We Try Before You Buy: The Very Best Summer Dresses on the Market
Minis, midis and sweeping maxis—we road test this season's most popular dresses to bring you our unbiased review of the ones really worth buying this season.
Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of Post Office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to, and this month, our editors gave dozens of new summer dresses a spin to bring you their edit of the ones that are truly worth investing in.
So now we have it, the summer weather we've been feverishly praying for, but the reality is quite difficult to dress for. Between the soaring temperatures and general lack of air conditioning, we've been in heatwave survival mode, making morning outfit prep all the more challenging. Having made it through spring's deceptively chilly start in blouses and jeans, now is the time to reach for something a little lighter, and there is one key piece in mind that can rise to the occasion. Goodbye jeans and trainers, hello light layers and shorter hemlines, this season the perfect summer outfit comes down to dresses and flat sandals.
Chic yet casual, effortless yet polished, dresses are the easiest instant outfit to pull on on the summer days that warrant fuss-free style. While our focus over the last few months has been on the changing lengths of the skirt, we've been overlooking the prowess of a well-cut dress, and after Celine, Chloé and Stella McCartney made talking points of statement dresses this season, we're ready to welcome them back to our rotation with open arms. Whether you lean towards the romantic puff sleeve, slinky slip, or minimalist midi—there's no dress code (pun intended) that there isn't the perfect style for. And so, to help you navigate the huge number of new summer dresses on the market, we decided to try on some of the market leaders to bring you the pieces that our editors were genuinely impressed. Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best summer dresses in 2026.
The Best Summer Dresses 2026
The Best Occasion Dress
"Whilst I may be a bit of a colour-phobe, the alluring draw of this sunshine-hued dress is undeniable, even for me. This asymmetrical linen dress will see me through all my summer soirees and holidays, and also comes with a silver floral broach should you want to add a chrome accent to the shoulder for statement occasion dressing." Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
Pros and Cons: When we call pieces a 'showstopper' this is exactly what we mean. From destination weddings to formal eveningwear, this is a dress designed with drawing attention in mind, and every detail from the vibrant colour to the detachable brooch are unforgettable. The linen fabrication is perfect for warmer weather (just in case the cut out wasn't enough ventilation), but be aware that a dress this regal does come with high maintenance. Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry (specialist dry clean only!), and iron on the lowest settings to keep it crisp and vibrant.
Additional Information: 88% linen, 12% polyamide (the main fabric of this garment is made from at least 50% traceable linen fibres of European origin).
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The Best White Cotton Dress
"I tend to wait until summer to wear dresses, but when I do I tend prefer bohemian styles with plenty of detail, and that's what caught my eye about Rixo's dreamy cotton mini. My summer plans consist of festivals, parties, weddings and picnics, so I need easy styles that will pack easily into a suitcase and look just as fresh with heeled sandals as they do with cowboy boots—and thankfully this dress answered all of my problems. Breathable, light, and cute without being too pretty, I can see this being a mainstay in my wardrobe for the hotter months to come." Sophie Cookson, Senior Analyst
Pros and Cons: Whether it's pretty blouses or dreamy dresses, Rixo have the market on fresh, feminine dressing covered. Almost acting as an evolution of the brand's Maribelle and Erika blouses, the Inez feels like the continuation of spring's most popular trend, now in a bohemian mini. Unlike sheer blouses, this is partially lined for gauzy lightness without being transparent, and cute minis like this shift effortlessly between festival-ready with tall boots, or ideal for weekend errands with a basket bag and flats. Sizing is from 6 to 20, which is better than some premium price options, but petite or tall shoppers will want to try on in person to check the length as there aren't height alternatives available.
Additional Information: Outer is 100% Cotton. Hand wash cold.
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The Best Printed Dress
"If I'm looking for a summer dress that makes a statement, Réalisation Par is always my first point of call. Balancing aloof, fashion-forward energy with easy wearability, the brand's ‘cool-girl’ signatures are regularly seen on the likes of Hailey Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo and Devon Lee Carlson come summer, and it's easy to see why with the Electra dress. A fresh take on timeless florals, the retro print has an inherently ‘70s flower-power feel, but brought up to date is rosy pinks. Whether its the halterneck detail or the whisper light silk fabrication, it's a style that would look just as chic with a barely-there sandal as it does with a chunky flip-flop." Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor
Pros and Cons: The beauty in Réalisation Par dresses comes down to the choice of fabric. There are few dresses on the market (especially for this price) that are 100% silk and not satin, which means no static-y clinging, just smooth skimming in exactly the right places. Again, for what feels like a sheer dress, this is lined, but be aware that it isn't entirely opaque (the brand goes as far as to recommend nude underwear), and those with a larger bust may prefer a dress that allows for bra support and more coverage around the halter top.
Additional Information: 100% Silk Chiffon, Lining: 100% Silk Georgette. Dry-clean only. No zip, so slip on only.
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The Best Midi Dress
"Tank tops and wide leg trousers are my staples in summer, but this Reiss dress was enough to grab and hold my attention. I'm not big on colours and prints and prefer to keep things classic, so the straight silhouette and oatmeal colour palette were an instant yes from me. I'd happily wear this to dressier events over summer, but right now I'd style this with simple flip flops for weekend lunch with the girls." Emily Post, Graphic Designer
Pros and Cons: Just when you thought all linen dresses were plain, boxy and always white, Reiss' elevated midi is a breath of fresh air. This polished approach to summer dressing is the perfect blend of fashionable and functional, and special care has been taken to get not only the intricate details but also the fit right. Fitting and flaring at the bust means no cling and the small cut-out acts as ventilation, but similar to the previous dress, this is best suited to wearing without a bra and doesn't come in petite alternative like many of Reiss' other dresses.
Additional Information: 85% Linen, 15% Viscose. Dry clean only.
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The Best Maxi Dress
"Cos is always my first port of call for chic summer dresses, and I couldn't let this dark chocolate column dress pass me by. The sleek, woven silhouette is punctuated with a fringed hem that joyfully swishes with every step. It's a dress that effortless bridges day to night dressing." Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
Pros and Cons: Granted, it might not be your average, everyday maxi dress, but this knit column from COS is a must-see. What was once a hidden gem has now gone viral on socials, with shoppers impressed by the design and quality of a high street dress, an indicator of the runway-ready pieces that COS has shown over the last few years. There's a lot to love about this pleasingly-weighty, woven dress with artisanal feel, so much in fact that sizes are now extremely limited. Missed your chance? Sign up to notifications if you can't find it in store, we're hoping and praying for a restock of this
Additional Information: Shell: 100% Viscose, dry-clean only.
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The Best Overall Dress
Pros and Cons: A dress has to tick a lot of boxes to be best overall, but Free People's Swimming Across The Sky Midi Dress does not disappoint on any front. Firstly, the comfortable wear—no cut-outs, wriggling to get it on (or off), no clinging and no need for special underwear, this has all of the ease of a throw-on-and-go style, but with a smarter look. Secondly, the versatility. Boho dresses like this naturally pair with flat sandals, but just look at this in 'summer shower' blue and tell me it isn't perfect for a wedding with a strappy gold heel. And last, but not least, its easy care. Yes, you can put it in the washing machine, you can iron and steam it, and no you won't have to fork out for dry cleaning. With all of these points in mind, the Swimming Across the Sky scores highly, and is the kind of dress we'd happily wear on repeat this summer.
Additional Information:: 100% Rayon, machine wash cold. Available in sizes 4 (XS) to 20 (XL).
