10 Outdated Summer Dress Trends We're Skipping and the 10 We're Buying Instead

With summer just around the corner, dresses are on my mind. Once temps hit above 75, there's nothing more blissful than taking a break from my usual wardrobe and allowing a single item of clothing to speak to my entire look. Easy, effortless, and reliable for work, the weekend, vacation, and a myriad of summer occasions, dresses are all I want to live in come June, July, and August.

Luckily, we have plenty of fresh styles to get excited about this summer. Determined to add some of-the-moment styles to my wardrobe, I did a deep dive and scoured everything from spring and summer 2023 runways to what's trending on Instagram. I also got plenty of notes from my fellow editors to see what specific dress styles have the fashion-crowd stamp of approval this summer. 

If you're also looking for a summer dress update, you're in luck. I'm sharing 10 noteworthy dress styles to invest in and the 10 styles I'll be retiring (for now). From a fresh take on floral dresses to sheer fabrics and strapless silhouettes, the dresses below are sure to get you excited for summer.

Skip: Gingham

Wear: Crochet

Open-knit and crochet fabrics are everywhere this summer in neutral hues, warm yellows, and metallics. So skip the gingham for now and opt for a crochet dress in a sleek and streamlined silhouette instead to keep your look polished.

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Skip: Baby-Doll Silhouettes

Wear: Strapless Silhouettes 

It's all about shoulder-baring strapless silhouettes this summer. Whether you lean into the '90s minimalist trend or go for a bold print or vibrant color, this sleek silhouette will dominate this season. 

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Skip: Wrap Dresses

Wear: Draping + Ruching

S/S 23 runways were rife with beautiful goddess-inspired draped dresses and irresistible ruching details. Both retailers and the fashion set have been quick to jump on the pretty trend, and there's no doubt we'll see it in full force this summer.

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Skip: T-Shirt Dresses

Wear: Linen Dresses

Set aside your casual T-shirt dress in favor of a breezy linen dress instead. There are so many chic options with elevated details on the market right now that will have you looking effortlessly elegant.

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Skip: '80s Puff-Sleeve Dresses

Wear: '90s Minimalist Dresses

As we've seen, chich and minimalist silhouettes from the '90s are trending. Take a break from puff sleeves and opt for a sleek and versatile dress that will go with almost everything in your closet.

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Skip: Ditsy Florals

Wear: Rosettes

Skip the ditsy prints in favor of bold and beautiful rosettes this season. The pretty appliqué is a trend-forward way to wear your florals this summer. And luckily, its dominance is expected to continue into fall!

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Skip: Tiered Dresses

Wear: Silky Slips

Silky satin slip dresses always look so luxe and alluring. Go for a lingerie-inspired slip with lace or a '90s-inspired silhouette for a look that will seamlessly take you from day to night.

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Skip: Polka-Dot Prints

Wear: Mermaidcore Dresses 

From shimmery sequins to aquamarine hues and cascading ruffles, the mermaidcore trend is going strong this season, and we're seeing plenty of stunning dresses that prove it. Skip polka-dot prints for now, and go for a dreamy marine-inspired style instead.

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Skip: Corduroy Dresses

Wear: Denim Dresses

Denim dresses are in the spotlight this summer after dominating S/S 23 runways. Whether you opt for a loose slip dress or a retro minidress, you're guaranteed to look on-trend sporting denim this summer.

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Skip: Leather Fabrics

Wear: Sheer Fabrics

Fresh, fun, and feminine. Sheer dresses were one of the biggest trends on S/S 23 runways, and both the fashion crowd and celebrities have been all over the transparent style this season. Leave your leather dresses for another time, and opt for a subtly see-through frock instead.

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Next, Summer Is Coming—These 35 Under-$100 Dresses Are Currently In My Cart