So These Are the 5 Dress Styles Everyone Will Wear This Summer

Can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is a great summer dress? It makes for easy dressing on uncomfortably hot days, when you don’t want to think about anything else, all while offering a confidence boost all season long. Thanks to the current trends, you can go casual or dressy with just about any style as well. That said, I can’t help but think we are in a golden era of dresses—the options and styling possibilities are endless.
This season, I have my sights set on a range of options that cover everything from minimalist basics to head-turning statement picks. One of my favorite styles, as you’ll see below, is a cutout dress. Ahead, check out five of the top dress styles everyone will be wearing this summer to run errands, to concerts and barbecues, and even to attend their loved ones’ weddings.
1. Side-Cutout Dresses
One of my favorite dress trends at the moment involves some cool cutout details, especially on the sides. What's great about this dress is that you can find an option for every personal style.
Shop:
This is the exact side-cutout dress that Lucy Williams has on in the Instagram photo above.
2. Poplin Dresses
Poplin pieces are classic for warm-weather wardrobes thanks to their airy, lightweight feel. This season, it's not just about white poplin. Think standout options in bold colors and black as well. A voluminous sleeve is also very of-the-moment.
Shop:
3. Smocked Dresses
The smocked-dress trend is still going strong. It makes dressing on a hot day super easy and comes in a variety of solid colors and pretty prints.
Shop:
4. Fresh Floral-Print Dresses
I know, I know. Florals aren't groundbreaking, but every year the styles keep getting better and better. This season is no exception, as you'll see with my selects below—they are only a small glimpse at what's out there.
Shop:
5. Sleeveless Ribbed Dresses
A sleeveless ribbed dress will never go out of style, but this season there is a plethora of cool options. Go causal with sneakers or flip-flips, or elevate the easy dress with strappy sandals.
Shop:
Next Up: I'm 37, and These Cool Dresses Feel Perfectly Right for Me

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough Of
The tinned-fish trend is in full effect.
-
25 Criminally Good Madewell Sale Finds That Fashion People Are Adding to Their Carts
Up to 60% off? Yes, please!
-
27 Incredibly Tempting Summer Picks From Nordstrom and Zara That Scream It Girl
Did I mention everything is under $150?
-
10 Summer Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Get ready for endless compliments.
-
11 Highly Specific Things Fashion People Are Wearing to Beat the Heat This Summer
How many do you own?
-
Spotted in Venice: Kylie Jenner Just Wore Summer's Most Controversial Dress Trend
We approve.
-
PSA: This Unexpectedly Elegant Dress Color Trend Is the New Butter Yellow
Take a page out of Hailey Bieber's style book.
-
Heading to Multiple Weddings This Summer? Here's How to Spend Less Than $150 on Each Look
Celebrate love on a budget.