Best pink dresses: Mood-boosting frocks that will work for every occasion
The best pink dresses to shop this summer from Whistles, H&M and more
This season is all about color and the best pink dresses offer an instant mood boost. One of the must-have styles this summer, there's no better time to invest in fashion's favorite new look.
While there are a host of rainbow hues that have made it to the fashion color trends 2022 list - cobalt, Kermit the Frog green and zesty lime are all big news - this season, designers have proclaimed that pink is the new black. Overhauling everything from blazers, to bags and of course dresses, whatever the occasion this season, pink is likely to be the answer. And remember, when it comes to 'what color suits me', everyone can wear nearly every color, it's largely about finding what tone is best for you. So whether you’re after a softer millennial pink or a loud Barbie shade, there are plenty of options to suit you and your budget this season.
Bright color clothes have the power to uplift the greyest of days and the runways were overrun with bold hues. So get ready to inject your capsule wardrobe with the summer-ready glow it needs with the best pink dresses, one of the biggest fashion trends of the season. Centering around dressing yourself happy, pink is a bright, fun and optimistic color that gives an instant mood-lifting finish to your look.
The best pink dresses as chosen by a fashion editor
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Get ready to inject some joy into your closet with the best pink dresses to shop now.
1. J.Crew Stretch Linen A-line Dress
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Reasons to buy
Simple and elegant, this linen dress is a summer staple that will see you through any occasion. The lightweight and breathable fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, particularly when it comes to what to wear in the heat. With a slight stretch, it fits neatly on the bodice before flaring out to an A-line skirt and finishing just below the knee. Team the soft pink hue with fresh whites and creams and layer the best denim jackets for a casual spin.
2. Self Portrait Draped Crepe Midi Dress
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Reasons to buy
This stunning pink design from British designer brand Self Portrait will certainly have you dinner date-ready. The sweetheart neckline and draped skirt ooze romance whilst the gathered bodice helps to highlight your waist for a figure-enhancing silhouette. Perfect if you’re after something more glitzy or wondering what to wear to a christening. Finish with a beaded clutch and a silver chain necklace.
3. Ghost Ollie Dress
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Reasons to buy
British clothing brand Ghost really excel in the special occasion dressing department and this is certainly no exception. If you're wondering how to wear a wrap dress, this timeless silhouette is universally flattering, working for all occasions and is well worth having in your fashion arsenal. Feminine flourishes such as the micro floral print, shirring detail on the shoulders and cuffs give it extra style kudos. Dress down with the best white trainers and add a light colored blazer for extra polish.
4. M&S Pure Cotton Frill Detail Midi Smock Dress
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Reasons to buy
Hot summer days call for breezy dresses you can throw on in five minutes and this one really hits the mark. Crafted from pure cotton to keep you cool, the smock style skims your shape with a flattering tiered midi hem. The frilly detail on the sleeves are a nice touch that adds interest to the top half. The fuchsia pink shade really packs a punch too, so you will need minimal styling with this one - just add simple sliders. A great piece if you're looking for holiday outfit ideas.
5. Aspiga Nicole Embroidered Dress
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Reasons to buy
Nail what is boho style with this gorgeous embroidered frock. The tassel details add a playful spin and the pretty embroidery give it a high-end finish. Made from bamboo, it has some serious sustainable credentials too. Wear loose or take advantage of the drawstring waist if you want added structure. A dreamy dress if you’re wondering what to pack for a beach vacation, you can layer over your best swimsuit to take your look straight from beach to bar.
6. Zara Long Jacquard Dress
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Reasons to buy
With its long sleeves and midi length this dress will see you through all the seasons. Wear with sandals in the summer and swap for the best Chelsea boots when the temperatures drop. The wrap v-neckline is super flattering on the bust and the self-tie knot front will help to define your waist and highlight an hourglass silhouette. It has a subtle jacquard print for a luxe-looking finish.
7. River Island Pink Sequin Shift Mini Dress
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Reasons to buy
Everyone needs a sequin dress in their collection and why not make it pink for an extra dose of joy? The long sleeves help to offset the shorter hem and the classic shift silhouette is flattering on all body shapes. Try a cool color-clashing look for an evening out and pair with red or orange accessories. In Fall, you can wear it with knee-high boots for extra coverage on the legs.
8. Yours Clothing Curve Pink Gingham Tiered Smock Dress
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Reasons to buy
One of the best plus size clothing brands, Yours is brimming with flattering frocks and wardrobe essentials to upgrade your closet, including plenty of pink designs. This gingham design is a front-runner. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics and garden parties it has a tiered, smock silhouette made from a soft woven crinkle fabric so minimal ironing needed! You can also snap it up in green (check out the best green dresses while you're at it!)
9. Molly Goddard Curtis Shirred Tulle Dress
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Reasons to buy
If you really want to pull out all the stops, then this designer number is the one for you. Molly Goddard is renowned for its tulle designs and we’re obsessed with this pink beauty, perfect for embracing your inner ballerina. Featuring the brand's signature shirring on the bodice and a tulle skirt, it’s a real showstopper that’s guaranteed to turn some heads and any summer event. Keep the rest of your look low-key and wear with barely-there sandals.
10. Mint Velvet Pink Linen Midi Shirt Dress
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Reasons to buy
Give the best shirt dresses the pink treatment with this smart linen design. Shirt dresses are forever on trend and certainly deserve a spot in your wardrobe rotation especially if you’re trying to nail your summer outfits for work. Nail how to wear a shirt dress in multiple ways by making this look appropriate for work or play. Smart and polished, you can wear this design to the office during the week, buttoned up with a pair of loafers, or leave it unbuttoned and layered over swimwear on your summer vacay - the outfit possibilities are endless!
11. LK Bennett Honor Pink Cotton Broderie Anglaise Dress
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Reasons to buy
From dusty to fuchsia there are heaps of pink hues to choose from depending on your personal preference. If you’re new to the color you may want to ease yourself in with a softer shade such as this blush pink dress from Kate Middleton dresses fave LK Bennett. A go-to for a fancy occasion the broderie detailing adds a romantic touch the nipped-in waist and flared skirt offers a classic ladylike silhouette. A strong contender for what to wear to the races, team with raffia accessories for a sweet summer look.
12. Nobody’s Child Ciara Midi Dress
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Reasons to buy
Crafted from recycled materials, Nobody's Child is one of the best sustainable clothing brands. With a silky satin finish, this dress has a luxurious feel and is ideal when thinking about what to wear to a wedding this summer. The open back offers a stylish and elegant touch, while the relaxed fit, V-neckline and slightly puffed sleeves keep this dress on-trend. Wear with barely-there heels and delicate gold jewelry for a stylish look.
13. Whistles Gracia Smocked Dress
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Reasons to buy
Simple and chic, this pink design from Whistles will be your summer go-to. With a smocked body and delicate straps, it oozes understated elegance. The fitted waist and flared skirt will skim stomachs and highlight waists. Despite its unfussy silhouette, the bright pink hue ensures it still feels incredibly joyous. Wear with black strappy sandals for a simple yet statement-making look. If you love the shape, you can also snap it up in black and blue too. A great wardrobe staple style.
14. Rixo Corsica Smocked Striped Crepe de Chine Maxi Dress
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Reasons to buy
Investigate what is cottagecore with this vintage-inspired design from dress stalwarts Rixo. It has smocking at the neckline and puffed sleeves for a look that draws on styles of yesteryear for a trend-worthy finish. The soft crepe de chine fabric falls effortlessly under the bust ideal for apple body shapes looking for stylish dresses to hide a tummy. Complete your look with some green accessories and be the envy of every party goer.
15. Omnes Marie Tea Dress in Pink Zebra
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Reasons to buy
Made from renewably sourced Ecovero Viscose, this design from Omnes is a stylish and sustainable choice. An instant outfit maker, we love the bold pink zebra design for a modern update on the classic animal print. It has a relaxed fit that’s cool and comfortable so you can rock it with your sneakers or a pair of the best designer heels. The ruched sleeve detail adds an '80s-inspired edge that will help balance proportions for pear shapes.
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Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.
She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.
With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
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