Suddenly, Everyone Is Wearing This Chic Summer Dress—Now I Want One Too
Wear a bandeau top and a matching skirt for the appearance of a dress.
In addition to languid frocks, tailored skirts and denim in excess, bandeau dresses and strapless silhouettes have shaped up to be one of this and last season's most esteemed trends. And they’re here to stay. The debut, or rather revival, of this trend comes hot on the tail of Y2k and bears relevance to the tube tops that I was accustomed to for a large proportion of my teen years, so spotting it ready-to-wear is peak nostalgia. The tube top trend was cemented last year, but this season’s iterations are elevated and boast intentional details. TOVE’s Lauryn dress set the precedent for the elaborate bandeau dresses that followed suit this summer.
The styles once reminiscent of the ‘90s supermodel era have been given an overhaul and are now available in modern silhouettes for the summer. 2023's creations include many cuts made from humble jersey, drop waist styles with full skirting and of course the popular bodycon fits. There’s a bandeau dress for all tastes and occasions – from bridal (courtesy of Magda Butrym, for example) to easy day dresses.
I adore décolletage-bearing style elements and to my delight, this demure style is being championed far and wide. And as a lover of extended hemlines, I also appreciate how flashes of skin balance generous swathes of fabric. Due to the versatility of strapless styles, bandeau dresses are apt for occasionwear and they’re an equally flattering pairing with light and fuss-free fabrications. From lightweight cotton gauze minis to voluminous prom-style dresses, bandeau dresses are proving to be an anti-trend piece that will work hard in your wardrobe.
I spent hours scouting the most timeless bandeau dresses on offer this season. Keep reading for 26 of the most impressive strapless styles on the market this summer. I plan on wearing this style for years to come.
Shop the Best Bandeau Dresses:
Drop waists dresses are also proving popular this season, especially when paired with fluted skirting.
A clean-cut and modern fit that comes in this salty colourway and black. It comes with detachable straps so you can wear it one of two ways.
COS' bandeau dresses are my favourite on the high street this summer. This understated maxi is cut to perfection and like their knitted bandeau, this is destined to be a sell-out.
Between the sweetheart neckline, overlay and colour Nicholas created romantic and gothic elements in one piece.
Next Up, I've Lived In Paris for 6 Weeks Now - Here's Everything I've Worn
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
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