Every year, there comes a point when I make the switch from my usual uniform (jeans and a simple top, probably striped) to donning dresses everyday. It usually happens somewhere between mid-May and June, and it's prompted by the first signs of warmer weather. After several weeks of blue(r) skies and milder temperatures, I feel safe in making the transition now. After all, when we find ourselves in 20-degree climes, there's no comfier item to float around in than a lightweight cotton dress.
To be more specific, cotton poplin is the fabrication I'll be stocking up on for the coming months. It's crisper and softer than its sister fabrics, and it's naturally wrinkle-resistant. You'll be grateful for this fact when you stuff your holiday dresses unceremoniously into your suitcase, only to discover there's no iron in your hotel room. We've all been there.
The good news is that the closer we get to summer, the more poplin dresses are populating new-in categories. The bad news, if you're impatient like me, is this means sifting through hundreds of styles in search of the perfect dress (or two, or five). But don't worry—I've taken one for the team and done the wading for you. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best poplin dresses for the season ahead.
Shop the Best Poplin Dresses for Summer 2025:
H&M gets it right every time.
This dress has been all over Instagram lately.
This colour will instantly put you in a good mood.
The perfect chuck-on dress for a casual weekend.
I'd style this with a raffia clutch and strappy sandals.
This dress is begging to be brought on a Mediterranean getaway.
This is the kind of design that feels fresh but will simultaneously stand the test of time.
This colour!
Embrace the minidress revival with this chic silhouette.
It seems like sleeveless silhouettes are everywhere at the moment—this is a trend I can get on board with.
Just add a basket bag and Birkenstocks. Simple.
An easy option for lazy days.
I love the subtle cut-outs.
I'm imagining wearing this to a beachfront dinner on a Greek island. A girl can dream.
Take this dress from the office to Friday drinks.
A truly romantic option.
Pluck out one of the colours in this dress to match your accessories to.
Flowy, comfortable and oh-so chic.
This playful mini also comes in baby blue and rust.
Topshop 's new summer line offers so many stylish, affordable dresses.
This is a great wedding guest option.
This flowy mini has been at the top of my wish list for weeks...
This shade of blue was made for summer.
-
The Best-Selling Summer Dresses Fashion People Are Actually Shopping—and They're Still in StockThey're a summer's dream come true.
-
Ignore the Viral Trends—Kendall's Classic Dress-and-Sandal Pairing Will Look Stunning ForeverLong-lasting elegance, guaranteed.
-
I Waited Months for This Polka-Dot Dress to Be Restocked—It's Finally HereSay hello to your new favourite.
-
Elegant and Easy—The Specific Dress Colour Trend Fashion People Come Back to Year RoundChic every time.
-
I'm Not Usually a Dress Person—But This Best-Selling Style Completely Won Me OverIt's the style of the season.
-
I Just Tried On the £35 Linen Dress Londoners Are Obsessed With—It's PerfectBreeze through the heatwave.
-
When Fashion People Aren't Into Neutrals, They Wear This Pretty Dress Colour InsteadPretty in pink.
-
The Pretty Summer Dress Fashion People Keep Wearing Already Sold Out Once—This Time, I Won't Miss OutReady for the heatwave.
