When the mercury starts to rise, it’s time to update your summer wardrobe with lightweight pieces that you can wear everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of casual sundresses that can be worn with sneakers or sandals, or more formal styles that work as swimsuit cover-ups or elegant dinnerwear, there are plenty of flattering silhouettes to choose from this season.
From a linen mini to a floral maxi dress, there’s a sundress to suit every occasion. To help you find your perfect match, we’ve rounded up the best new dresses to shop for this season—from sleeveless slips to fitted midi styles with statement sleeves. Look for trends like voluminous sleeves and smocking as well as playful cutouts that will add eye-catching flair to your look.
If you’re a fan of florals, this midi dress is the perfect summer party staple with its eye-catching lace trim and smocked design. Pair it with strappy heels and a chic clutch for a night out.
For daytime activities, a wrap or surplice dress is an easy way to create a flattering hourglass shape on any body type. This one by Cos has a belt to define the waist and elbow-length sleeves that balance the hemline. The sleeveless silhouette will also work well as a swimsuit cover-up.
The cutout dress trend is here to stay, and it’s been popularized by designers including Victor Glemaud, Christian Cowan, Kim Shue, and more. This silk style by Bondi-based brand Sir is a great place to start if you’re looking for a more subtle approach to the trend. The adjustable necktie lets you control how much skin shows through the dress, so you can experiment with the look without taking a full-on risk.
If you want a more daring take on the trend, try this striped cotton dress from Hunter Bell. The silhouette is attuned to the coastal aesthetics running rampant on TikTok, making it a stylish choice for long weekend getaways and Fourth of July festivities. The wide slit in the back adds a flirty finishing touch to the piece.
A white dress is a summer wardrobe essential and works for any event. This halter maxi dress from Cos is the ideal piece for summer parties, thanks to its lace-inspired floral print and flowing silhouette. The accordion pleats and ruffled hemline add movement to the design, while the halter neck creates an elegant silhouette that looks great with heels.
Depending on the occasion, you can dress up this summer dress with eye-catching jewelry and a bold clutch. For a casual look, simply tuck in the sleeves and add a pair of sneakers or sandals. If you’re planning to wear it for everyday occasions, accessorize with a simple bangle bracelet and stud earrings for a polished yet comfortable look. summer dresses