We don’t meet too many summer dresses we don’t like. ’Tis the season for breezy silhouettes, pretty (but not cumbersome) details, and tons of outdoor get-togethers—fancy or informal—that call for a festive look. And if you agree, perhaps like us you might be seeking a little direction on how to best shop summer dresses from an inside source. We went to four.
While we have no problem spotting a great piece, we asked a few e-commerce insiders about which styles are most in demand and which we shouldn’t sleep on (aka they’ll probably sell out quicker). And across the board, from mega multibrand retailers like Shopbop and single-label experts in plus-size clothing like Eloquii, we heard all different responses.
Below see what the leaders at four of our favorite summer dress destinations have to say about the trends they can’t keep in stock.
Shopbop
“Floral, floral, and did I mention floral? Dark to light colors, oversize to liberty prints—our customer is loving floral-print dresses this summer in every silhouette.”
— Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop
We love the gathered detail here.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Moody summer florals FTW.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Tie-sleeves and sheer details round out this trend-forward piece.Available in sizes S to L.
Who else is into this powerful shade of green?Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Bring on the pleats, please.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Tiers on tiers on tiers.Available in sizes XXS to L.
A pretty import from Copenhagen.Available in sizes XS to L.
Eloquii
“This summer is all about the sleeve, and our customers are loving dresses with this unexpected detail. From flared arms and ruffles to puffed styles and kimono sleeves, we can’t give her enough!”
— Julie Carnevale, chief merchant at Eloquii
A sleek yet playful silhouette.Available in sizes 14 to 28.
The more ruffles, the better.Available in sizes 14 to 28.
A summer dress everyone will love.Available in sizes 14 to 28.
Who says plaid is a fall thing?Available in sizes 14 to 28.
Go for a kimono-style dress in the boldest of prints.Available in sizes 14 to 28.
Have you heard red is in?Available in sizes 14 to 28.
We love the belt on this otherwise billowy silhouette.Available in sizes 14 to 28.
Reformation
“This summer we’re obsessed with linen dresses to keep us cool through hot summer days. Not only is it super comfortable, but it’s also super sustainable. Linen comes from the flax plant and on average uses 75% water than cotton.”
— Yael Aflalo, founder and CEO at Reformation
Found your next date-night dress.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
A perfect LWD.Available in sizes 0 to 22.
We’d be twirling in this maxi style too.Available in sizes XS to XL.
More plaid because why not?Available in sizes XS to XL.
All tied up.Available in sizes XS to XL.
As summery as your picnic blanket, but so much better.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Skip white and black altogether for this earthy neutral color.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Forward by Elyse Walker
“Clients come to FWRD for our curation of exclusive styles from the hottest designers including new and emerging brands. This summer our customers are buying ultra femme, sexy dresses. Hemlines are short, embellishments are loud and details are to be noticed!”
— Rebecca Brewer, buyer at FWRD
We repeat: “Details are to be noticed.”Available in sizes XS to L.
Peekaboo in a party dress.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Not for the color-averse.Available in sizes XS to L.
The ’00s strapless trend is back.Available in sizes 0 to 8.
These stripes can party.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
This dress is delicate and daring in equal measure.Available in sizes EU 36 to EU 44.
This fringe deserves a night out.Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Next see our stunning July cover shoot with actress Zoey Deutch.
-
The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer LongSomething for every personal style.
-
Reformation Is Having a *Secret* Sale—23 Items I'm Rushing to Buy Before They Sell OutJoin me.
-
I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for SummerShop the highly curated list.
-
These 31 Rich-Looking Nordstrom Finds Are Giving "I Summer in the Hamptons"Minus the trust fund.
-
Haven't Been to Madewell Lately? 36 Summer Clothing Styles I'd Snatch Up ASAPHurry—these pieces are bound to sell out.
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Already Wearing These 7 Chic Summer PiecesThese instantly elevate any look.
-
I'm a New Shopping Editor in NYC—These 31 Gorgeous Summer Nordstrom Finds Have My AttentionPS: Everything's under $150.
-
The Easy Two-Piece Outfit Combo You Have to Copy If You Want to Look Rich This SummerFrom Monaco to Miami.
