Suddenly, Everyone's Wearing Uncomplicated Dresses From This High-Street Brand

If you're new here, you may not be aware that the Who What Wear UK team have a thing about dresses. Mini, midi, maxi—we're big fans. So when a particular brand consistently serves up standout styles that are all over our IG feeds and personal wish lists, we have to share it with you, our dear readers. The brand in question this time? Free People. 

Free People's bohemian yet contemporary aesthetic is what makes its designs so successful. Right now, there are two dresses we've spotted that have serious appeal, both on and off-screen. They embrace the ease that we look for when searching for dresses, especially in the summer. Combine that with the on-trend details of each silhouette, and it's no surprise that these dresses—the Dylan Midi Dress and the Onda Tube Dress, to be specific—are trending. 

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(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

The Dylan is a shining example of the tank-top dress trend (a simple tank style on top with a flowy skirt on the bottom). But of course, Free People has added a stylish twist with the dropped waist. This waist style has become a key feature of high-end designers in recent seasons, but Free People has curved the design to seamlessly trace over the hips.

The Onda also embraces this dropped-waist design and billowing skirt. But instead of a tank, the Onda takes on the bandeau neckline that has been spotted everywhere this summer. The versatility of this neckline lets it embrace high and low dressing, making it just as appropriate for the beach as it is for a fancy dinner. Another standout feature that the dresses share—and something I'm personally grateful—for is that they both have pockets. Yes, pockets!

And finally, like most Free People styles, they're offered up in a range of colours, so there's bound to be a shade that hits for you. Keep scrolling to see how fashion people are styling the Dylan and the Onda, and to shop the trending dresses. 

THE DYLAN MIDI DRESS

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: The Dylan looks great with sandals, but can also be paired with trainers, boots, ballet flats and more. 

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: There's an ease to this style that makes it perfect for summertime. 

SHOP THE DYLAN MIDI DRESS:

THE ONDA TUBE DRESS

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(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

Style Notes: A 2023 LBD update. 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Lean into the simplicity of the dress by pairing back your accessories. 

SHOP THE ONDA TUBE DRESS:

Next Up: The It List: Everything Our Editors Are Buying This Month

Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.