I No Longer Want to Wear These "Dated" Summer Dresses—6 I'm Way More Into

With summer just around the corner, dresses are on my mind. Once temps hit above 21°C, there's nothing more blissful than taking a break from my usual wardrobe and allowing a single item of clothing to speak to my entire look. Easy, effortless, and reliable for work, the weekend, holiday, and a myriad of summer occasions, dresses are all I want to live in come June, July, and August.

Luckily, we have plenty of fresh styles to get excited about this summer. Determined to add some of-the-moment styles to my wardrobe, I did a deep dive and scoured everything from spring and summer 2024 runways to what's trending on Instagram. I also got plenty of notes from my fellow editors to see what specific dress styles have the fashion-crowd stamp of approval this summer.

If you're also looking for a summer dress update, you're in luck. I'm sharing 6 noteworthy dress styles I'm invest in this year and the 6 styles I'll be retiring (for now). What I will say is that this is my own opinion—if I'm pausing on a dress trend you love wearing, then don't let me deter you by any means. This is just my personal preference for 2024, nothing more! So, without further ado, from a fresh take on floral dresses to strapless silhouettes, scroll on to discover the 6 summer dress trends I'm excited about this year.

1. Pause: Strappy, Bandage Dresses

Wear: Strapless Silhouettes 

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(Image credit: @jordanarisa)

Style Notes: It's all about shoulder-baring strapless silhouettes this summer. Whether you lean into the '90s minimalist trend or go for a bold print or vibrant colour, this sleek silhouette will dominate this season.

Shop the Trend:

2. Pause: Wrap Dresses

Wear: Draping + Ruching

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: S/S 24 runways were rife with beautiful goddess-inspired draped dresses and irresistible ruching details. Both retailers and the fashion set have been quick to jump on the pretty trend, and there's no doubt we'll see it in full force this summer.

Shop the Trend:

3. Pause: Ditsy Florals

Wear: Rosettes

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: Skip the ditsy prints in favor of bold and beautiful rosettes this season. The pretty appliqué is a trend-forward way to wear your florals this summer. And luckily, its dominance is expected to continue into fall!

Shop the Trend:

4. Pause: Corduroy Dresses

Wear: Denim Dresses

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Denim dresses are in the spotlight this summer after dominating S/S 24 runways. Whether you opt for a loose slip dress or a retro minidress, you're guaranteed to look on-trend sporting denim this summer.

Shop the Trend:

5. Pause: Pinafore Dresses

Wear: '90s Minimalist Dresses

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Style Notes: As we've seen, chich and minimalist silhouettes from the '90s are trending. Take a break from Alexa Chung-style pinafores and opt for a sleek and versatile dress that will go with almost everything in your closet.

Shop the Trend:

6. Pause: Paisley

Wear: Polka Dot

$ @remyfarrell wears a polka dot dress

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

Style Notes: Polka dots never really went out of style, but the print has certainly made an re-entrance that no one expected this season; specifically monochrome styles or white polka dots on a chocolate brown base. Even our very own fashion editor Remy Farrell has gotten behind the classic print this summer.

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Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.