Every year, there comes a point when I make the switch from my usual uniform (jeans and a simple top, probably striped) to donning dresses everyday. It usually happens somewhere between mid-May and June, and it's prompted by the first signs of warmer weather. After several weeks of blue(r) skies and milder temperatures, I feel safe in making the transition now. After all, when we find ourselves in 20-degree climes, there's no comfier item to float around in than a lightweight cotton dress.
To be more specific, cotton poplin is the fabrication I'll be stocking up on for the coming months. It's crisper and softer than its sister fabrics, and it's naturally wrinkle-resistant. You'll be grateful for this fact when you stuff your holiday dresses unceremoniously into your suitcase, only to discover there's no iron in your hotel room. We've all been there.
The good news is that the closer we get to summer, the more poplin dresses are populating new-in categories. The bad news, if you're impatient like me, is this means sifting through hundreds of styles in search of the perfect dress (or two, or five). But don't worry—I've taken one for the team and done the wading for you. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best poplin dresses for the season ahead.
Shop the Best Poplin Dresses for Summer 2025:
H&M gets it right every time.
This dress has been all over Instagram lately.
This colour will instantly put you in a good mood.
The perfect chuck-on dress for a casual weekend.
I'd style this with a raffia clutch and strappy sandals.
This dress is begging to be brought on a Mediterranean getaway.
This is the kind of design that feels fresh but will simultaneously stand the test of time.
This colour!
Embrace the minidress revival with this chic silhouette.
It seems like sleeveless silhouettes are everywhere at the moment—this is a trend I can get on board with.
Just add a basket bag and Birkenstocks. Simple.
An easy option for lazy days.
I love the subtle cut-outs.
I'm imagining wearing this to a beachfront dinner on a Greek island. A girl can dream.
Take this dress from the office to Friday drinks.
A truly romantic option.
Pluck out one of the colours in this dress to match your accessories to.
Flowy, comfortable and oh-so chic.
This playful mini also comes in baby blue and rust.
Topshop 's new summer line offers so many stylish, affordable dresses.
This is a great wedding guest option.
This flowy mini has been at the top of my wish list for weeks...
This shade of blue was made for summer.
-
3 Elegant, Anti-Trend Aussie Brands In-the-Know Fashion People Turn to in SummerAustralian brands always get summer dressing right.
-
Amal Clooney Just Wore the '90s Dress Trend You're Guaranteed to See at Weddings This SummerShe's a pro at special-event dressing.
-
Two Easy, On-Trend Updates That Make White Summer Dresses Much Less "Predictable" and "Boring"As seen on elite fashion people.
-
8 Summer Buys That Zara Is Doing Better Than Anywhere ElseConsider this my wish list.
-
The Romantic, Throw-On Dress Fashion Insiders Keep Wearing on Sunny DaysIt's pretty-dress season.
-
I Want to Look Chic Without Trying Too Hard—7 Summer Dress Trends I’m Relying OnOne-and-done elegance.
-
I'm Not Normally a Florals Person, But These 31 Dresses Are Actually So Pretty for SummerFashion-person approved.
-
5 Elegant Dress Trends Zara’s Doing Better Than Anywhere Else This SummerThere's something for everyone.
