As soon as there's even a whisper of sunshine in the UK, it's officially dress season. It's the same every year; the clocks go forward, the pub gardens fill up and I suddenly have a calendar full of reasons to wear warm-weather outfits again. For me, this always starts with a summer dress. Dresses are my favourite kind of wardrobe shortcut. You don't need to think too hard about what to wear with them, they always look put-together and—crucially—they allow for maximum air circulation when the inevitable heatwave arrives.
This season, I'm gravitating towards the same classic styles that come out of storage every year: midis, wrap dresses and airy cotton pieces, but with a 2025 update. Think sculptural silhouettes, bolder colour choices and a subtle return to structure. Whether it's a floral dress I'll wear to death with sandals, or something a bit more tailored I can throw a blazer over, dresses are doing all the heavy lifting in my wardrobe right now.
Every summer, I end up back on NET-A-PORTER, not just because it has everything (it really does), but because the edit always feels one step ahead. There's a kind of ease to the way the site picks dresses that actually work in real life. Not just influencer-on-a-boat-in-Capri life, but running-to-a-meeting-then-out-for-drinks life. I'm not saying I plan my wardrobe around the site's new-in section… but it has been known to shape a few holiday looks.
I've purchased some brilliant pieces from the e-tailer in the past (including the perfect black linen Toteme dress I wore on repeat last year), and this summer's drop is especially strong. From minimalists to maximalists, from those who brunch to those who do the school run, there's something for everyone. The key is knowing what to look for, and I've done that part for you.
This time around, I'm adding a few pieces that fall into the key summer dress categories I know I'll reach for on repeat. I've got an eye on a couple of floral numbers that feel more elevated than tween, and a breezy poplin dress I can wear to the beach and into town. There's also a slip style I've bookmarked for an upcoming wedding, and one perfectly-structured midi dress that'll make dressing for the office in 28°C-degree heat slightly more bearable.
I'm always looking for items that won't date too quickly and will work with the sandals, basket bags and light extra-layer knits I already own, and whilst—yes, some of the pieces are investment buys, they'll work hard in your wardrobe for years to come.
Scroll on to see the summer dress styles I'll be living in this year.
Shop Our Favourite Summer Dress Styles From NET-A-PORTER:
1. Floral Fix
Style Notes: Florals aren't exactly groundbreaking, but this year's crop feels a little more grown-up. Think bold blooms, painterly prints and retro-inspired patterns in wearable shapes that aren't too fussy. I'm after styles that work with chunky sandals, a raffia bag and sunglasses I found at a market last year.
Shop Floral Dresses:
I’ve seen this on more than one stylish person at fashion week (usually paired with Birkenstocks and a Loewe bag). The cotton is breezy and soft, and the smocking adds shape without feeling too fitted.
The floral pattern feels almost vintage, but the cut is modern and crisp. Erdem's sizing runs true, and this one layers beautifully under a blazer.
I love Doen dresses for weddings or summer parties. This blue floral midi always sells out for a reason.
So fresh and cute.
2. Holiday Mode
Style Notes: When I'm off on a beach escape or just want to dress like I am, these are the kinds of dresses I pack first: lightweight, minimal effort and high impact. Ideal with a tan and sandy feet.
Shop Holiday Dresses:
Matteau nails effortless resortwear, and this strapless linen midi is proof. It would work perfectly with so many summer shoe styles.
Faithfull's dresses are made with holidays in mind, and this one practically demands a beach bar. The open back makes it breathable without being too revealing.
I've worn this exact style over a swimsuit with a blazer in the evening.
If I had to pick one holiday dress to wear from plane to pool to dinner, it'd be this.
3. Minimal Mood
Style Notes: On days you want to look put-together without trying too hard, a minimalist dress is key. Clean lines, interesting details and nothing too trend-led; these are the quiet heroes of my wardrobe.
Shop Minimalist Dresses:
Toteme's approach to summer dressing just speaks to me. This piece is structured but still comfortable, and I'd pair it with slingbacks and a slightly slouchy tote.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. This is the kind of dress you'd have in your wardrobe for years.
It's got a subtle architectural shape that works well with flat sandals.
I've been eyeing this for months. The craftspersonship is impeccable.
4. Wedding-Guest Winners
Style Notes: Weddings can be tricky to dress for, but these pieces do all the work for you. From countryside ceremonies to city celebrations, they tick the boxes for style and comfort.
Shop Wedding-Guest Dresses:
In butter yellow and with a subtle ditsy-floral print, this is just so pretty. It’s also super lightweight, which is ideal if you're dancing all night.
Zimmermann never lets me down for occasion dresses. This pleated number is perfect for a beachside wedding, especially when paired with metallic heels.
Self-Portrait is a go-to for a reason. This polka-dot midi looks great in photos and will always earn you compliments.
Bernadette gets floral prints spot-on, and this one feels especially fresh.
5. Work-Ready Styles
Style Notes: Dressing for the office in summer can be confusing, but these dresses help take the guesswork out of it. They're polished enough for meetings, but still cool enough for the tube journey home.
Shop Office Dresses:
I always trust Khaite for workwear basics, and this pleated fit-and-flare midi is no exception.
This is one of those secretly comfortable dresses that looks far more "done" than it is. The crepe fabric makes it ideal for slightly cooler mornings, and it layers well.
A great desk-to-dinner option.
This dress manages to feel relaxed yet elevated. I'd wear it with loafers and a leather tote, and maybe a red lip if I have dinner plans.
