There's a certain moment in the year—usually around mid-May—when it finally feels acceptable to swap out layers for linens and bring your collection of summer dresses out of hibernation. The air feels softer somehow, and even if the British weather hasn't entirely committed to summer yet, there's a collective optimism that it's on its way. Suddenly, the idea of wearing a dress, whether crisp cotton or slinky viscose, makes sense. It's no longer about layering out of necessity, but about dressing with intention.
This is the time when I start hunting for the dress. You know the one; it has to work just as well with your favourite flat sandals as it does with a barely-there heel. It should hold its own with minimal styling, feel good against your skin on the hottest days and still offer enough interest to draw compliments every time you wear it. But let's be honest: finding the best summer dresses that tick all those boxes can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so much on offer and trend cycles moving faster than ever, it takes a discerning eye to spot the ones worth investing in.
Abi wears a floral Reformation dress.
Luckily, a few brands have made the process much easier. Over the past few years, Reformation, Dôen and Zara have each cemented their position as go-to destinations for standout summer dresses. Whilst they vary in price point and aesthetic, all three are currently delivering dresses that genuinely excite me and many of my fellow editors, too. From vintage-inspired silhouettes and prairie-cool details at Dôen to the romantic-yet-modern ethos of Reformation and Zara's uncanny ability to translate runway moments into affordable high-street gems, these are the brands getting summer dresses right in 2025.
In fact, it's been hard to scroll Instagram or walk through the office lately without spotting at least one of these three labels. Reformation's latest drop of linen dresses has been a favourite amongst fashion editors thanks to its flattering cuts and clean finishes, whilst Zara has gone bold for summer with sculptural draping and pastel colours in a clear nod to the spring/summer 2025 collections. Dôen, meanwhile, continues to champion romantic silhouettes with subtle updates; think puff sleeves that are more restrained and prints that lean grown-up rather than girlish. It's all very wearable, without losing the charm.
Rachel wears a Doen dress.
Personally, I lean towards more modest maxi dresses because I like a little more coverage in the heat and find longer hemlines easier to dress up or down. However, one of my fellow Who What Wear UK editors recently wore a Reformation mini to a garden party and got compliments all day. That's the beauty of these brands: whether you gravitate towards long and floaty or sharper and more trend-led, there's a dress that fits your aesthetic.
Below, I've pulled together the best Dôen, Reformation and Zara dresses I've found this season. Prepare to fall in love several times.
Shop the Best Reformation, Dôen and Zara Dresses:
The Best Reformation Summer Dresses
Style Notes: Reformation has mastered the art of making a summer dress feel fresh and elevated without ever tipping into try-hard territory. The brand's signatures—clean lines, soft florals and sweetheart necklines—have made it a staple for those who want ease with edge. This season, the L.A.-based label leans into lighter linens, nipped waists and V necklines, echoing the kind of romantic minimalism seen on the S/S 25 runways at Altuzarra and Tory Burch. Whether you're into strappy slip dresses or tiered ruffles, Reformation has you covered.
Shop Reformation Dresses:
How to make a floral dress fashion-forward.
The bodycon cut and drop-waist design make this ideal if you like your dresses figure-hugging.
The V neck and lace trims give this a flirty, modern Bridgerton vibe.
So sexy!
Clean and crisp, this white dress is made from breathable linen, so it's ideal for peak summer heat.
I simply need this sweet dress in my wardrobe.
One for the minimalists. The silhouette is unfussy but the fit is expertly tailored.
I wore this exact dress on holiday recently and got multiple compliments. I love its modest high neckline and midi length.
Polka dots are the print of the season.
Dôen
Style Notes: If you've ever typed "romantic summer dress" into a search bar, you've probably already encountered Dôen. The brand's pieces are characterised by vintage-inspired cuts, delicate embroidery and prints that lean pretty but never tween. Whilst the silhouettes might feel timeless, there's always a feature that make them current; this season, it's about shirred detailing, refined floral motifs and toned-down puff sleeves. The best Dôen dresses have a sense of refined nostalgia.
Shop Dôen Dresses:
A best-seller for a reason. This is exactly what I'd want to wear on a countryside weekend.
I've seen this one styled with Mary Jane flats for a sweet look.
The micro-floral print reminds me of a vintage Liberty London dress, but with a cooler cut.
Puffed sleeves, a gathered waist and a lace-trimmed hem—it ticks all the romance boxes.
This one comes in extended sizing and feels incredibly soft thanks to the organic-cotton gauze.
The ruched detailing elevates this classic sage dress. It would look great with a raffia bag and sandals.
A rare darker floral in a sea of pastels, which makes it a great transitional option.
Simply beautiful.
If you liked the dropped waists at Chloé this season, this one's a nod to that, without being overt.
The Best Zara Summer Dresses
Style Notes: No one tracks the runways quite like Zara. The retailer's ability to absorb and re-interpret trends from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo and Loewe means the new-in section is always full of discovery. For summer 2025, Zara's dresses lean into muted pastels, classic shapes and some nostalgic silhouettes; the kind of details that'll make people ask where your dress is from this season. Summer just wouldn’t be complete without Zara's trend-led pieces at more accessible price points.
Shop Zara Dresses:
An under-£50 piece that works for garden parties, summer dinners, holidays—you name it.
Very similar to a Reformation piece but at half the price. You’ll wear it all summer.
Broderie anglaise is the fabric on everyone's mind this season.
I saw a woman on the tube, and can confirm it looks so good IRL.
Zara is getting in on the powder-pink colour trend.
Butter yellow too!
A bit of a wild card for summer, but if you're into minimal-'90s-Calvin-Klein vibes, this one's for you.
Perfect for warm evening dinners when you still want a bit of drama.
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