White dresses are elegant and all, but sometimes, they're a risk whenever coffee is around. They can also feel a bit expected. After all, the first recommendation people give when you ask about summer dresses is almost always white and made of linen or poplin. Everyone wears them this time of year, so if ubiquity isn't one of your style goals in 2025, you might want to look for an equally timeless but less "everywhere" colour to shop for in the dress department. My preference? Tan dresses.
Tan dresses are classic, sophisticated and neutral enough to pair with just about anything. You can play it safe with black accessories or add touches of fun with a red necklace or a navy pair of trainers. Gold and silver jewellery pairs well with the colour, and it comes in a variety of different silhouettes, from vest-like minis to fit-and-flare midis. I like to wear my tan dresses with flip-flops every time the temperatures rise, and apparently, I'm not the only one.
On Jennifer Lawrence: Havaianas You Flip Flop (£40); The Row dress; Ray-Ban Lady Sunglasses (£131)
Jennifer Lawrence is also a fan of the tan dress, and just like me, she styles hers with easy, casual flip-flops. The actress was spotted in the West Village on Tuesday wearing The Row's Riah dress, a sleeveless, wool-blend, tailored dress with a high neck and a hem that hits just above the ankles. She styled the sophisticated number with a black stone necklace, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a large tote bag, and Havianas thong sandals. Her look was perfect for the occasion, which was dinner and a show at Greenwich House Theatre.
Shop her look:
While I love this in the light tan shade, it also comes in five other colour ways.
Style with a light tan dress or pair these with your favourite slouchy jeans.
I'm not saying that you should get rid of your white summer dresses by any means, but if you're itching to switch things up before autumn's arrival, why not give a tan alternative a try? Lawrence clearly backs the refined colour option. You should, too.
To get started, scroll down to shop our favourite tan dresses and flip-flops.
Shop more tan dresses and flip-flops:
Wear this with flip-flops or dress it up with a pretty kitten heel.
Honestly, these look much more expensive than they actually are.
This light tan shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
The square-toe design gives these an elevated effect.
The lightweight, sleeveless finish makes these perfect for high-summer styling.
These also come in vibrant red and rich black shades.
Be quick—I cant see this staying in stock for long.
These also come in six other shades.
The pintuck detail adds elegant volume to this pretty dress.
I always come back to Massimo Dutti for their elevated staples.
This also comes in a pretty light cream shade.
The small heel adds extra support to these low-profile shoes.
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