It's Officially Dress Season—5 Trends That Will Make Every Summer Outfit Instantly Chicer
From pretty polka-dots to elegant drop-waist silhouettes, here are the five dress trends that every it girl will be wearing in summer 2026.
The weather has finally started to warm up here in the UK, and this can only mean one thing: dress season is officially here! Of course, you’ll still find me in my versatile jeans and breezy linen trousers for the time being; however, when summer officially comes around, I always turn to dress as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. And ahead of the new season, I decided to go on the hunt for some on-trend dress styles that feel fresh and elevated for 2026.
My first port of call? The runway, of course. And as someone who works in fashion and, in turn, tracks trends for a living, I’ve already spent hours scouring the spring/summer 2026 runways to determine which dress trends will dominate the upcoming summer season. And you’ll be pleased to know that the vast majority of them feel wearable, and equal parts trendy as they do timeless. Not to mention, I can guarantee you that you’ll spot the chicest editors, influencers, and fashion people wearing at least one of these this season.
From pretty polka-dots to elegant drop-waist silhouettes, below, I’ve rounded up the five dress trends that every it girl will be wearing in summer 2026.
5 Dress Trends Every It Girl Will Be Wearing This Summer
1. Drop-Waist
Style Notes: If there’s one dress trend a minimalist like myself can fully get on board with, it's the drop-waist silhouette. It makes for an interesting and eye-catching silhouette without feeling too out there. Plus, this elegant dress style will lend itself particularly well to more formal events, especially with the wedding season just around the corner.
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I'm obsessed.
Simple, chic and easy to style.
This mini iteration is perfect for holidays.
This comes in 16 other chic colours.
I'd wear this with loafers to the office, and then swap these out with kitten heels for a dinner date.
2. Polka-Dot
Style Notes: Polka-dot dresses are set to be everywhere yet again this summer. They’re elegant, timeless, and can be taken from day to night with ease. I’ll personally be styling mine with a pair of ballet flats or strappy flat sandals for the office, and heeled flip-flops for summer evenings out.
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This is one of Rixo's bestselling dresses for very good reason.
Wear with sandals, ballet flats and heels alike.
Perfect for a summer night out.
Straight from the runway.
No one will guess this from the high street.
3. Nightie
Style Notes: Wearing a “nightie” dress outside of your house might initially feel daunting. But trust me when I say they're actually incredibly easy to style, due to the fact that this statement dress stands on its own with minimal accessories needed. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward dress that you’ll rely on from now until early autumn, not to mention it’s the perfect style to wear in the warmer weather.
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Simply add flip-flops.
Dôen never lets me down.
I love the contrast cups.
The prettiest shade of pink.
This chartreuse and teal combo is calling to me.
4. Two-Tone
Style Notes: If you’re more of a pared-back dresser and unlikely to branch out from your neutrals, then the two-tone monochrome dress trend thats set to dominate this season is the one for you. Not only does this style feel more elevated than your typical one-coloured dress for summer, but this cohesive and high-contrast trend will look expensive and polished at any price point.
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The best of both worlds.
How chic is this?
No notes from me.
This iteration from Sandro has such a retro feel to it.
It's no surprise that Proenza Schouler has created one of the most elegant dresses I've seen in a very long time.
5. Draped
Style Notes: Draped silhouettes are nothing new, but for summer 2026, luxury fashion houses have taken it to the next level with even more exaggerated draping that feels both fresh and elevated, but equally as romantic in a way that lends itself to formal styling with ease. The best part? It will act as the focal point of every summer outfit, allowing me to keep the rest of my accessories pared back just as I like.
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Perfect for in or out of the office.
Well done, Reiss!
Just look at the draped waistline!
A boho dream.
This chocolate hue makes for a nice point of difference from black.
