Working in fashion, I'm very aware that trends are cyclical. That being said, there are some that utterly surprise me when they come back around—including bandeau dresses. Part of it is my lack of thinking outside the box; I can't fathom fresh ways of styling something that has been worn ruthlessly. Or it's a piece I assume wouldn't be fit for the direction fashion is currently swaying in. Occasionally I'm right, but oftentimes I'm (pleasantly) proven wrong, as is the case with bandeau dresses.
Sometimes, the gap between a trend's peak popularity and its resurgence is small. Take, for instance, the noughties and '90s trends that have popped up again in the past few years. It didn't take too long for slip dresses, cargo pants and butterfly clips to show up in our wardrobes again for another go. Even growing up, my mom would smirk whilst driving me to school, noting that she wore the same thing when she was the same age. Other times, it takes a little longer, such as with kitten heels, which were everywhere in the '50s and '60s, but have only recently resurfaced as a trend.
Bandeau (or tube) dresses have had a quick turnaround and are back again. Since their inception, they've had a few elegant upgrades that make them easy to slide into your current rotation. A simple search for bandeau dresses will reveal the many patterns, prints and textures they come in, and I think this versatility is the key to their success. If you're trying to complete your summer capsule wardrobe or are after a silhouette that's slightly different from all your other holiday dresses, the bandeau is for you. The fashion people who inspire me most have proven there's no reason to be sceptical—take a look below for the best styling inspiration.
1. Bandeau Dress + Quilted Clutch + Black Heels
Style Notes: Say hello to the little black dress in bandeau form. Aimee Song's look embodies minimalist glamour and completely elevates the tube-style silhouette. On occasions that call for something a little more elegant, lean on a black-and-white bandeau with pointed heels and a black clutch. There's a reason the LBD has never gone out of style, but who says it has to be boring?
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You can't go wrong with an LBD.
A quilted black bag is almost as quintessential.
Black heels will always be deserving of a space in your wardrobe.
2. Bandeau Dress + Strappy Sandals + Extra-Large Tote
Style Notes: After some summer holiday inspo? Monikh Dale understood the brief. With warmer weather and small hand luggage, you'll want to adopt the mindset of less is more. This lightweight dress is minimal but the details make it far from plain. The bandeau top is breezy and cool and it can be successfully worn with heels, sandals or trainers. Add an extra-large, relaxed tote for the perfect finishing touch.
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The skirt volume makes this dress so fun. There are shoulder straps if you want them too.
The simpler the details, the better.
If the usual woven beach bag doesn't suit your fancy, this one certainly will. I love those square handles.
3. Bandeau Dress + Belt + Shoulder Bag
Style notes: A bandeau dress is a holiday essential. But what if you want it to stand out from the sea of other tube dresses? Alyssa Coscarelli formulated the perfect solution with a thick belt across the hips to add a detail that you won't see everywhere. If you're a fan of the '90s and noughties revival, this one is for you.
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There's something so romantic about this dress. It's one you can definitely wear on repeat.
Perfect to wear over a dress or with high-wasited shorts.
Olive green is the perfect faux neutral for the warmer seasons.
4. Bandeau Dress + Grey Blazer + Layered Jewellry
Style notes: This look is as laid-back as it is pretty. A white bandeau dress is so easy to style, as proven by Amaka Hamelijnck. Add a light grey blazer, shoulder bag and layered necklaces for a look that's perfect for brunch or days out when you want something more than jeans. It's ideal for typical UK summer days that flip back and forth between sunny and cloudy.
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The puffy skirt is a great hybrid between a cotton summer dress and a sleek tube style.
A light grey blazer is a great replacement for your darker-toned versions from autumn.
Don't sweat over mixing your own jewellery—this set is pre-stacked.
5. White Bandeau Sundress + Kitten Heel Sandals + Sunnies
Style notes: Bandeau dresses don't have to be fully tubular. If you're more comfortable in flowier styles or need something less body-hugging for sticky summer days, opt for a bandeau top with a looser skirt. No matter what year it is, this kind of bandeau style will always feel relevant. To keep it chic, copy Marianne Smyth and pare accessories down to nothing more than sunglasses and a pair of kitten-heel sandals.
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Such a pretty white dress.
Strappy sandals that are literally and stylistically elevated thanks to a kitten heel.
Cat-eye and squarish-shaped sunnies are classics.
6. Printed Bandeau Dress + Pearls + Matching Handbag
Style Notes: What better season to play with colour than summer? If you've seen your fair share of knit and cotton bandeau dresses, this patterned number April Lockhart is wearing will stop you mid-scroll. It's vibrant, playful and the epitome of a good summer dress. Pair it with a matching handbag for maximum impact.
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This vivid floral print is a refreshing detour from the micro and ditsy prints of spring.
The beading on this bag reminds me of flowers, fruit and coral reefs. All that to say, it's perfect for summer.
Dainty pearls always look pretty with both maximalist and minimalist dresses.
7. Bandeau Dress + Chunky Trainers + Statement Bag
Style Notes: Look familiar? If you were after more ways to style a more formal bandeau dress similar to what Aimee Song was wearing (pictured above), look to Allison Ho. This dress isn't merely destined for special occasions—add a statement bag and chunky trainers to dress it down. It's such a fresh and unexpected take on wearing a tube dress.
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A sleek silhouette that's perfect for dressing up or down.
Statement bags can still feel like classics—just choose a neutral colour.
These cool trainers with a sleek bandeau dress? I'm now fully on board with this style coming back in.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.