We love dresses for their undeniable versatility and ability to be the answer to any "I have nothing to wear" dilemma. There's no denying I've relied on an LBD for multiple nights out, a slip dress for a last-minute wedding outfit; and a lightweight linen style as soon as temperatures rise. But for summer 2024, there are so many fresh trends coming through that the classics may be overlooked in favour of the new colours, textures, silhouettes and prints vying for our attention.
Butter yellow is stealing the limelight when it comes to the most loved shade right now, crochet is a key texture, the drop-waist has made a return in the silhouette selection; and when it comes to prints, there are so many more to know about other than leopard. This is why I wanted to highlight some of the most show-stopping prints around—from petite polkas to statement stripes—that were spotted on the S/S 24 runways.
So if you're happy to step away from animal print for a moment, these are the four fun prints that are about to dominate your dress collection for the foreseeable.
1. Polka Dots
Carolina Herrera SS24
Stella McCartney SS24
Style Notes: Big or small, spots and dots are the classic print feeding back into our summer uniforms. Carolina Herrera, Stella McCartney, Balmain and Saint Laurent were amongst some of the names putting polka dots on the runway for spring/summer, and trust me: It's all about the dresses for wedding guest looks, picnics in the park and balmy holiday evenings.
Shop Polka-Dot Dresses:
I've already seen so many editors wearing this.
The perfect wedding guest option.
Even denim has had a polka-dot update.
An easy way to achieve French style.
Hello, holiday dress of dreams.
2. Dopamine Stripes
Emilia Wickstead SS24
Gabriela Hearst SS24
Style Notes: Monochromatic stripes will always have a place in our wardrobes, but for summer, a hit of dopamine is called for. Whilst Gabriela Hearst went for punchy stripes in textured crochet, Emilia Wickstead put the retro mini back on the map in '70s shades. I for one will be embracing these uplifting dresses, with help from brands including Mango, Kitri and Rixo.
Shop Striped Dresses:
Basically summer in dress form.
Diagonal stripes feel so fresh.
I can see influencer Lucy Williams in this.
Another wedding-guest dress contender.
So fun!
3. Loud Florals
Stine Goya SS24
Burberry SS24
Style Notes: No being a wallflower this season—when it comes to florals, they're bold, in your face and unafraid to be centre of attention. Burberry went for bright embroidered styles, whereas Stine Goya stuck to Scandi-style acid hues—either way, it's all about bold blooms in any and every shade of the rainbow.
Shop Floral Dresses:
I love this retro print.
Just add a basket bag and flip-flops.
One for the maximalists.
I would wear this for a picnic in the park. Plus, it comes in sizes XXS–XXXL.
This '90s style mini is fresh from the new Siedrés collaboration.
4. Grid Paper
MSGM SS24
Chanel SS24
Style Notes: Grid prints will no doubt make you feel nostalgic—they take me straight back to 2013 when I wore the square check at any given opportunity. Now, MSGM, Chanel and Versace have brought back the print in both bold and subtly printed dresses that resemble the graph paper at school. I'm still into it.
Shop Grid-Print Dresses:
An easy way to update the classic white dress.
The print, the hemline, the back ties—pure perfection.
I love pink and red together.
I would wear this with fisherman sandals.
Well done, Ganni.
