In the midst of the June-to-July peak heat, the last item of clothing anyone is thinking about is a pair of pants. The only item worth wearing in the sweltering heat is a dress. I’ve seen a plethora of dresses here in NYC and all over my Instagram feed. While out and about, I noted a few dress trends that I kept seeing IRL. Then it occurred to me that many of these dresses were also in my Instagram feed. It girls seem to be interested in seven specific, yet very different dress trends, but they are all suitable for all of summer’s offerings.
Each dress trend fits a different aesthetic; therefore, whatever your personal style is, any of these dresses could fit your daily wardrobe for the season. If you’re on the hunt for a new go-to summer dress, look no further. Keep scrolling to learn more about the biggest dress trends of the summer and shop each trend.
Babydoll Dresses
You can thank Olivia Rodrigo for popularizing the babydoll dress. While it’s a polarizing trend in the fashion scene, most It girls are in the camp of wearing babydoll dresses with a pair of boots, similarly to Rodrigo. Adding boots adds a fun contrast to your outfit. If you want to elevate your outfit, though, wear your babydoll dress with a pair of kitten heel pumps or thing sandals. Either way, if you’re into this trend, I found a few pretty options.
Shop Babydoll Dresses
Lace-Trim Slip Dresses
The lace-trim trend has had a major moment, and we’re just at the beginning of the year. We’ve seen the lace-trim skirts, shorts, and camisoles, but now it’s time for lace-trim dresses to shine. This dress trend has been styled in a myriad of fashionable ways. Fashion people have layered a lace-trim dress over jeans or pants with flats for a chic juxtaposition, like this look below. You can also keep your look simple by styling your dress with a pair of thong heels. The options are stylishly endless.
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Form-Fitting Strapless Dresses
Now, I know loose fabrics are encouraged to wear during the summer to stay cool, but if you’re feeling brave, a form-fitting strapless dress has been on my radar. They’re simple, but effortlessly elegant as they highlight the decolletage. You can style one with heels or even a pair of flats, and dress it up with accessories from beaded necklaces to arm cuffs. Sometimes, minimal dresses like fitted strapless ones are the best ones to build a look.
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Sleep Dresses
It girls aren’t actually wearing pajama dresses it and about, but the sleep dress trend is everywhere right now. Contrary to the name of the trend, it’s quite chic and darling for the summer. The fabric is light and breathable, which is, of course, ideal for summer. The sleep dress evokes a whimsical, playful vibe that looks pretty paired with any shoe or bag. You can style yours simply like the look below, or add a contrasting shoe like heels or a pair of summer-friendly boots.
Shop Sleep Dresses
Colorful Satin Dresses
If you'e planning to go to any summer weddings, the colorful satin dress trend is the perfect option for you. This trend gives off a more formal, black-tie vibe. Even if you're not going to a wedding this summer, if you find yourself invited to nice dinners, gala or work events that require dressing up, a colorful satin dress is the Little Black Dress's counterpart. If you want to dress yours down, opt to style one with a pair of beaded flip-flops, and if you want to dress it up, wear a pair of strappy sandals.
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Crochet Beach Dresses
If you're summering in Europe or will be on the beach often this summer, I highly suggest trying the crochet beach dress trend. It's the chicest swimsuit coverup and a fun way to add texture to your looks. I find them to be playful and elegant all at once. Clearly, It girls on the internet seem to think so too. Let your dress do the talking and style it simply with black heels or thong sandals if you find yourself on the beach.
Shop Crochet Beach Dresses
Elevated T-Shirt Dresses
A T-shirt dress hasn't been on my radar in maybe a decade. I used to wear them a ton in high school. Now, they're back but not in the same loose, careless silhouette, but rather an elevated one. Cinched waists, tie details, and clean lines are all the characteristics of the new age elevated T-shirt dress, and I couldn't be happier. It's a chic and easy piece to throw on during this heat. Style yours with a cute shoulder bag and a simple pair of sandals, or keep it casual with a pair of sneakers.
Shop Elevated T-Shirt Dresses
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