Dress Season Has Arrived! 30 Easy Throw-On Styles That Still Feel Really Polished
Getting dressed in the mornings right now can be tough. Whether it’s because you’re in that hybrid-working rut and struggling to remember what your favourite outfits are for leaving the house (guilty!) or because you’ve only just cracked winter dressing and then spring decides to show up in full force this week. Either way, we’re here to offer you comfort and solutions because we’re finding ourselves in exactly the same boat.
When we, as editors, are finding it difficult to know what to wear at the onset of spring, one of the pieces we reliably turn to year after year is, of course, the dress. It’s one of the best things about dressing for the spring and summer months—an instant outfit that requires minimal effort with maximum impact. Find the right styles, and you’ll not only be comfortable all day but also look polished and put together.
There’s a fine balance, though, between a dress that makes you feel confident and one that clings in the wrong places, isn't properly lined or maybe shows too much bra strap. That’s why today, we’re here to round up 30 new-in dresses that are guaranteed easy, effortless winners. By easy, we mean you can throw all of these on and go for most occasions, from the office to weekend brunches and maybe even a wedding or two. You can wear a bra with most of them, and everything from a fresh pair of trainers to your reliable boots or strappy sandals will work footwear-wise.
Most importantly, they’ll put a smile on your face because of how good you feel in them and how joyful they are—but also because you’ve not had to empty the entire contents of your closet onto your bedroom floor when deciding what to wear that morning.
Keep scrolling to shop, and you can thank us later.
Shop the Best Easy Spring/Summer Dresses:
A showstopping dress that takes no effort at all. Just add brown or black sandals, and you're off.
I can already tell this is going to be one of H&M's biggest sellers this season. It's so light and flowy and works really well with flats.
Mango has so many fun cotton dresses in its new collection, but this simple striped number instantly caught my eye.
This beautiful navy dress has my full attention. Wear with flip-flops or sandals, heels or wedges. The choices are endless.
Dôen is my go-to for effortless spring/summer dresses—but head's up, they usually sell out pronto.
If you're a minimalist, don't skip Arket on your dress search. It has lots of simple but never boring dresses like this one.
A great day-to-night option; just switch your flats for kitten heels after sunset.
Shirt dresses are about as timeless as it gets, and this breathable fabric will keep you comfortable even in a heatwave.
This feels put-together yet so light and airy for warm office days.
This season is all about denim, and this dress offers an easy way into the trend.
Of course, I had to include Rixo in this edit. This style is my current favourite.
If you have any garden parties in your calendar, consider this cheerful dress.
Nobody's Child is one of our favourite sustainably-focused dress brands. Its spring collection is full of versatile dresses like this one.
Layer this over a long-sleeved top now, then style it on its own once the sun comes out.
I love a one-shoulder style for something easy but still very chic.
As summer draws near, check out Zimmermann's new collection of beach-ready dresses.
I love this with sandals here, but it would also go with trainers and a knit on top for cooler days.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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