Summer in the UK is finally doing its summery thing. Festivals, BBQs, weddings and summer holidays are all back on the social calendar and the weather is actually (for once) matching the occasion. So, what should you wear for these brief weeks of fun in the sun? A summer dress, of course.
While separates aren't a bad idea (we're particularly into bloomer shorts at the moment), the appeal of a summer dress is self evident. Thanks to their 'one and done' nature, you can take a lot of work out of your daily ensemble configuring and chuck fewer items in the wash when the day is done. Sound too practical for you? Well a summer dress needn't be boring – delicate silk and lace midis will bring whimsy to the quotidian, while minimalist maxis a sense of drama.
You can really play with your accessories when you opt for a dress too: let your sunglasses, jaunty headscarf and sea-themed jewellery do the talking. Likewise, a girl's best friend, a gorgeous pair of shoes, can become the star of the show: trainers and summer dresses are an easy staple, or you can dip a toe in the season's biggest trends (namely jelly, mesh, flip-flop, platform and boat shoes).
Read Next
6 Best Summer Dress Styles And How To Wear Them
A Silky And Lacy Summer Dress
Dôen Gwendolyn
Take a bucolic scene with you wherever you go this summer with a delicate lace and silk summer dress. Paired with ballet flats and a woven bag, these fanciful offerings can take you from the park to the party.
A Mini Nightie Summer Dress
If Only If Harling
Dôen Cecilia Dress
Fruity Booty Broderie Mini Dress
On a warm day nothing beats a cotton nightie mini dress (voile cotton is our favourite). Add trainers for a weekend in the pub garden or throw over a bikini and pair with flip-flops for your beach holiday – either way you'll look impossibly chic.
A Halter-Neck Polka-Dot Summer Dress
Dôen Mazarin Dress
Reformation Sofia Dress
Fruity Booty Polka Midi Dress
Be the main character this summer in a halter-neck, polka-dot dress, we beg of you. Either go full vixen with kitten-heeled sling-backs and a red lip or opt for a more Miu Miu does 'frazzled Englishwoman' look with ankle socks, loafers and a twee, grey cardigan.
A Minimal Maxi Summer Dress
Mango Contrasting satin dress
Mango Combined strapless dress
When the weather heats up less really becomes so much more. Try pairing an upper arm cuff and simple fisherman sandals with your maxi-length minimalist dress (in a natural fibre and earthy hue). Bonus points if you have a simple, cord pendant necklace.
A Strapless Bubble-Hem Summer Dress
Reformation Clea Dress
Mango Linen dress with puffed hem
Nobody's Child White Broderie Anglaise Felicity Bubble Hem Mini Dress
Bubble-hems are here to stay, and a strapless top is the ideal way to balance out the bulk of your bottom half. The versatile design can work as well in the office or at a wedding - we like to layer strapless dresses over white t-shirts and pair with ballet flats to make them more casual or add kitten heels to dress them up.
A Cotton Fit-And-Flare Summer Dress
Mango Halter dress with crossed back
Tu White Structured Midaxi Summer Dress
M&S Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Waisted Dress
Show us a dress style that will work harder in your wardrobe than a fit-and-flare cotton dress and we'll show you a pig with wings. Almost any shoe style complements the nipped in at the waist silhouette, plus, the flattering cut paired with such practical fabric makes it the easiest dress to wear.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
