Our We try before you buy The series aims to take away the stress of shopping and eliminate the number of post office visits you have to make every month to return failed online orders. We test new season shopping and styling ideas so you don’t have to, and this month, our editors brought you dozens of new summer dresses and edited down the ones that are really worth the investment.
So now we have the summer season that we have been so eagerly praying for, but the reality is that it is quite difficult to prepare for. Between rising temperatures and a general lack of air conditioning, we’re in heatwave survival mode, making morning outfit prep even more challenging. After a deceptively cool start to spring in blouses and jeans, it’s time to don something lighter, and have one key thing in mind that can work for the occasion. Goodbye jeans and trainers, hello light layers and short hemlines, this season the perfect summer outfit comes in dresses and flat sandals.
(Image credit: Who Wears What in the UK)
Chic yet casual, effortless yet polished, dresses are the easiest instant outfit to wear on summer days that guarantee hassle-free style. While our attention has been on the changing lengths of skirts over the past few months, we’ve been overlooking the power of a well-cut dress, and after Celine, Chloé, and Stella McCartney talked about statement dresses this season, we’re ready to welcome them into our rotation with open arms. Whether you lean toward the romantic puff sleeve, slinky slip, or minimalist midi—there’s no dress code that doesn’t have a perfect style. And so, to help you make sense of the huge number of new summer dresses on the market, we decided to try on some of the market leaders to bring you the dresses our editors were really impressed with. Keep scrolling to see our picks for the best summer dresses in 2026.
Best Summer Dresses 2026
best occasion dress
“Although I may be a bit of a color fiend, the sheer allure of this sunshine-hued dress is undeniable even for me. This asymmetric linen dress will see me through all my summer vacations and holidays, and also comes with a silver floral brooch, if you want to add a chrome accent on the shoulder for statement occasion dressing.” Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
Maje
Asymmetrical Linen-Blend Dress
Pros and cons:When we call pieces ‘showstoppers’ we mean exactly that. From destination weddings to formal evening wear, this is a dress designed to turn heads, and every detail from the vibrant color to the detachable brooch is unforgettable. The linen construction is perfect for warm weather (only if the cut out wasn’t enough ventilation), but keep in mind that this regal dress comes with high maintenance. Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry it (expert dry clean only!), and iron on the lowest setting to keep it crisp and vibrant.
additional information: 88% Linen, 12% Polyamide (the main fabric of this garment is composed of at least 50% traceable linen fibers of European origin).
Shop more occasion dresses:
Libroway
Aubrey Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Gown
Loyal
Izaro Tencel and Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
la ligne
La Ligne pastel yellow ruched jersey maxi dress
best white cotton dress
“I wait until summer to wear dresses, but when I do I love bohemian styles with a lot of detail, and that’s what caught my eye Rixo’s dreamy cotton mini. My summer plans include festivals, parties, weddings and picnics, so I want simple styles that pack easily into a suitcase and look as fresh with heeled sandals as they do with cowboy boots – and thankfully this dress solved all my problems. Non-breathable, light and cute Very Beautiful, I can see this being a mainstay in my wardrobe for the warmer months to come.” Sophie Cookson, Senior Analyst
Rixo
Inez Cotton Mini Dress in White Lily Embroidered Ivory
Pros and cons: Whether it’s beautiful blouses or dreamy dresses, Rixo’s market is covered in fresh, feminine dresses. Almost serving as an evolution of the brand’s Maribelle and Erica blouses, the Inez feels like a continuation of spring’s hottest trend, now in the bohemian mini. Unlike sheer blouses, it’s partially lined for luminous lightness without being transparent, and this pretty mini transitions easily between dressing up for a festival with tall boots, or is ideal for weekend errands with a basket bag and flats. Sizes range from 6 to 20, which is better than some premium priced options, but short or tall shoppers will want to try on in person to check length as height options are not available.
Additional information: Outer is 100% cotton. hand wash cold.
Buy more white cotton fabric:
MS
Cotton Blend Ruffle Midaxi Knit Dress
Abercrombie
Bra-Free Cap Sleeve Dipped Waist Midi Dress
totem
Scoop Poplin Dress White
best printed dress
“If I’m looking for a summer dress that stands out, Realization Par is always my first choice. Balancing distinct, fashion-forward energy with easy-wearability, the brand’s ‘cool-girl’ signature is a regular favorite. Hailey Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, and Devon Lee Carlson are into summer, and with the Electra dress it’s easy to see why. A refreshing take on timeless florals, the retro print naturally has a ’70s flower-power feel, but with a rosy pink hue brought up to date. Whether it’s the halterneck detailing or the lightweight silky fabrication, this is a style that will look just as chic with barely-there sandals as it does with a chunky flip-flop.” Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor
feeling beyond
Electra in crush
Pros and cons: The beauty of Realization Paar costumes depends on the choice of fabric. There are some dresses on the market (especially for this price) that are 100% silk and not satin, meaning no static-adhesion, just smooth skimming in just the right places. Again, to feel like a sheer dress, it’s lined, but keep in mind that it’s not completely opaque (the brand goes so far as to recommend nude underwear), and those with larger busts may prefer a dress that allows for bra support and more coverage around the halter top.
additional informationLining: 100% Silk Chiffon, Lining: 100% Silk Georgette. Dry clean only. No zip, so just slip on.
Shop More Printed Dresses:
sure
Occhi Silk Twill Maxi Dress in Pink
Rabanne
Chain-Detail Floral Silk Maxi Dress
Loyal
Rosa Polka-Dot Maxi Dress
best midi dresses
“Tank tops and wide leg trousers are my go-to in the summer, but this Reiss dress was enough to grab and hold my attention. I’m not big on colors and prints and like to keep things classic, so the straight silhouette and oatmeal color palette had me saying yes immediately. I’ll happily wear this to more dressy events in the summer, but for now I’ll be styling it with something simple.” Flip flops for weekend lunches with the girls.” Emily Post, Graphic Designer
reece
Linen-Blend Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress in Neutral
Pros and cons: Just when you thought all linen dresses were plain, boxy, and always white, Reiss’s high midi is a breath of fresh air. This sophisticated approach to summer dressing is the perfect blend of fashionable and functional, and special care has been taken to get not only the intricate details but also the perfect fit. The fitting and flaring at the bust means there’s no clinging and the small cut-out acts as ventilation, but similar to the previous dress, this one is best suited to wear without a bra and doesn’t come in a petite option like many of Reiss’s other dresses.
additional information: 85% Linen, 15% Viscose. Dry clean only.
Shop more midi dresses:
self Portrait
Belted Peplum Lace Midi Dress
Zadig and Voltaire
Redox Jacquard Silk Midi Dress
couples
V-Neck Ruffled Knit Midi Dress
best maxi dresses
“Cos is always my first choice for charming summer dresses, and I couldn’t let this dark chocolate column dress pass me by. The sleek, woven silhouette is accented with a ruffled hem that happily sways with every step. This is a dress that seamlessly blends day-to-night dressing.” Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
store controller
Ruffled-hem knitted column dress
Pros and cons: Granted, it may not be your average, everyday maxi dress, but this knit column from COS is one have to see. What was once a hidden gem has now gone viral on social media, with shoppers impressed by the design and quality of the high street dresses, which is indicative of the runway-ready pieces shown by COS over the past few years. There’s so much to love about this pleasingly weighty, artistic-feeling knit dress, in fact its sizes are now extremely limited. Missed your chance? If you can’t find it in stores sign up for notifications, we’re hoping and praying for it to restock
Additional information: Shell: 100% viscose, dry-clean only.
Shop more maxi dresses:
mateu
Polka Dot Gathered Cotton-Blend Midi Dress
brand loyal
Araceli Striped Cotton Maxi Dress
Shona Joy
Campbell Ruched Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
best overall outfit
free people
swim across the sky midi dress
Pros and cons: A dress has to tick a lot of boxes to be the best overall, but the Free People’s Swimming Across the Sky Midi Dress doesn’t disappoint on any front. Firstly, the comfortable wear – no cut-outs, no fuss to put on (or take off), no cling and no need for special underwear, it has all the ease of a throw-on-and-go style, but with a smart look. Secondly, versatility. Boho dresses like this naturally pair with flat sandals, but just look at this one in ‘summer shower’ blue and tell me it’s not exactly wedding-appropriate with strappy gold heels. And last, but not least, its easy care. Yes, you can put it in the washing machine, you can iron and steam it, and no, you won’t need to spend money on dry cleaning. With all these points in mind, Swimming Across the Sky gets a high score, and it’s a costume we’d be happy to wear again this summer.
additional information:: 100% rayon, machine wash cold. Available in sizes 4 (XS) to 20 (XL).
