We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
33 best summer dresses to see you through the sunny szn
The sun’s gotta make an appearance 😎
If you haven’t already found an epic summer dress – or three – for 2024, you might want to start looking now. Although the sun hasn’t exactly been shining as much as we’d like recently, we’re very much looking forward to ditching the jeans altogether in a few weeks’ time (here’s hoping!!!). Plus, we’re sure your calendar is suddenly getting v busy with plenty of parties/weddings/holidays, so you’re gonna want something spectacular to stunt in for the next few months.
What you need is a number with that easy, do-it-all vibe; the one you throw on in three seconds flat and miraculously emerge from looking pretty darn pulled together. Pieces like this literally give you extra minutes in bed every morning (and that’s all we really want, TBH). The standard dress styles we grew up with were body-con and thigh-skimming, however, our new go-to pieces are often unstructured, floaty and ankle-length. This means they’re just as comfortable as your fave tracksuits but look hella chic by comparison.
Still, if you prefer a little summin’ summin’ that showcases a bit more skin, we’ve got you (un)covered. Labels like & Other Stories and AllSaints are balancing long hemlines with sexy slip silhouettes and thigh splits, while Ganni has a fun, flirty vibe. You can go all-out in these dresses with heeled sandals, or just add a pair of stompy Doc Martens into the mix for attitude. Yup, they’re *that* versatile.
It’s all a bit overwhelming out there, what with all those ‘new-in’ pages to choose from, so we’ve done the hard work for you and whittled it down to the 33 of the best summer dresses to buy in 2024.
Nobody’s Child’s tiered maxi dress is transporting us straight to a deserted Greek island – and we’re not mad about it. This smocked style features cute frilled sleeves and a dainty floral print. Too pretty.
Nothing says summer quite like bold botanical prints. We love H&M’s sundress with its on-trend square neckline, spaghetti straps and comfy smocked back.
Thanks to the ‘80s fashion revival, puffball silhouettes are officially back on the menu for 2024. We love this staple iteration from Mango – the top is a fitted ribbed jersey while the skirt is a voluminous, airy cotton, making it an easy way to tap into the trend.
We’ve spotted all our fave influencers and A-listers rocking Rat & Boa’s ruffled summer dresses on their vacays – and it’s safe to say, we are sold.
We went crazy for Victoria Beckham’s collab with high street hero Mango last week. And we’re shocked to report there is still stock left. Grab this open-back crochet number and wear it over chic black swimsuits and oversized sunnies on holiday.
Florals not your thang? You can still experiment with printed dresses this summer. We love Omnes’ ‘90s inspired slip dress that is covered in cheeky lip illustrations. The open, lace-up back is just the cherry on the top.
Crafted from a breezy cotton, this gingham summer dress from Nobody’s Child is perfect for heatwaves and holidays alike (the time will come, ladies). Just add sandals abroad and little plimsols for city stomping.
Summer is a great excuse to invest in a gorge new boho dress. We love the button-down silhouette, feminine butterfly print and V-neckline on this lil’ number. Sienna and Kate would defs approve.
Trust cool-girl Parisian brand Sézane to create one of the most effortless summer dresses out there. We’re obsessed with the sweetheart neckline and subtly flared skirt on this floral piece.
Pinstripes aren’t just reserved for work shirts, ppl. Cut from an airy cotton weave, this blue and white striped summer dress is defined by its smocked waist and structured, flared skirt.
PSA: the tank top dress is going to be the style of the summer. This comfy design is all over the high street RN and is defined by an A-line silhouette that has a fitted, sleeveless bodice (like your fave vest) and a fuller skirt in contrasting breezy cotton. Trés chic, if you ask us.
Not into voluminous smock dresses in summer? You can still rock fitted bodycons in the hotter months. Just choose a sleeveless, lightweight style and you’ll look and stay cool no matter what.
Preppy looks are well and truly here to stay for summer 2024, thanks to the new tenniscore trend. Channelling Wimbledon guest rather than pro player? Check out Sister Jane’s crisp white mini. We’re still obsessed with all things bow-detailed.
A waterfall hemline and cascading ruffles? There’s not much we don’t love about Kitri’s bias-cut gown. We’re already picturing it at destination weddings and beach parties this summer.
The best summer dresses don’t have to cost the earth – just look at this cute gingham smock dress from M&S. It rings in at under £40, with cute puffed sleeves and a soft round neck. The perfect spring frock, in our humble opinion.
I’m sure we don’t need to tell you just how good Reformation’s dresses are for summer. But if you needed any persuading, check out our round-up of our tried-and-tested faves here. This milkmaid-inspired linen midi is currently top of our new season wish list.
Hello Reformation, the queendom for cutie dresses. This printed linen dress is just TDF. We’re all for that classy high-neckline and full ‘50s-inspired skirt, but we love how you can turn to reveal a daring, open back. J’adore.
If you’ve ever tried a Forever New dress, you know the brand’s quality is second to none, so worth every penny, in our opinion. We’ll be wearing this maxi with an XXL straw hat on hols this summer.
Reformation’s Avielle dress is hot, hot, HOT – get it? The chilly print is beyond fun, but this style is also available in a tangerine orange and black, if you’re looking for something more wearable.
How pretty is the delicate floral embroidery on Free People’s halterneck dress? We can just picture this green number at BBQs and beach picnics – the elasticated smocking at the back makes it easy to pull-on over a bikini.
Watch Next
Best sunglasses and sunglasses chains to shop now
13 of the best small vibrators
11 lash growth serums that *really* work
Top notch hair masks to save your dry AF strands
