24 Throw-On-and-Go Dresses That Require Zero Effort

When the seasons change, and the first glint of summer sunshine hits the UK, I unpack the dresses I stored away the previous winter. It's become a yearly ritual for me to dig out the summer dresses that I'll spend the warmer months swanning around in, and during my most recent unboxing, I noticed a trend in the pieces I rely on for summer: Most of them are loose-fitting dresses.
Thanks to trends like cottagecore, dresses with relaxed shapes are a chic choice with added comfort—my favourite combination. When the sun comes out, these loose-fitting styles just require sandals, a handbag and jewellery to create a full 'fit—no shapewear necessary. Many of my go-to dresses need replacing from years of wear, so I headed online to find the best loose-fitting dresses to see me (and you) through this summer and many more to come.
Despite being loose-fitting, this style isn't dowdy. These billowing dresses create their own silhouette, and their ease and comfort are perfect for warm summer days. In this edit, you'll find classic loose styles along with designs that feature shirred tops, cinched pleating or carefully placed cut-outs for those easing into this exaggerated style.
Not only is this dress style immensely wearable, but it will also be a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Dress up for wedding guest outfits, or style simply for relaxed picnics in the park. Smarter styles will take you from office to evening, whilst cotton and linen dresses can be thrown over beachwear on your next holiday.
Keep reading to discover the best loose-fitting dresses for summer and beyond.
My Edit of the Best Loose-Fitting Dresses
The cut of this dress really won me over.
Up next, The Best High-Street Buys We've Seen on Instagram This Month

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
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