The current heatwave has given us our first taste of summer, and the skyrocketing temperatures have sent me straight to my dress collection. Easy, reliable and quick to put together, on the hottest days, I don’t have the wherewithal to think about putting together a complicated layered look. Instead, a throw-on dress is the ultimate hot day hack. As someone who just started wearing dresses a few years ago, I’ve been slowly and steadily growing my collection, but with summer looming ahead, it’s time to step it up. This season, I’m turning to the brands that fashion people trust for the most sophisticated outfits: Reformation, Doane, and Sézane.
marina wears Don Ischia Dress (£380)
The bond between these three brands is a touch of charm. Whether it was the sculpted silhouettes in the Reformation, the delicate embroidery in Cézanne or the intricate shirring of Doane’s dresses, the attention to detail made every style look incredibly expensive. Plus, the focus on high-quality fabrics makes this trio one of the first ones to consider when joining our apparel collection. Airy linens and breezy cotton poplins soothe the scorching temperatures, while all are designed to exude sophistication, whether worn for casual summer days or elevated for evening out.
Sara wears Cézanne Odette Dress (£175)
When editing this outfit, I focused on a few key details. One, as always, is timelessness. Whenever we add a new piece to our wardrobe, we want to make sure it goes far, and the quality creations and enduring designs of the pieces below will do exactly that. Next, it’s worth considering your summer schedule. Most of these outfits can be styled from city to beach, but I’ve also added some resort looks with intricate fringing if you’re into vacation packing. Finally, keep an eye out for the intricate details that make each piece feel like a high-end designer purchase. From sophisticated silhouettes to perfectly placed pleats to sweet lace additions, the fine details make these dresses stand out from the rest and ensure you reach for them every year. Now, with the mercury still rising, let’s jump straight to the best Reformation, Doyen and Cézanne dresses for summer 2026.
