The heatwave-proof summer dresses to buy now according to our fashion editor
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
With warm weather on the horizon and summer trips planned and booked, we're looking ahead to what we're going to wear while on holiday. Naturally, the summer dress is always the MVP in our suitcase, offering an effortless option to throw on and wear all day, whether it be city sightseeing, pool-side lounging or nighttime bar hopping. If you need a dress refresh this season, our fashion editor has hand-picked the best summer dresses to buy right now, from cheerful minis to billowing maxis.
For more holiday style inspiration see our guides to:
- What to wear on holiday in Greece
- What to wear in Ibiza
- What to wear in Paris
- What to wear in Rome
- What to wear on a plane
Best summer dresses for a city break
A dress makes the perfect packing for a weekend city break when a small carry-on means you're tight for space. For days wandering between restaurants and sightseeing, comfort is key, so an easy breezy summer dress and a pair of comfortable walking shoes make for the perfect combination. Go for one with sleeves if it’s sunny to avoid the classic accidental shoulder sunburn. We love a shirt dress for a city break, the perfect combo of smart yet effortless, and can be dressed up or down for day to night dressing.
The best summer dresses for picnics
A staycation full of picnics or long, lingering pub lunches warrants the perfect cottage-core dress – and a complimentary picnic blanket to match. Choose ginghams and puff sleeves but offset their saccharine nature with chunky hiking boots and oversized knitted cardigans for muddy walks through fields.
The best summer dresses for the beach club
Crochet dresses are the ideal balance between beachy and slinky. For a day to night at a beach club, look for a statement dress that can be slung on over swimwear and accessorised with sunglasses. Statement prints make a great option. Just add a Piña Colada.
Best summer dresses for humid weather
Packing for a humid destination means thinking carefully about the fabrication of the dress and opting for lightweight, breathable options in natural fibres. Choose cotton oversized dresses or floaty skirts that won’t cling.
The best pool-side cover-ups
Heading for lunch after a lazy morning lounging by a pool? Something to quickly sling on over your swimwear is a key element of any summer holiday packing. Depending on your style, a stretchy crochet mini or loose linen kaftan makes a perfect choice.
The best summer dresses for a country wedding
As the summer season approaches, countryside weddings and events can fill up the calendar. Look for dresses that look smart and summery but will also keep you warm if the weather turns. And most importantly something you can dance in.
The best summer dresses for evenings
Dressing for the summer evenings calls for fun, glamour, and confidence, especially for holidays with warmer evenings and sunsets that scream out for a little sparkle. For sequin dresses, opt for a block colour to keep things from going too over the top, or look for ombre effects, asymmetrical styles, or a feather trim to add a touch of drama.
