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

The best summer dresses are an essential part of any wardrobe. The best way to combat a heat wave in style, there is no sartorial meltdown that can't be fixed with the right summer dress. 

There is no match for the best dresses during the warmer months. Light and breezy yet effortlessly chic, there is a frock for every occasion and budget. With options from mini to maxi and the option of thin straps or long sleeves, there is a perfect summer dress for everyone this year. A must-have in any summer capsule wardrobe, focus on investing in a high quality pieces that can be worn for multiple occasions.

"Design has moved to a greater focus on timeless, forever pieces," observes personal stylist Keren Beaumont. "People are shopping smarter and investment shopping rather than buying into trends." While many of the best summer dresses on the market tap into this season's summer fashion trends, 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. Look no further for this season's best summer dress picks that will last you for years to come.

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 cotton and the best linen dresses 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.

If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding this season, this gorgeous coral embellished floral dress from British clothing brand Monsoon. A fashion label you can rely on for the summer occasion wear circuit, and for delivering perfect boho capsule wardrobe designs. With a loose yet flattering V-neck and waist-cinching cut, this delivers on both comfort and style. Just slip on with your best designer heels for a party-ready look.

Make further savings on your next purchase with the latest Monsoon discount codes.

A strappy maxi dress is ideal for picnic outfit ideas, but also makes a fantastic holiday outfit idea. With a loose fit and a muted yet beautiful floral print, this can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Long enough to give you the desired coverage when sitting now, but light enough so you can feel the sun on your skin, you will want to wear this all season. But if this cut shows slightly too much skin for you, layer with a white t-shirt underneath for extra comfort.

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 dress is a stylish piece to consider if you're wondering what to wear on a cruise as this design is just right for slipping over your best swimsuits. With a halter neck cut and timeless leopard print, this will never go out of style.

Showcasing one of the best midi dresses, Rixo is a fashion crowd favorite and this retro glam design doesn't disappoint. In viscose crepe, this bias cut, halterneck slip dress is great for rectangular body types. The empire line cute will help to elongate legs and your mid to lower torso, making it a great choice for more petite frames. Featuring a postcard print of Diamond Head, Hawaii, this bold print design is flirty, fun and feminine and will instantly inject the holiday mood into any wardrobe. 

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 2023 to pair them with. 

Ganni always delivers when it comes to chic and timeless designs, and this mini dress is no exception. In a vibrant green hue and a sophisticated long sleeve cut, this is a mini dress that can be easily dressed up for summer occasions. The A-line skirt will keep you cool on warmer days and the shape is ideal for styling with some chunky sandals and Quiet Luxury sunglasses. 

In a straight boxy cut, this beautiful blue mini dress is the perfect everyday piece that will still turn heads. 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.

This style of dress is ideal if you want to keep cool but still want a dress with shaping. With an elasticated waistband, it will cinch you in without being uncomfortable in the heat. Available in six equally gorgeous summery prints, this affordable mini dress is the perfect playful piece for summer weather.

This blue mini dress has the look of denim without the heavy fabric, making it an ideal pick for the best summer dresses. Made from 100% cotton, it will keep you nice and cool on sweaty days, and the long sleeves provide a little more coverage from the sun. With an elegant back cutout and playful tiered shape, it's the ideal balance between casual and sophisticated. Layer it over your best one piece swimsuits on holiday, or style up with some strappy sandals for a weekend BBQ. 

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 universally flattering. With a stretchy ruched bust and trendy puffed sleeves, it's comfortable as well as fashion-forward. 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 alike, the higher cut waistline also ensures this dress will work on apple bodies too.

When it comes to Kate Middleton's dresses, we know the Duchess is a fan of British brand Ghost. 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. 

We always associate bright color clothes with summer, and this dress is perfect for the season. With a flattering front cutout and ideal midi length, it is a versatile piece that has warm summer evenings written all over it. 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 warm tone and pair with gold hoop earrings and stacking rings for a chic finish. 

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 A-line designs, thanks to their proportion-balancing power. 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. 

This maxi dress has beach vacation written all over it, thanks to the linen fabric and neutral color palette. With a split bust and skirt style it will work for those who prefer to accentuate their top half, or those who like something loose and flowy around their legs. Available in regular and petite, most will be able to get that perfect midi fit for a reasonable price. If you've already asked what color suits me but don't fancy wearing vivid brights this summer, base your holiday wardrobe around a versatile piece like this.

This is an investment piece but it is certainly one of the best summer dresses if you're after timeless elegance as well as unmatched comfort. Black isn't just for fall and winter wear - it makes for a chic and put together look in the summer months, and the 100% cotton fabric of this dress ensures it will still keep you cool. One of the best black wedding guest dresses, this flared design is 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. It's also worth noting that this dress is dry-clean only, so be aware of potential suncream oil marks. 

With a trapeze shape, this floral dress is ideal for those who like to keep things particularly loose. In a seasonal, light floral print, this frock is great for everyday, summer wear - particularly for more casual occasions and weekend relaxation. Thin enough to layer with a white tee or a jacket in the evening without overheating, it is a must-have in your capsule wardrobe for travel.

For ultimate comfort, Free People has got you covered. This maxi has a loose skirt and fitted bust that is still stretchy and adaptable. The minimalist color in combination with a more eye-catching cut makes this a great pick for minimalists and maximalists alike. Layer with an oversized shirt for a little more coverage during the day or accessorize with chunky bracelets for evening dinner dates. The asymmetric hemline can be tricky for petites, to add length, consider pairing this dress with an on-trend wedge.

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 feel most comfortable.

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. In a light linen blend, it is a summer dress that can be effortlessly dressed up. With removable straps, it can be worn in a variety of different ways depending on your preference. It also means you can get two looks in one, saving on packing room. 

ASOS offers a range of trend-led plus size dresses, so whether you're shopping for your everyday wardrobe or need something for a special occasion, they've got you covered. With a gorgeous gingham print and cut out back details, this is a comfortable and slouchy dress that has a refined and fashionable finish you will want to wear all year. 

If summer were a dress, this floaty, ultra-flattering midi would be it. With a patchwork print and light plisse fabric, it ticks all the boxes. Ideal for curvier frames and bigger busts, it has an under bust tie that can provide the perfect fit. If the V-neck is slightly too low for you, you can wear this dress backwards for more coverage. Or, layer over Quiet Luxury swimsuits for a chic daytime vacation look.

Jean dresses are one of the big denim trends 2023, so we had to have at least a couple in our best summer 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 more of 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, if you've been wondering how to style a shirt dress, they're great for basically all occasions. Wear 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. 

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 is not for the fainthearted but it will give you a killer look in one simple step. The full sleeve is directional, yet romantic, making it one of the best rehearsal dinner dresses and as the fashion crowd continue to embrace the best frocks, 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 also never disappoints when it comes to the best summer dresses either. Available in a great size range, this tie dye style shirt dress from M&S treads the line between minimalistic and bold. With a simple shape and ideal midaxi length, it will be ridiculously easy to style this season, yet not at all boring. With a smart collar, it will also work for days in the office.

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 cropped cuffed sleeves help to add curves to your frame, particularly for petites. With a short frilly asymmetric hem, it will keep you cool without being too revealing. Wear open when poolside or team with some gold heeled sandals come evening.

This sleeveless shirt dress proves that there is no end to how wrap dresses can be worn. Sleeveless and in a blue and black striped colorway, it is unique without being unwearable. Tap into the black accents by teaming with black leather sandals and a chic crossbody bag for days where you're on your feet and need to keep things practical without sacrificing on style.

This style of wrap dress is a classic - just the right length for versatile wear, it can be dressed up numerous different ways. This blue paisley print makes a statement without being overwhelming, making it suitable for everyday wear. If you're in a particularly warm climate then the long sleeves may be slightly too warm, but the stretchy jersey fabric will keep you comfortable no matter how long you wear this piece for.

Drawing inspiration for the fashion colors of the season, this pink linen wrap 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. It can even be dressed up with heels for wedding celebrations or smart dinner dates - finish off your look with some glasses inspired by the eyeglasses trends 2023.

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 has a subtle hourglass shape with an A-line skirt that will accentuate your figure. Available in several different colors, there is a hue for everyone. Not to mention it's really comfortable, too. 

Sometimes you just want comfort, and this oversized Raey t-shirt dress offers that in bucketloads. With pockets and a knee length cut, it is surprisingly practical for everyday wear when the weather gets uncomfortably warm. Though slightly pricey considering the pared-back design, you can count on high quality materials that will last you for years. And thanks to the simplicity of the design, it will never go out of style.

This is a prime example of how t-shirt dresses can be done in a more formal manner that doesn't sacrifice on their comfortable appeal. With a longer length, unique print, and chic pleated fabric, this can easily be teamed with heels and a clutch bag for formal events. It is equally as practical for vacationing or brunch outfit ideas, so you can't go wrong. 

M&S makes some of the best summer dresses out there, hence why we always turn to them when we're after a staple yet trendy piece. This t-shirt dress ticks both those boxes, as well as being extremely affordable. In a summery pink hue and cropped length, this can even be layered with bike shorts or some linen shorts for added versatility if you're packing light or trying to minimize your capsule wardrobe.

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.

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 Chilcott. "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?