Wear a bandeau top and a matching skirt for the appearance of a dress.
In addition to languid frocks, tailored skirts and denim in excess, bandeau dresses and strapless silhouettes have shaped up to be one of this and last season's most esteemed trends. And they’re here to stay. The debut, or rather revival, of this trend comes hot on the tail of Y2k and bears relevance to the tube tops that I was accustomed to for a large proportion of my teen years, so spotting it ready-to-wear is peak nostalgia. The tube top trend was cemented last year, but this season’s iterations are elevated and boast intentional details. TOVE’s Lauryn dress set the precedent for the elaborate bandeau dresses that followed suit this summer.
The styles once reminiscent of the ‘90s supermodel era have been given an overhaul and are now available in modern silhouettes for the summer. 2023's creations include many cuts made from humble jersey, drop waist styles with full skirting and of course the popular bodycon fits. There’s a bandeau dress for all tastes and occasions – from bridal (courtesy of Magda Butrym, for example) to easy day dresses.
I adore décolletage-bearing style elements and to my delight, this demure style is being championed far and wide. And as a lover of extended hemlines, I also appreciate how flashes of skin balance generous swathes of fabric. Due to the versatility of strapless styles, bandeau dresses are apt for occasionwear and they’re an equally flattering pairing with light and fuss-free fabrications. From lightweight cotton gauze minis to voluminous prom-style dresses, bandeau dresses are proving to be an anti-trend piece that will work hard in your wardrobe.
I spent hours scouting the most timeless bandeau dresses on offer this season. Keep reading for 26 of the most impressive strapless styles on the market this summer. I plan on wearing this style for years to come.
Shop the Best Bandeau Dresses:
Drop waists dresses are also proving popular this season, especially when paired with fluted skirting.
After the popularity of the Lauryn dress last summer, TOVE reintroduced the style for 2023 in a myriad of hues, including three additional colourways - red, black and white.
A clean-cut and modern fit that comes in this salty colourway and black. It comes with detachable straps so you can wear it one of two ways.
COS' bandeau dresses are my favourite on the high street this summer. This understated maxi is cut to perfection and like their knitted bandeau, this is destined to be a sell-out.
Magda Butrym's iconic floral appliqué brings a romantic element to apparel. This standout piece will make a stellar bridal gown or holiday look if you're a dress girl like me.
There are only a few sizes left in this Whistles dress but it's far too good not to share. I adore the shirred bodice and peek-a-boo back detailing. Fingers crossed for a restock.
Although I prefer block colours I'm drawn to this 'grown-up' floral motif. It's wedding guest dressing at its finest.
This dress is a quiet hero piece on the high street. It's crafted from linen and cotton and features a curved waist.
I don't tend to wear mini dresses but I'm tempted by this linen mini by COS.
Shirring is synonymous with summer. This Arkitaip piece also featured tiered lengths to create more volume. You can always rely on easy-wearing styles like this in the summer.
A clever two-piece with the allusion of a dress. I've been wearing similar looks this summer.
Between the sweetheart neckline, overlay and colour Nicholas created romantic and gothic elements in one piece.
The perfect green and a whole host of admirable design features. Matteau wins when it comes to summer dressing.
Albus Lumen is one of my favourite brands for summer pieces. The vertical stitching loans a subtle pop of colour and it also adds the intentional illusion of shaping.
As a result of Sofia Ritche's bridal looks, Posse is garnering quite the fanbase. The limited arsenal features everything from taught dresses to flouncy floral numbers. This ruched bandeau caught my attention.
I own this dress in cream and it's a piece that works hard in my wardrobe. The Bardot neckline and long-sleeve cut is a demure twist on typical strapless styles.
The waist belt and fullness of the skirt are reminiscent of the fit and flare styles of the '50s, albeit more refined.
Raey released this style at the beginning of spring and it still lives in my mind.
The fishtail hem lends itself to eveningwear. Pile jewels and hair up high.
I've been in love with the Lauryn dress since 2022 and much to my delight, it's now available in white.
Jersey never looked so good. Pair this with a denim jacket for an everyday look, or heels for date-night.
The inverted V, pintuck stitching and pronounced skirt make this a piece you'd think was designer.
The taught waistband and puff sleeve detail is a nod to cottagecore. The trend lives on.
Refer to the Me+Em site to see how to turn this dress into a maxi or midi skirt.
Two fashion-forward (but timeless) elements in one piece. I'd expect nothing less from Raey.
This year, Wolford's Fatal Dress was a celebrity favourite but you can't dispute how special the Gilda is. From the ruched bustier to the deep neckline, it's a piece that'll make you feel like a million dollars.
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