Breezy, chic and easy to throw on—there's a lot to say in favour of wearing dresses in summer. Be they short, fitted, long, or billowy there's a place in our wardrobes for every style. Offering the quickest way to get dressed and out the door whilst ensuring that you look perfectly put-together, an excellent dress is many a fashion editor's summer non-negotiable.
Ever on the look out for a dress of such calibre, I couldn't help but notice that both Alexa Chung and Hannah Dodd both wore a simple yet elegant dress trend within days of one another, which, naturally, I took as a sign to document it.
Wearing a delicate silk crepe dress from Ralph Lauren, Alexa Chung's take on the trend saw her opt for an ivory style that featured ruffled short sleeves and a pretty floral motif that added a summery spirit to the elegant gown.
Just a few days later, Bridgerton actor Hannah Dodd stepped out in a sorbet yellow dress at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Dodd nodded to the trending style by selecting a floor-length dress that featured ruffle detailing at the sleeves and throughout the body, allowing her to keep her accessories simple and clean.
While the ruffle dress is synonymous with Y2K style, and there are definitely options on the market that fit the #throwback brief, 2024's shift towards classic style means that this trend has also been given grown-up appeal, with both Chung and Dodd opting for styles that fall into the latter category.
Versatile by nature, the trend styles well with mary janes or sandals to see you through a relaxed summer picnic, but looks all-the-more elevated when dressed up with heeled sandals and a top-handle bag, which, when combined, make for the perfect wedding guest outfit
Inspired by the new-season silhouette, read on to discover our edit of the best elegant ruffled dresses below.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST RUFFLE DRESSES HERE:
Style with high heels or pair with a pretty mary jane.
This elegant dress indulges in lace, ruffles and frills and moves beautifully as you walk.
This comes in six other styles including leopard print.
Shop the elegant dress that Alexa's been wearing this summer.
The yellow colour trend is taking off this season.
A pretty maxi dress make getting dressed during summer so easy.
The adjustable straps mean that you can alter this to your preference.
The floral motif adds vintage charm to this pretty dress.
-
If You've Already Ordered This Pretty Winter Trend Celebs Just Started Wearing, You Have Good TasteSpotted on It girls in Paris and NYC.
-
Everyone Stylish in Paris Is Suddenly Wearing This 2025 Color Pairing to Avoid "Boring" OutfitsSpotted at the Miu Miu show.
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall OutfitsDid I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
It's Official: Everyone With Good Style Will Wear These 2 Colors Together in 2026As seen on Alexa Chung in Paris.
-
The Key to Looking Rich in a Black Dress in 2025 Is Wearing This Timeless It Item With ItAlexa Chung is aware.
-
Hold the Sandals—This Is the Shoe Trend to Wear With Dresses in SeptemberAs seen on Alexa Chung.
-
Cooler Than a Puffer Coat—Alexa Chung Wore the Fall Trend That Makes Jeans Look ElegantShe's two months ahead of the game.
-
Wait, Is the Forgotten Skirt Trend Everyone Used to Wear With T-Shirts Making a Comeback?A major throwback to throw on.
