If You Like Receiving Compliments, These Pretty Dress Trends Belong in Your Cart

I'm a sucker for a great dress. A chic frock can be the perfect solution to summer dressing—easy to throw on with a pair of sandals, Mary Janes, or high heels—and reliable enough to see you through a whole host of summer occasions. I mean, once the temps surge above 75°, there is nothing more blissful than freeing my arms and legs and letting a single item take the sartorial spotlight.

Depending on your style aesthetic, there are plenty of fresh styles to try this season. Below, I'm highlighting 10 pretty trends, from alluring slip dresses to eye-catching crochet maxi dresses, that have the fashion-person stamp of approval this summer. These are more than just your basic dresses. These frocks feature details, fabrics, colors, and fashion-forward silhouettes that stand out from the crowd. In other words, they'll incite all the compliments when you step out in them! So if you want to hear "Wow, pretty dress!" the next time you head out to brunch, the beach, or a bar, then take a look below at the charming dress trends worth considering this summer.

Crochet and Open Knit

Open-knit and crochet fabrics are everywhere this summer in everything from neutral hues to colorful patterns. Opt for a crochet dress in a sleek and streamlined silhouette instead to keep your look polished.

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Sultry Slips

Silky slips and boudoir-inspired dresses are having a major moment this summer season. Just add sleek flat sandals and a relaxed button-down to put a casual spin on the luxurious-looking frock.

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Lovely Linen

Linen dresses exude an effortless elegance in summer. Whether you go for a pop of color or classic white, it's the perfect option to add to your summer arsenal.

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Cascading Ruffles

Cascading ruffles and hemlines are one of the prettiest trends we've been spotting on the fashion set this season. Romantic, ethereal, and playful, you're sure to get plenty of compliments in one of these below.

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Sheer

Sheer fabrics dominated the runways, and the fashion set has been quick to jump on the alluring trend. Whether you go for a lacy fabric or tissue-thin transparent layers, a sheer frock exudes an of-the-moment look.

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Aquamarine

Lean into the mermaidcore trend, and opt for beautiful aquamarine hues, textured fabrics, and shimmering blue-green shades. Don't forget sea-inspired accessories to finish your look.

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Pretty Prints

It's not summer without some pretty, colorful prints. Whether you go for bold florals or geometric prints, they're ideal for your next warm-weather vacation.

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Rosettes

Stunning 3D florals continue their dominance this summer, and we're seeing them on a myriad of dress styles. The pretty appliqué is a trend-forward way to wear your florals this season and is the perfect option for special occasions. 

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Shimmer and Shine

In continuation with the mermaidcore trend, shimmery and glittery fabrics are trending hard this summer. Give them a casual touch and style over your swimsuits with casual sandals and minimal accessories.

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Ruching and Draping

The spring/summer 2023 runways were rife with beautiful goddess-inspired draped dresses and irresistible ruching details. Both retailers and the fashion set have been quick to lean into the pretty trend, and there's no doubt we'll see it in full force this summer.

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