The volume of dresses landing online and in stores at this time of year is both overwhelming and exciting. The good news is there's so much choice! The bad news is there's too much choice. If you're anything like me (i.e. an indecisive shopper), your dress wish list is probably long and confusing. On the one hand, your inner minimalist is pulling you in the direction of simple linen midis and LBDs, while the competing maximalist part of your brain lights up every time a pretty summer print lands in your inbox. I get it.
Katherine wears Reformation's Liya dress.
But for a dress to actually end up in my repertoire, it must tick certain boxes. Firstly, I have to genuinely believe I'll reach for it long into the future. I'm not about wasting my money on something I'll wear for just one season, keeping in mind the environmental and financial impact of such a habit. That box is non-negotiable. For a style to make the cut, it also has to go with my existing shoes and accessories. If I'm immediately hit with the impulse to buy a particular pair of heels that I need to make the dress look even better, it's not the one. Among other important considerations are the fabric choice, colour palette (I'm not a neon girl), and whether the dress in question fills an existing gap in my wardrobe.
This still leaves us with a lot of options. So, to narrow it down, I've tackled the challenge head-on and sifted through hundreds, if not thousands, of summer dresses at various price points to pluck out the very best. Now, you can enjoy the fruits of my labour. Your own criteria will no doubt be different to mine, but on the off-chance there are overlaps, check out the 40 dresses that have most impressed me below.
40 of the Best Summer Dresses:
This figure-hugging dress will definitely earn you compliments.
I've been seriously impressed by Abercrombie & Fitch's dress selection lately.
Our entire team is swooning over the Rixo x Abi Marvel collab.
A sweet mini option for hot days.
I love everything about this dress. It would be perfect for a beach holiday.
This would look so good with Birkenstocks and a canvas tote for casual days.
Doesn't this look so much more expensive than it is?
I love the smocking detail on this.
Sustainable and incredibly stylish—what's not to like?
An elegant everyday dress that you could wear to the office and at the weekend.
Open-knit dresses work wonderfully as swimsuit cover-ups.
Once the weather cools, I'd layer a white T-shirt underneath.
Wait until you see the embroidery up close. So cute!
I'm into the simplicity of this one.
Look at those sleeves!
This also comes in cream and black, but the green version is stand-out.
I'd style this exactly as & Other Stories has.
This would be so comfortable to lounge around in on a warm summer's afternoon.
This Rixo beauty comes in a wide range of sizes.
This avocado hue is so striking.
Every year, Ganni has a sell-out seersucker dress. I'm betting on this one.
This print is so romantic.
You won't find a sleeker date night dress.
Picnic blanket, but make it chic.
The prettiest of mini dresses.
Influencers love this brand, and it's easy to see why.
This is begging to be styled with tan accessories.
The LBD gets a summery makeover.
The attention to detail on this dress is exceptional—pure luxury, through and through.
You can't go wrong with neutrals.
This siren-red midi is a definite confidence-booster.
If you're seeking a seasonless, anti-trend dress, this Khaite number might just be worth the investment.
Easy to dress up or down with a few accessory changes.
As much as I love wearing black, navy feels softer for summer.
Just add chunky sandals and a basket bag.
When it comes to Reformation dresses, it's hard to pick favourites, but this one is definitely up there.
I adore everything about this dress.
I know I said I didn't typically like neon, but I could make an exception for this dress.
The perfect black maxi dress.
I just know this white dress will sell out fast.
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