It's Officially Dress Season—6 Zara Dress Trends That Will Make Your Sandals, Flip-Flops and Trainers Instantly Chicer
After hours of browsing at Zara's new-in section, I’ve found the six key dress trends that the brand is backing for summer 2026. Keep scrolling to discover them.
When it comes to finding the hottest trends at an affordable price, Zara is well known among the fashion people and editors alike as their first port of call. I mean, we’re only one month into the season, and the brand has already leaned into all of the defining trends of summer 2026 far faster than its other high-street counterparts. And of course, this includes its forever-elegant dress collection.
I always turn to a dress as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those summer days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. So, I decided to go on the hunt for some on-trend dress styles that feel fresh and elevated for the current season. The spring/summer 2026 designer runways have already showcased a number of chic trends that feel just as timeless as they look chic, and it should come as no surprise that the high-street hero already has several of these styles on its website right now. And in true Zara fashion, the overarching dress trends remain elevated but effortless, and more importantly, all look extremely expensive, with each easily passing as a designer find.
So if you, too, are in need of some elevated throw-on styles to polish up your sandals, flip-flops and trainers this season, keep scrolling to discover the six elegant dress trends Zara is backing for the season.
6 Easy But Elegant Dress Trends Zara Is Backing In Summer 2026
1. Linen
Style notes: Lightweight, breezy, with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, linen dresses are a trusty staple that can be relied upon summer after summer. And for 2026, Zara has upped their game with a number of elevated silhouettes, bold colours and chic detailing.
Shop the Trend:
The very definition of an easy throw-on dress.
Just wait until you see the back of this dress.
I'd style this with a dark brown raffia tote and leather flip-flops.
Just look at the colour!
2. Polka Dot
Style notes: Polka-dot dresses are set to be everywhere yet again this summer. And Zara’s current selection is elegant, timeless, and can be taken from day to night with ease. I’ll personally be styling one of the brand's midi iterations with loafers and a raffia tote for the office and swapping these out for kitten heels and a statement clutch on summer evenings.
Shop the Trend:
Perfet for in or out of the office.
How cute is this mini style?
No one will believe this is from the high street.
Wear with sandals, ballet flats and heels alike.
3. Ruffles
Style notes: Ruffled detailing on clothing is by no means new; however, for summer 2026, Zara has taken it to the next level with even more exaggerated frills that elevate its dress selection and lend it a romantic quality that pairs easily with formal footwear.
Shop the Trend:
Just add flip-flops.
This is sure to earn you compliments.
If you're more of a minimalist, opt for this pared-back style.
Add a pair of silver heels and a matching clutch for a pretty wedding guest look.
4. Lace
Style notes: It’s clear that 2026 is the year of vintage revival, and lace is one of the many ways Zara is hopping on this comeback trend. Wearing lace dresses might initially sound quite daunting, but trust me when I say that all of the styles below are pared-back, easy to style, and most importantly, lightweight for the hot days to come.
Shop the Trend:
This genuinely looks designer.
Perfect for a beach holiday and a city break.
This chocolate brown hue will pair well with neutrals and bold colours alike.
There's something so chic about a long sleeve in summer.
5. Pastels
Style notes: I’m not usually one to opt for colour; however, the pastel hues that I spotted on the spring/summer 2026 runways and now at Zara are tempting me. Bright enough to inject some colour into your outfits, but still feeling wearable for a minimalist like me, pastel dresses are perfect for the upcoming wedding guest season.
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I can picture myself wearing this to the office all season long.
The prettiest shade of green.
Easy, breezy.
Yes, butter yellow is still in for 2026.
6. Two Tone
Style notes: If you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals, then the two-tone dress trend thats set to dominate summer 2026 is for you. Not only does this trend feel more elevated than your standard one-coloured dress, but it will also look expensive and polished at any price point—just look at Zara’s selection below!
Shop the Trend:
So elegant.
This has such a retro feel to it.
This brown and cream combo is a warmer alternative to classic black and white.
The best of both worlds.
