The best summer dresses to wear in the heat
From the best beach dresses to slinky slips, here are the styles your summer wardrobe need.
As summer kicks in, all we really want to wear are dresses – particularly the easy, throw-on kind in soft, barely-there fabrics. And because we’re all about effortless outfits, our collection is full of summer dresses that are great in the heat, whether you're chilling on holiday or just hanging out with friends at home. From printed minis to slinky midi dresses and beach-ready maxis, all you need is a diary full of plans – but we’ll let you take care of that.
Which dresses are best for summer?
The main thing we all want from a summer dress is to feel great, of course, but there are a few things to look out for to make sure the few you’re investing in will be worn year after year.
Staying stylish on a hot day is all about picking the right fabrics, so look for natural fibres like cotton and linen, or our super-lightweight eco viscose. As for colours and prints, anything goes, but the more timeless the better. So, with that in mind, here are the dresses every summer wardrobe needs.
Mini dress
As temperatures go up, so do our hemlines. A mini dress is a must for midsummer, especially when it comes to showing off those tan lines. Style it with a cropped jacket (if you even need one) to balance out the shorter length.
Midi or Maxi dress
The most effortless summer dress you can choose is a midi or maxi style – both of which are an easy route to a complete outfit. Plus, they’re great for summer events with a pair of heels.
Beach dress
A beach dress is not your average summer dress – look for something that will show off the silhouette of your favourite swimsuit or bikini, whether that’s with semi-sheer fabrics, cut-outs or deep necklines. Pick feather-light fabrics that’ll feel gentle on skin that might’ve seen a bit too much sun (don’t forget the SPF!) and style it with an oversized tote for all your beach-day essentials.
Wrap dress
Probably one of the most flattering shapes out there, a wrap dress is a great summer option – not least because you can adjust it if needed from year to year. We love a mini wrap dress for hotter days in the city – add a cross-body bag and slides for a day of strolling and sightseeing.
Summer dresses for every occasion
You’ve got invites, but no idea what to wear? These are the summer dresses to invest in that’ll take you there, and everywhere else.
The midi dress
Summer dresses are best when they can go anywhere, which is exactly what our Callie midi dress can do. The skinny straps and button details are timeless – wear it with trainers around the city, and swap for sandals when the temperatures soar. If you’re dressing up, it even looks great with heels.
The maxi dress
On the hunt for summer evening dresses? A maxi dress is perfect for balmy evenings and sunset gatherings. And if there’s ever a time to embrace a statement print, it’s the summer months, which is why we’re obsessed with our Veronica maxi dress right now. Its racer back and V-neck are perfect for showing off tanned skin, and the leopard print needs minimal accessorising.
The colourful sundress
Keen to add some colour to your holiday wardrobe? Cobalt blue is having a moment, and is a shade that suits everyone. We love how it looks top-to-toe in our Catharina dress, which has a twist back for a stylish flourish and can be worn loose or belted, making it a versatile addition to our summer suitcase. Just add sandals.
The wrap dress
To stay stylish in the heat, try a summer dress that mixes comfort with trending details. The wrap shape of our Sierra dress is flattering but unrestrictive, and it’s a silhouette that keeps coming back. We love this green tone and checkerboard print, which looks great with neutral accessories.
The jersey dress
When it comes to summer dresses that can go from the working day to evening plans, our Judy jersey dress keeps things simple. It’s made from a soft, stretchy jersey with flatter ruching at the waist (this one feels like you’re wearing pyjamas). We’ll be bringing it out again and again this summer.
The beach dress
Somewhere between a dress and a cover-up, our Cameron dress is the ultimate beach essential. It’s made from a linen blend to be super-breathable, and it has deep slits in the hem. Pull it on over a swimsuit when you’re going to and from the shore – stopping off for drinks at the taverna, if you fancy.
The satin midi
What do you wear to summer events? Our Nazli midi dress is a great contender. It taps into the trend for slinky satin and blends a palette of sunshine-ready colours in its marble print. Plus, this slip shape is a winner for every summer event – we’re talking drinks parties, al fresco dinners and even special occasions.
The mini dress
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dress, look no further. With its shibori-inspired print in island-style blue and white, our Kailey mini dress was always destined for the beach. We’ve made it loose and breezy (because nobody wants clinging fabric in a heatwave) and the short sleeves are ideal for shielding sunburnt shoulders, just throw it over a bikini.
Want more summer style inspiration? Check out our holiday shop.