Having lived in London for 13 years, I've been spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing restaurants, bars or new exhibitions to head to at the weekends. But often, during summer, it will always come down to which places have the best al fresco area (because as a summer person, you'll always find me outside).
This is mainly to catch the rays as soon as the sun makes an appearance, but it's also to people watch—my favourite hobby. At home, or even better, on holiday, there's nothing I love more than getting some outfit inspiration whilst sipping on an Aperol. Am I right? And recently, it's the dresses everyone has been wearing now that warm weather is finally here that are piquing my interest the most.
Instead of the usual white linen dresses or puff-sleeve styles I've seen a lot of in recent years, I'm seeing shirt dresses heading south into maxi versions, retro A-line and shift shapes taking over when it comes to minis and midis; and one colour coming through as a particular favourite at my local brunch haunt.
Here are the six dress styles I've been seeing all over London recently, and some easy-to-copy outfits anyone can try.
6 Summer Dress Outfits I'm Seeing All Over London
1. Slip Dress + Trench Coat + Heels
Style Notes: As a Who What Wear UK columnist, we can always trust Monikh Dale to put together a winning ensemble. Seeing as London weather is so unpredictable, a just-in-case trench coat is always a good idea and works well with a simple slip.
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So simple, so chic.
Size up for an extra-roomy fit that will also work over jumpers in autumn and winter.
These are available in sizes 3–9.
A zesty bag will update the simplest of outfits.
2. A-line Dress + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Making a fancy dress work for the day is a skill many of the most stylish women in London have mastered. I love how India Cardona wore this polka-dot style with casual mesh flats, aviator shades and timeless gold jewellery.
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Polka dots and other spotty prints are a fun microtrend this season.
These come in eight other colours.
I'm seeing aviators everywhere at the moment.
You can't beat a chunky gold bracelet.
3. Brown Dress + Woven Bag
Style Notes: Chocolate brown is one of the chicest shades around, no matter the season. Whilst it's usually worn with gold jewellery, I love how Francesca Saffari has styled her brown linen dress with silver—a look I'll copy and paste whenever I need to look particularly chic on a warm day.
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This is Francesca's exact dress (and it also comes in white).
I've spotted so many cord necklaces in East London.
Forget the old "rule"—black will always work with any shade of brown.
Such a good alternative to the sold-out Dragon Diffusion styles.
4. Maxi Shirt Dress + Sleek Accessories
Style Notes: Recently, I've seen more white maxi shirt dresses than linen dresses on the streets of London. Make like Marilyn and elevate the look with simple but impactful accessories.
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All about that oversized fit.
You could also wear this tied around your neck or your bag handle.
The ankle tie makes these feel so fresh.
Forever on my wish list.
Everyone needs a high-quality pair of everyday hoops.
5. Dropped-Waist Dress + Basket Bag
Style Notes: Bandeau shapes have been around for a while, but it's the dropped waist that's taking the silhouette into summer 2024. Lauren-Nicole shows how London women are also taking the style to warmer climes, so don't be surprised if it becomes your new favourite holiday hero as well as a city staple.
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Blush pink is having a moment.
Have you seen a more joyful bag?!
To go with every outfit, forever.
As comfy as they look.
6. Button-Down Minidress + Heels
Style Notes: It's finally minidress weather! Strappy, crochet and linen iterations will never fail, but Eni has made a case for the button-down shift style I've been seeing from the likes of Aligne, Reformation and Posse.
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Just like Aligne's yellow waistcoat, you're about to see this mini everywhere.
You'll end up wearing these for every dressy occasion.
Practical? Nope. Chic? Yep!
These are Gigi Hadid-approved.
