32 best summer dresses: From maxi to midi, all the styles you need this season

The best summer dresses offer the most stylish way to combat a heat wave. From breezy maxi styles to smart midi designs, there is no sartorial meltdown that can't be fixed by the right summer dress. A wardrobe essential, whatever your taste, there's a dress for you.

The best summer dresses will see you through every season. From office-ready looks and occasion wear pieces to chic dresses for the weekend, there is a frock for every occasion and budget. While we champion dresses all year, this one-stop style solution is most prevalent in the summer due to events and occasionwear dressing that dominates the season. And whether you feel best in midi, maxi, thin straps or long sleeves, we've got you covered.

"Design has moved to a greater focus on timeless, forever pieces," observes personal stylist Keren Beaumont (opens in new tab). "People are shopping smarter and investment shopping rather than buying into trends." 

While many of the best summer dresses on the market tap into the fashion trends 2022, a great dress can often be reworked, year after year with new accessories and many can be layered for cooler months over or under fine knit sweaters. For the most timeless buys, opt for classic silhouettes and more neutral hues as these pieces offer the most versatility. 

How we selected the best summer dresses 

With literally hundreds of summer dresses on there market in different cuts, colors, prints and fabrics, it can feel overwhelming. You may want to consider your body type as apple body shapes, pear-shaped bodies and hourglass body shapes can look entirely different in the same dress. 

When selecting the best summer dresses for this list we considered the quality of the materials, the occasion the dress is for, its fashion credentials and what body types might work best with the silhouette. Ultimately, the best dresses will always be the ones that make you feel like a million dollars, no matter what the price tag is.

The best summer dresses to buy right now - selected by our fashion team

Summer dresses - Our top picks

Opt for floaty, loose dresses that won’t cling or rub - even amid humidity and sporadic heatwaves. If you're worried about thigh rub when wearing dresses, check out our guide to the best anti chafing shorts, for an easy and comfortable solution.

Natural fabrics like linen and cotton will help keep you cool, as they are what we call 'breathable', but they can need additional ironing to keep them crease-free. For minimal upkeep, look for dresses that are blended with a dash of polyester or nylon. If you're nervous about sweat patches, choose summer dresses that feature a busy, vibrant pattern as they’re more forgiving than pale pastels, grey, or bright block color.

'Floral for spring? Ground breaking' - there's a reason this iconic fashion quote lives on and while florals can feel overdone in the warmer months, they're guaranteed to never go out of style, making floral frocks a great investment. In a universally flattering fit, this dress is ideal for creating and highlighting curvier silhouettes. 

If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding this season, this pretty, blue floral dress from British clothing brand Monsoon is one you can rely on for the summer occasionwear circuit. 

Featuring a slightly fuller sleeve in a 3/4 length fit, this dress is great for a summer occasion. Just slip on with your best designer heels for a party-ready look.

A strappy maxi dress is ideal for picnics in the park. Long enough to give you the desired coverage when sitting now, but light enough so you can feel the sun on your skin. This lovely day dress features on-trend ruffle detailing for a direction finish. With a mood-boosting pop of color, via the micro floral print, this look evokes the dopamine dressing trend perfectly. 

If you usually look for the best dresses for petites, you might find maxis a little tricky. Make friends with your local tailor and have dresses taken up to just above your ankle, or try adding one of the best designer belts to this look to help create a higher hem length. The adjustable straps will allow you to alter the fit of the bodice. 

When it comes to the best beach cover-ups, comfort is key, and the ideal ocean-side look is soft, moveable, and easy to throw over anything, taking up little space in your luggage. 

This swing dress in rainbow tiered panels is just right for slipping over your best swimsuits. Featuring elegant straps at the back and a soothing color palette, this dress taps into the fashion color trends 2022, with sage, minty and Kermit green hues. 

Style with your best beach bag for a great vacation outfit.

Denim is a material usually associated with cooler months due to the weight of the fabric. But as denim shorts lovers will know, it is great for the summer, too. One of the biggest denim trends 2022, was the emergence of the denim dress as a great everyday style winner. 

Showcasing one of the best midi dresses, this Gap design is light and airy but still retains a mid-wash tone that adds brightness to any ensemble. The comfortable V-neck and adjustable tie waist make this a stylish design for creating an hourglass silhouette. 

Short summer dresses

Longer days, brighter mornings and warmer weather can only mean one thing: it's short dress season. The midi might have been hogging the spotlight for the past few years, but the classic short dress has never failed to be fashionable. And in a season led by style extremes, we've seen a resurgence in both micro and maxi lengths - meaning short dresses have got, well, very short.

But, don't panic. Before you assume that short dresses are only for the young, it's important to note that short doesn't automatically equate to mini. There are plenty of shorter styles for women seeking a little more leg coverage this season, too. And we've scoped them out for you, so all you have to worry about is which of the shoe trends 2022 to pair them with. 

Ganni always delivers when it comes to chic and timeless designs, and this mini dress is no exception. Suitable for the office or casual drinks with friends, it is definitely worth the price tag. 

The elasticated waist creates an hourglass shape whilst staying unrestrictive, and the trendy collar would look great peeking out from under your best sweater come the fall. If you're looking for a piece that can be styled numerous ways, look no further. 

Keep things light with the white version, or play it safe with the black iteration for a piece easily wearable with tights and your best winter boots too.

In a '70s A-line silhouette, we love the vibrant blue color of this Arket mini dress, which will look great on sun-kissed skin. Whilst the print makes a statement, the boxy fit keeps this look slightly more relaxed, tacking warm weather with ease.

Whether you're headed to a BBQ, garden party, or just want something to see you through your vacation, this throw-on-and-go mini dress will look great teamed with everything from your best white trainers to strappy summer sandals. Wear with a white t-shirt underneath for extra arm coverage.

Be aware that this may come up longer on petites, but will look just as good as a midi, as it does as a mini.

When it comes to summer fabrics, there are few materials as ideal as linen. Light and breathable, it's a great choice when it comes to the best dresses. 

With numerous five-star reviews, this cost-effective red wrap dress from Marks and Spencer is ideal for adding to your summer outfits for work, with a smart finish and bold color, you can beat the warm weather in style. 

The flattering tie waist and puff sleeves add an edge to this otherwise timeless design, as well as allowing you to adapt the fit to your body type. With a deep V-neck,  if you feel self-conscious of too much cleavage, simply slide a vest top underneath. 

Not 100% linen, this dress is blended with sustainably sourced viscose, which will help decrease the creasing common with linen pieces. 

Animal print has remained a constant when it comes to this season's fashion trends and even as we look to the Fall 2022 fashion trends, we don't envision animal print going anywhere. This slinky mini dress by Mango has a premium look and feel, and with a fine and bold zebra print, it's an ideal piece for what to wear to a festival this summer.

The wide sleeves add a vintage flair to this stylish mini, and the adjustable waist tie allows for a custom fit - you can, of course, go sans belt altogether. For a more relaxed daytime look, this can also be styled with your best sunglasses and pair of directional flatform sandals. Machine-washable, this is a party frock with a dose of practicality. 

Summer Midi dresses

There's a reason why midi dresses are an enduring summer classic - they're just so easy to style. The gentle fit and flare silhouette of most midi dresses makes them one of the most flattering styles on all body types, accentuating and creating waists, skimming midriffs and softly grazing hips and thighs.

One of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy, when it comes to day to day or occasionwear dressing, midi dresses are always top of our list. From bright color iterations to fashion-led prints and everything in between. Whether you're wondering what to wear to the races, or need a great christening outfit, we've got the answer. 

This green floral number boasts a color palette that's flattering on every skin tone. Made from slinky jersey material, it's comfortable, too. 

The ruche detailing flatters midriffs, elevating this simple, everyday midi dress. The neckline is also just the right depth to enhance cleavage without being impractical. Team with your favorite sandals and one of the best denim jackets to make this dress work for everyday.

One of the best indie clothing brands, Sleeper has developed a cult following in recent years, for its easy-to-wear styles and high-quality fabrics. On the pricier side, the premium tailoring and classic design make this dress the ideal choice for any event this summer.

The shirred bodice will gently contour your bustline, while the puff sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder, depending on the occasion and whether you've managed to bag one of the best strapless bras this summer. A silhouette that works on hourglass and rectangle silhouettes, the higher cut waistline also ensures this dress will work on apple bodies too.

From picnics and weddings to keeping cool and stylish in the office, this dress can do it all.

When it comes to Kate Middleton's dresses, we know the Duchess is a fan of British brand Ghost, having worn them on a number of occasions. Making some of the best summer dresses, Ghost specializes in bias-cut silhouettes with a vintage feel, making them ideal for everything from what to wear on a first date, to nailing wedding guest style, you can't go wrong with its floaty and feminine numbers.

With a ditzy floral print, this midi dress features an empire line cut, making it a great choice for those who want to skim a midriff, although as the brand's signature silky fabric can be clingy, you may want to wear the best shapewear underneath or some high waisted briefs for the smoothest finish. 

A longer line midi, anyone under 5'10 will probably find this to be more of a maxi dress than a midi, but the dress's fitted bust and small, ditsy print mean it won't swamp more petite frames, either. 

While we associate bright color clothes with summer, the right black dress can carry you through the season, as easily as the best pink dresses. This embroidered midi dress from Anthropologie has a warm-weather feel thanks to the strappy finish, while the eye-catching print, is made all the more seasonal by the honeybees floating around the trim.

Great for every day, you can easily smarten up this look with one of the best blazers, or render it rock concert ready and team with your best leather jacket. When it comes to jewelry, highlight the hints of yellow in the trim and pair with gold hoop earrings and stacking rings for a chic finish. 

Thought this dress was selected just for its style? This swishy number even features practical pockets to keep hold of your essentials. In a slip dress design, this slim-cut silhouette is ideal for rectangle body shapes, as the spaghetti straps will show off your back beautifully - those with a larger chest may require extra support. 

Summer Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are ideal for warm weather, offering great sun coverage and a comfortable fit. While, like every other dress, maxis come in a host of different fabrications, easy jersey designs are ideal for what to wear on a plane, while cotton makes summer day dressing a breeze. For eveningwear looks, try chiffon, tulle and silk iterations to make an impact. 

Some of the chicest dresses for big busts are maxi length, thanks to the proportion-balancing power of a long, A-line skirt. If you're on the petite end of the spectrum and are worried about a maxi dress swamping you, opt for a style with a split hem, team with wedges, or shorten the length to skim your ankle to add the illusion of extra height. 

Well known for enhancing the female form, this picnic check print dress is a classic Conran look. The statement kimono sleeves are ideal for the warm weather, while the nipped-in waist helps to create an hourglass silhouette, balancing the wider sleeve with ease. A fitted dress with side pockets, this dress is a great option, if you're wondering what to wear to a job interview and want something both smart and feminine. 

If you've already asked what color suits me and feel the green isn't quite your hue, this dress comes in multiple colorways. With a stiff A-line skirt, this dress is great for apple body shapes looking to skim a midriff.

Taking inspiration from the designer's travels in India, this vivid red dress makes the perfect summer statement. The scalloped edges and bow-tied straps offer impeccable attention to detail, too. 

A great piece to throw on over your swimwear, team with sandals and a beach bag for a great vacation look. It's worth noting that this dress is dry-clean only, so be aware of potential suncream stains. 

Only available in one size, so keep this in mind before ordering. Despite the sizing issue, the floaty cut of the dress means it should work for lots of different body shapes.

With a trapeze shape, this attractive blue and white print dress is ideal for those who like to keep things minimal. The sweet ruffled shoulder detail make this a romantic choice for the summer. An easy piece to dress up for an occasion or team with a denim jacket for an effortless alfresco lunch look. 

Lean into the print and pair this dress with one of the best crossbody bags in a tonal blue hue to shine a spotlight on this classic summer color combination. 

For ultimate comfort, Free People has got you covered. This maxi comes in a range of colors and contains at least 50% of a certified eco-conscious fiber or process, so you can be sure that your money is well spent.

The relaxed silhouette design makes it extremely adaptable, but petites may find the lack of structure overwhelming. For a more fitted finish, don't be afraid to add a belt to highlight your waist, or just embrace the oversized fit and elevate it with a statement necklace instead.

Plus-size summer dresses

When it comes to the best plus size clothing brands, the market has really increased with trend-led options in recent seasons, making buying the best dresses for fuller figures, easier and more fun than ever before. 

Plus size women come in all different body types and no two figures are the same, but working out your body type will help with some basic guidelines as to what silhouettes might suit your figure best.

Most importantly, you need to feel great and comfortable as this will be reflected in how you carry yourself in the dress. Look to specialist brands, as they will understand how to cut for curves for the best fits, and don't be tempted to simply go for vastly oversized pieces as these will drown your figure, adding bulk to your frame. 

River Island has a great curve section, and this dress is just one of its stunning offerings for the summer. Designed for bigger busts, the V-neck offers a torso elongating finish and frames a fuller bust.

The unique purple and earth-tone print is both neutral and bold, adding a pop of color to your look. The cheeky side slit will help to keep you cool whilst also showing off a bit of leg, so the relaxed fit won't have you feeling swamped. Style with platform sandals for summer, or pair with your best Chelsea boots for transitioning into fall.

Evans is a plus size specialist, so when it comes to dressing curves, we know they have a long heritage in nailing the cut. Often more associated with the fall, burnt orange is a great color for warmer months and the hue is universally flattering.

With a fitted sweetheart neckline and gathered, form-hugging bodice, this dress is a great piece for a fuller bust, as it gently contours your curves. The long flowing skirt kicks out from the waist for a feminine, hip-skimming finish.  

If summer were a dress, this floaty, ultra-flattering midi would be it. Featuring a graphic print and open-back design, this dress is certain to inject fun into your closet.  From vacation dinners to embracing the mood of the season, wearing this on-repeat with trainers, this is a happy dress that you'll want to reach for year after year.

Falling beautifully on curvier frames, the adjustable straps allow for customized comfort. The ultra-feminine neckline and ruffle detailing elevate the look further, without distracting from the boldness of the print.

Dress down with one of the best white t-shirts underneath for extra coverage, or embrace the tropical vibe by showing off some skin and pair with open-toe sandals.

Jean dresses were one of the big denim trends 2022, so we had to have at least a couple in our best dresses guide. In a dark blue wash, this denim design offers a smarter finish to light blue iterations and taps nicely into the '90s nostalgia trend for head-to-toe denim looks. An ideal transitional piece, it is also a workwear staple (for more casual offices) that will look great when styled with boots or trainers.

A great shape for apple body shapes, the tie waist means you can create a higher waistline, while the stiff fabric will help to sculpt your midriff. Pear shapes may find the denim quite restrictive on hips, particularly as this dress has a relatively straight skirt design. Likely to be too heavy in the middle of summer, consider this a transitional piece. 

Summer shirt dresses

The best shirt dresses are the ideal choice when you need a dress with a more tailored silhouette. Adding instant polish to any look, they really have become a capsule wardrobe staple, standing the test of time. 

A truly versatile piece, a shirt dress is great for wearing to the office - when you often need a smarter finish, but depending on the fabric, print and shape, they can be worn for weekends or even first dates too. Maxi shirt dresses are ideal for learning how to style leather pants. Button your shirt dress to the waist and then team with slim-fit leather trousers and pointed heels, or heavy boots for a trend-led finish. 

In a linen blend, this white shirt dress is ideal for soaring temperatures, keeping you cool, with minimum linen crease. A white shirt dress will always look its best on the first few wears but maintaining the crisp white hue can be a nightmare. With that in mind, consider this a staple that you might want to refresh at the start of each season. Invest in budget-friendly buys, such as this design from Spanish clothing brand Zara, so you can update as needed. 

Adding instant freshness to any look, you can give this dress a Fall update by adding your best cashmere sweater on top, and pull out the collar for a pop of white.

If you subscribe to the cost-per-wear methodology, you'll want your premium buys to really earn their keep. Versatile style buys that can be dressed up or down will help to put a stop to those 'nothing to wear' moments and leave you feeling confident everyday. 

This pretty shirt dress by Alémais has a feminine twist, with the bold print enough to make a statement, but not so bright that it's hard to style. With white and baby pink peeking through the print, you can work this look in with light-colored accessories. 

The full sleeve is directional, yet romantic and as the fashion crowd continue to embrace the best dresses, you can style this up with heels and a fascinator for a special occasion, or dress down with comfortable flats for an uplifting everyday outfit. 

One of the best sustainable clothing brands, Everlane is a great place to shop for everyday staples that won't date. With a more androgynous feel than most of the best dresses on this list, this pinstriped dress pairs tailoring with a more casual dress silhouette for a look that works for the office or weekend brunch. 

Made from 100% sustainable cotton you can wear this dress done up or worn open as a layering piece over a t-shirt and your best skinny jeans. With a fairly boxy fit, if you're looking for a more fitted look, you may want to add a belt to highlight your waist. 

We know we can rely on M&S for wardrobe basics and it never disappoints when it comes to the best dresses either. Available in a great size range, this printed shirt dress from M&S treads the line between minimalistic and bold. The graphic print adds structure to the look and the monochromatic print gives this look an office-ready polish. 

With waist and collar detailing, coupled with short sleeves, you can be sure this dress maxes out on comfort and quality. For workwear (even if work is taking place at your kitchen table), style it with a pair of chunky loafers from the likes of Vagabond or G.H. Bass to help you feel more put together. Swap out smarter shoes for white sneaks for a more relaxed feel at the weekend.

Summer Wrap dresses

Universally flattering, wrap dresses are the one silhouette that truly flatters every figure. Sculpting curves and adding fullness to rectangle body shapes, the wrap dress is the fashion pack's secret weapon. 

Although fabric is always important, it plays a particularly powerful role when it comes to the wrap dress. A shape that can be worn for all occasions. Opt for light weight or jersey fabrics for day, swapping out for heavier, richer and more expensive fabrics for evening-appropriate wrap dresses.

Available in all lengths, a wrap dress is always a good investment, just make sure to pair it with the best bra (usually a push-up or low-cut balconette) that will work with the cut-away style. If you find you're too busty, you can always wear a body or fitted camisole underneath your dress. 

Say hello to your new beach-to-bar dress. Wear yours as a kaftan during the day, and as a dress in the evening. The plunging V-neckline, wrap waist, and cuffed sleeves help to add curves to your frame, particularly for petites. 

And while we love the shape, it's the show stopping color that is the real star of the show here, and might actually be easier to style than you think. Pair with a basket bag and flip-flops for the beach, or add a chunky heeled sandal for the evening and evoke the sunny summer weather. 

The summery palm leaf print combined with an autumnal color palette makes this dress a true multitasker. The elegant wrap shape and long sleeves ensure this Jigsaw number is suitable for work or play, so you can really get your wear out of it.

With a bold print and wide sleeves, this dress might be overwhelming on smaller frames, making this a great style for taller women. 

As the print is rather loud, keep the rest of your look muted with tonal accessories to elevate the look, without adding drama.

Leopard print is largely considered a neutral, making investing in this look a fail-safe idea. A flattering fit, that flashes little in the way of cleavage, this is a smart yet modern dress that you can make work for multiple occasions.

With a thin tie under the bust to create an empire line fit. This chic dress is ideal for flattering a bust and midriff. With an elegant graduated back design for added flare, this is a piece you can reach to when you need to feel empowered. 

Drawing inspiration for the fashion colors of the season, this pale pink, ballet-style dress is one you can wear again and again. An instantly summery design - with it's thigh-skimming hemline and pastel hue, team this with a denim jacket and high top Converse for a directional and sporty look for the weekend. With a flirty, floaty sleeve, this dress is great for warm days.

T-shirt dresses

Ah, the T-shirt dress - one of life's underappreciated fashion hacks. A one-and-done outfit that's comfortable, casual, and breathable, we think that the T-shirt dress is long overdue a moment in the spotlight. And if there's ever been a time to bring it back into the mainstream, it's the summer. As casual or as dressy, and as fitted or relaxed as you want it to be, the humble T-shirt dress is the style staple we all need.

When it comes to fabrication, the T-shirt dress really covers all basis. From party-ready sequins to jersey iterations that can replace your best joggers and sweatshirts, this silhouette-skimming style is a winner.

We love the easy-breeziness of a T-dress, but the straight-up-and-down shape means they don’t always suit hourglass shapes or pear-shaped body types particularly well, as they're either too baggy or uncomfortably clingy. Luckily, this Uniqlo number features a tie-up waist, meaning you can highlight a waist and adjust the fit to your taste.

Available in several different colors, there is a hue for everyone. Not to mention it's really comfortable, too. 

T-shirt dresses don't always have to be boxy. This jersey dress from Mango accentuates the figure beautifully and adds some shape to a traditionally loose-fitting design.

The midi length and subtle side slit give this look a more elevated finish. Made from a stretchy material, it will sculpt to your shape, so you may want to look into types of bodysuits, to wear underneath for a streamlined finish. The subtle stripes add some interest to the one-color design. 

Less dress, more oversized tee, Cos' T-shirt dress is soft and lightweight with a lived-in feel. The timeless, Breton top style stripes make this a staple piece that is well worth investing in. 

Not the most fashion-forward of our best dresses, we love the sports luxe feel and you can't really beat a classic monochromatic stripe. Style it with sneakers or cozy sliders for optimum off-duty comfort. 

With short sleeves and ruching at the waist, Hush's maxi T-shirt dress is one of the best basics we have found. Crafted in a lightweight and ultra-soft material, this effortless throw-on-and-go style is surprisingly stylish, skimming the body, without clinging. Use it as a layering piece, teaming it with everything from blazers to cardigans, as well as wearing it alone with some statement jewelry. This is the sort of dress you'll want to buy two of. 

Though navy might seem like more of a winter color, it is a great base for summery accessories and bright, bronzed makeup, and a more forgiving and flattering hue compared to black clothing on most skin tones. This everyday dress will quickly become a mainstay in your closet for all seasons. 

How to style summer dresses, according to the experts 

The best thing about summer dresses? They can be endlessly reinvented by switching up your accessories - whether that's adding a statement pair of earrings or elevating your look with one of the best designer bags. 

"Almost any dress can be styled up or down for day or night. It's all in the accessories," says personal stylist Keren Beaumont. 

"For daytime, trainers and flat sandals with a crossbody bag and simple, understated jewelry give a relaxed look," she adds. "For evening, a dress can be transformed by adding statement earrings, and a pair of heels or smart flat pumps and a small bag carried under the shoulder (as you might carry a clutch)." 

Former woman&home style editor Joely Chilcott agrees. "A few simple tweaks can help you transition from day to night effortlessly," she says. "A change of footwear is key – heels will instantly make you hold yourself differently, so the overall outfit has a more elevated feel. Glam up with some statement jewelry like oversized earrings to draw attention to your face. And a sweep of lipstick always helps!" 

Accessories can also extend a dress's wearability as the seasons change. Lots of summery, floral frocks can be worn with tights, boots, a chunky knit, and one of the best winter coats once the colder weather rolls around, too. 

"Don't be afraid of layering," advises Joely. "Summer prints can work wonders in temperamental weather if you pop a jumper on top and wear it with boots."

We told you that splurging on one of the best summer dresses was an investment well worth making. Which one's going in your basket?