezy White Dress
Style Notes: Does anything say "summer" more than a white dress? Even if you already own a go-to white dress, there are so many variations that I'm sure you could be convinced to invest in another...This season, I recommend leaning into the breezy, voluminous style, whether it's a poplin dress with a voluminous skirt, or a more bohemian embroidered maxi.
Shop the Look:
Simple perfection.
I've spotted so many London influencers in this exact dress.
This could easily pass for a designer find.
The silhouette of this dress is so gorgeous.
This is at the top of my wish list. The Broderie Anglaise fabric, the strapless silhouette, the pockets—it's all so good.
3. Long Linen Dress
Style Notes: Linen is a must-have summer fabric that looks effortlessly cool enough to work in so many situations, from the office to your next holiday. This year, I'm embracing the longer silhouettes, from midi-length shift styles to ankle-grazing maxis. Dress up or down as you need with just a couple of accessory switches.
Shop the Look:
Proof that sometimes simple really is best.
This collared silhouette would be great for office wear.
This would look gorgeous with gold or tan accessories.
So classic.
This dress exudes effortless cool.
4. Colourful Maxi
Style Notes: I tend to see myself as a minimalist, but in the summer months I'm more tempted to embrace colour. If you're also in the mood to brighten up your summer wardrobe, the easiest place to start is with a colourful maxi that does all the work for you, and will see you through warm weather at home or abroad on your next holiday,.
Shop the Look:
The square neckline makes this look especially classic.
I love the flowy fit of this maxi dress.
You could add a waist belt if you wanted a little more definition.
The open back detail gives this a subtly elevated vibe.
The plunging neckline style also comes in blue, black and white.
5. Structured Mini Dress
Style Notes: As the temperature rises, so do our hemlines. Keep you mini dress feeling effortless yet polished by opting for a more structured silhouette, whether that means opting for a cleverly tailored dress that cinches the waist, or a thoughtfully ruched design.
Shop the Look:
I love the retro look of this halterneck dress.
The button-down detail makes this feel easy yet cool.
The fit of this dress is perfect.
Such a pretty print.
A gorgeous pattern, fit and silhouette.
6. Puff-Sleeved Midi
Style Notes: The voluminous sleeve midi dress has firmly become a summer staple over the past few years, and this season is no different. With a subtly romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, the silhouette feels particularly timeless—and thanks to its popularity, is available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Shop the Look:
I'd style it exactly like this.
Dôen is an influencer go-to for this exact dress style.
Perfect for a garden party.
You can't go wrong with a black summer dress.
A signature throw-on dress.
7. Light Knit
Style Notes: Listen, sometimes the weather just will not cooperate. But even if it's more of a grey sky day than blue, that doesn't mean you have to give up your dresses. A light knit style will be perfect for those slightly cooler days, and can also be a great holiday piece for layering over swimsuits when the sun suddenly sets.
Shop the Look:
Booking a holiday to wear this on ASAP.
The cut and colour really sets this dress apart.
This would look great on the beach.
A black knitted dress is so easy to dress up or down.
Add a gold belt and knee-high boots.
-
Sienna Miller's Under-$200 Madewell Dress Is So Chic She Wore It on the Red CarpetIt's somehow still in stock.
-
Last Call: These 30 Fashion Finds From Amazon's October Prime Day Are Guaranteed to Make Your Outfit Look More ElevatedChic and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Kacey Musgraves Just Wore This $185 Dress Onstage With Sabrina CarpenterIt's still in stock.
-
Mindy Kaling's Cute $75 Dress Is Destined to Sell Out at NordstromCome one, come all.
-
Bring On the Compliments—These 32 Mango Dresses Are on Major Sale and Ready to Turn HeadsUnder $50 and dangerously close to selling out.
-
Every Celebrity Stylist Is Fighting Over This Dress Right NowIt's easy to see why.
-
I Ordered the $145 '90s Minidress That's Viral on TikTok, and Now I'm ObsessedYou'll understand once you buy one.
-
From Dôen to Zara—40 Casual Black Dresses You Won't Regret BuyingThere's something for every budget.
