25 Throw-On Summer Dresses That Still Feel Really Polished
Every year, there comes a point when I make the switch from my usual uniform (jeans and a simple top, probably striped) to donning dresses everyday. It usually happens somewhere between mid-May and June, and it's prompted by the first signs of warmer weather. After several weeks of blue(r) skies and milder temperatures, I feel safe in making the transition now. After all, when we find ourselves in 20-degree climes, there's no comfier item to float around in than a lightweight cotton dress.
To be more specific, cotton poplin is the fabrication I'll be stocking up on for the coming months. It's crisper and softer than its sister fabrics, and it's naturally wrinkle-resistant. You'll be grateful for this fact when you stuff your holiday dresses unceremoniously into your suitcase, only to discover there's no iron in your hotel room. We've all been there.
The good news is that the closer we get to summer, the more poplin dresses are populating new-in categories. The bad news, if you're impatient like me, is this means sifting through hundreds of styles in search of the perfect dress (or two, or five). But don't worry—I've taken one for the team and done the wading for you. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best poplin dresses for the season ahead.
Shop the Best Poplin Dresses
It seems like one-shoulder silhouettes are everywhere at the moment—this is a trend I can get on board with.
I'd style this with a raffia clutch and strappy sandals.
This playful frock also comes in bright red, black and blue-and-white floral.
This dress has been all over Instagram lately.
This is the kind of design that feels fresh but will simultaneously stand the test of time.
Pluck out one of the colours in this dress to match your accessories to.
John Lewis' Anyday line offers so many stylish, affordable dresses.
This shade of blue was made for summer.
This intricate piece has been at the top of my wish list for weeks...
I'm imagining wearing this to a beachfront dinner on a Greek island. A girl can dream.
Next Up, I Only Wear Dresses in Summer: 24 Styles That Have My Full Attention Right Now
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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