Ever since Chemena Kamali made her debut as creative director at Chloé in 2024, the boho trend has had a fashionable resurgence that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Gone are the days of cliché paisley prints and oversized, low-slung disc belts; instead, we've been treated to a summer of romantic textures, muted tones and wooden wedges. Far from costume cosplay, the new boho is altogether more polished with a sophisticated finish.

This summer, boho dresses in particular are emerging as one of the biggest trends. Once reserved predominantly for festival-goers (and famously seen paired with wellies on the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Moss), this year we’re seeing them in a more elevated environment. Fresh from the spring/summer 2026 runways of Chloé, Zimmermann and Etro, this season's sweeping maxis and playful minis are more elegant than before.

Lace trims, soft earthy hues, ruffles and classic crochet: the ethereal details make the 2026 take on boho feel more romantic in a modern, understated way. Finished with accessories like simple gold cuffs, suede belts and Western-style boots (without a braided headband in sight), it’s a perfect way to lean into the trend without feeling like you’ve stepped out of the noughties.

Wondering how to do boho now? I’ve compiled an edit of five ways to wear the boho dress trend this summer. Scroll to see.

1. Crochet Minidress + Suede Accessories

Style Notes: Not usually one for boho? Pairing a crochet minidress with grounding brown suede accessories ticks every box. You get all the textures associated with the aesthetic without having to lean into studs and fringing—win, win.

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2. Lace-Trimmed Dress + Gold Jewellery

Style Notes: Make a point of investing in dresses with boho-esque elements—think lace trims, chiffon fabrics or even broderie anglaise panels. These contrasting fabrics give the relaxed feel that defines the boho trend. Add bold gold jewellery such as disc necklaces or oversized cuffs for those finishing touches, and don't forget to cinch the waist with a suede belt.

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3. Beaded Detail Dress + Suede Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: Ideal for the minimalists amongst us, a simple minidress with beaded straps nods to the trend whilst still staying true to your personal style. To up the ante, pair it with suede knee-high boots and gold bangles.

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4. Brown Chiffon Minidress + Statement Accessories

Style Notes: Draped chiffon fabrics in soft earthy tones are the epitome of the modern boho trend. Opt for browns, creams, blush pinks and sands to take inspiration from the Chloé runway that kickstarted the resurgence. Go all out with your accessories with a scarf head tie and oversized sunnies, and hey presto: you're ready for a stylish summer.

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5. Brown Minidress + White Jeans

Style Notes: Dresses layered over trousers are a huge trend this season, so this ticks off two trends in one go. A tiered chocolate dress over white jeans gives a fresh, crisp contrast, and taking inspiration from Monikh by adding an oversized belt gives that finishing boho touch to tie it altogether.

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Not to worry—linen dresses will always be in style, but they are one of those dress types that annually fade from relevance as soon as summer changes to autumn and make their return at the first sign of spring. So if you're a dress wearer, you likely start seeking out the future autumn dress trends at some point during July or August. Just in time, Monica Barbaro was spotted wearing what's sure to be autumn's biggest dress trend: satin and taffeta styles.

While out promoting her new film, One Night Only, in NYC over the weekend, Monica wore a black satin minidress with a high square neck. I'm aware that there's nothing groundbreaking about satin dresses. What sets the satin dresses of 2026 apart from the typical versions is that those made of thicker duchess satin and taffeta are rapidly rising. The structure of Barbaro's A-line dress by NYC-based brand Lein certainly set it apart from all the other LBDs out there. She made it summer-appropriate by pairing it with high-heeled mule sandals. It's as simple as an outfit gets, but it's also as special as an outfit gets thanks to the dress. Let this serve as proof that this is a trend you can start wearing long before autumn even begins.

Keep scrolling to see the Monica-endorsed trend for yourself and shop chic taffeta and heavy satin dresses for your own summer and autumn wardrobe.

The Dress Trend on Monica Barbaro

On Monica Barbaro: Lein Beau Dress (£1294); Gianvito Rossi Sofia Mule 95 (£750)

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There are few brands that have mastered the art of the summer dress quite like Dôen. With its vintage-inspired silhouettes, delicate prints and unmistakably romantic sensibility, the California label has quietly become the name fashion people return to year after year whenever warm-weather dressing is on the agenda. Equal parts nostalgic and effortless, its dresses have that rare ability to feel both timeless and completely of the moment.

This summer, Dôen is once again dominating the wardrobes of some of the world's most stylish women. Lily James opted for the polka-dot Emerence dress for Wimbledon, Bella Hadid has propelled the Julia dress to cult status, and Daisy Edgar-Jones stepped out in the now sold-out Adelaide dress—a style that instantly shot to the top of wish lists everywhere.

What makes Dôen's dresses so enduring is their ability to feel simultaneously classic and current. Delicate prints, soft cottons, feminine details and easy silhouettes ensure they never date, yet each collection taps into exactly what stylish women want to wear each season. Whether you're looking for a wedding guest dress, a holiday hero or simply an elevated everyday style, keep scrolling to discover the Dôen dresses celebrities and fashion insiders can't stop wearing this summer.

Shop The Best Dôen Dresses

1. Lily James wearing the Dôen Emerence Dress

Style Notes: The dress that earned Lily James' seal of approval at Wimbledon, the Emerence combines timeless polka dots with a softly draped silhouette that feels equal parts vintage and elegant.

2. Bella Hadid wearing the Dôen Julia dress

Style Notes: The Julia dress has officially reached cult status thanks to Bella Hadid, with its romantic floral print, delicate neckline and flattering silhouette.

3. Daisy Edgar-Jones wearing the Dôen Adelaide dress

Style Notes: Fresh from Daisy Edgar-Jones's holiday wardrobe, the Adelaide has quickly become one of Dôen's most coveted designs. Inspired by antique slip dresses, its intricate lace panels, airy organic cotton voile and silhouette capture the romantic, vintage aesthetic the brand is renowned for. Now sold out, scroll on to shop the closest alternative.

4. Camilla Morrone wearing the Dôen Costine dress

Style Notes: Simple, understated and endlessly elegant, the Costine proves that minimal dresses can be just as impactful. The soft vanilla hue makes it the perfect canvas for woven accessories and gold jewellery.

5. Elsa Hosk wearing the Dôen Daphne dress

Style Notes: The Daphne's clean lines and relaxed silhouette give it an understated sophistication that feels unmistakably Dôen. It's one of those throw-on dresses you'll reach for on repeat throughout summer.

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I never thought I’d be able to say this, but this never-ending UK heatwave has made it officially too hot for my jeans. Usually, you’d find me in denim trousers well into the high summer season, but with temperatures surpassing 30 °C on some days, I’ve been on the hunt for lightweight alternatives that are better suited to the warm weather but also feel just as versatile as my trusty jeans.

My biggest dilemma? Finding chic ways to style these hot-weather alternatives. Jeans often do the styling for themselves, pairing well with even the most basic of staples. However, when it comes to trousers, skirts, shorts and dresses, I find it much more difficult. And, if you’ve found yourself in a similar predicament, never fear, as I’ve been on the hunt for some easy but elegant non-denim outfits to copy from now and well into the early autumn season. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best of the best below.

From classic linen trousers that can be taken from day to night with ease to trending capris that are sure to earn you style points, keep scrolling to discover the 5 outfits I’ll be copying when it's too hot for my jeans.

5 Breezy Alternatives to Wear When It's Too Hot for Your Jeans

1. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers + Suede Flip-Flops

Style notes: Linen season is here! But it won’t be around for much longer, so I’m determined to get the very most out of it by swapping my jeans out for this breezy fabric. A pair of these pull-on trousers will not only keep you cool but can also be styled in myriad ways, like with a relaxed shirt and suede flip flops for a day around town.

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2. Satin Blouse + Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats

Style notes: A white midi skirt is synonymous with the summer season, and I’m determined to get the most out of mine before temperate drop again. The easiest way to style it? With a satin blouse and leather ballet flats, of course!

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3. Waistcoat + Capri Pants + Heeled Sandals

Style notes: Once considered rather controversial amongst the fashion set, Capri pants are now officially back as the cool alternative to leggings in the summer. And don’t be intimidated by these cropped pants; they can actually be styled in the exact ways your jeans can. Just take a look at this chic waistcoat and heeled sandals ensemble above.

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4. Embroidered Top + Bermuda Shorts + Sandals

Style notes: A much more polished alternative to jeans or jorts, I’ve practically lived in my Bermuda shorts this season. They make for easy styling for the office, but can just as easily be dressed up for more formal occasions as well, as shown above.

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5. Mini Dress + Trending Accessories + Flip-Flops

Style notes: With the ability to be taken from day to night with just a few simple wardrobe swaps, a throw-on dress will be the most hard-working piece in your summer capsule wardrobe by far. Me personally? I’d style mine with leather flip flops and trending accessories, as Ingrid has above.

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Now that the scorching heatwave has quelled into something more tranquil, I’m finally looking to build out my repertoire of elegant summer dresses. Though you’d think the last few weeks have been the perfect opportunity to invest in this category, when faced with scorching temperatures, the last thing I’ve been contemplating is whether a piece is worth the investment.

Since things have settled down a bit climate-wise, I’m ready to take this pursuit seriously, turning my attention to the dreamy cuts and balmy silhouettes I can slip into all season long. Naturally, my interest was piqued when I stumbled upon this M&S polka-dot slip dress.

At under £50, it incorporates some of the biggest trends of the moment, from the spotted print to the boudoir-approved shape and lace-trim detail. However, when I discovered that over 5000 people were also searching for the style, I knew I had to act quickly to make it mine. You see, M&S is the place I turn to most to stock up on the essentials, whether a crisp white T-shirt or a pair of functional ballet flats. (And that’s not even mentioning the pantry essentials and homewares I buy from there, too.) The price points are incredibly appealing, but I never feel like I sacrifice quality or design. This is exactly how I felt slipping into this delicate mini.

The construction of the garment is far more luxurious than the cost would suggest. Made of a sheer fabric that’s cut to create a handkerchief effect along the hemline, it’s finished with tight stitching and slip underlay that provides plenty of coverage, whilst still feeling feminine and flirty. It’s also true to size, though I will caveat that there are plenty of sizes and lengths to choose from, meaning it’s also one of the more inclusive pieces on the market. For context, I’m typically a size medium in dresses, and I took the size UK 10 in the regular cut.

What I love most about it, though, is that despite how detailed and romantic it looks, it’s actually quite a versatile piece. The polka dots and lace trim do a lot of the heavy lifting for me in ensuring I look put-together, so I simply have to throw on a pair of kitten-heel flip-flops and let my hair down for a more soiree setting or team it with minimal sandals for daytime activities.

Still, as these design motifs are quite timeless, I don't doubt that I’ll be reaching for them when we're far into September and picking them up again when we head back into spring. Elegant, effortless and easy to style, scroll on to shop the dress for yourself, plus see the other pretty M&S summer dresses that earned my attention, too.

Shop the Viral M&S Polka-Dot Lace-Trim Slip Dress

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Not polka dots, not stripes—this summer's chicest print trend is probably already hanging in your wardrobe. Timeless, elegant and feminine, floral cotton dresses are back at the forefront for the season, and Bella Hadid is leading the charge.

Spotted wearing the pretty print not once but twice, Bella eschewed the sporty aesthetic that's steadily gathered momentum this season, instead leaning into a classic print that always feels apt when the weather warms.

Whilst floral dresses return every spring and summer, this year's offerings feel especially irresistible. With Dôen leading the way with its signature romantic cotton styles, and high-street favourites including Marks & Spencer, Zara and H&M embracing the trend too, there are elegant options at every price point.

Pretty without feeling overly precious, and effortless enough to wear from now through early autumn, a floral dress is a timeless investment you'll reach for year after year. Scroll on to shop my edit of the best floral-print dresses to buy now.

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Whilst the heatwave will have you clambering for a pair of delicate broderie anglaise shorts or a lace-trimmed dress, the most stylish dressers around are ditching these quintessential summer motifs for something a little more autumnal. Indeed, checked prints are on the rise, be it the flannel shirts tied around the waists of sensual slip dresses or gingham blouses that cascade over a pair of denim shorts. Plaid fabrics might be synonymous with falling brown leaves, piping hot lattes and rewatches of Gilmore Girls, but when rendered into a thigh-grazing babydoll dress or peasant top, any inclination for pumpkin spice season goes at the window.

Indeed, adopters of the check fashion trend aren’t wearing it in a way that’s pining for the blistering chill, cosy scarves and hot water bottles. Instead, they’re wearing it in a way that feels subversive and vibrant, especially during a time of year defined by picnic blankets strewn over verdant parkland and the checkerboard tablecloths of alfresco lunches.

There’s something quite ‘90s about the trend, courtesy of the fact that checked shirts were a staple in the wardrobes of fashion icons from the decade like Kurt Cobain, Claire Danes and Winona Ryder. However, rather than the more grunge inclinations of these members of the celebrity style set, wearing checks this summer feels far more minimal. This is down to the fact that the check print trend has become such a ubiquitous motif, cropping up in the collections of romantic and understated designers like The Row, Faithful and Posse.

You could even argue that the Olsen Twins are at the helm of this revival, with the duo opening its Spring 2025 collection with Italian supermodel, Mariacarla Boscono, wearing a checked button-down with tailored black trousers and chunky toe-ring sandals. Elsewhere, Dôen, the California-based brand beloved for its use of nostalgic prints and ethereal silhouettes, have helped push the checked summer agenda with its Faye dress, a ‘60s-inspired throw-on mini adored by fashion editors and trend setters.

Still, there are countless check print styles that are currently trending, offering fresh and contemporary takes on the perennial trend. From the saccharine bubble shorts to the transeasonal funnel-neck jacket, scroll on for the chicest ways to wear check prints this summer.

The 5 Key Checked Fashion Trends for Summer 2026

1. Babydoll Dresses

Style Notes: Drop-waist dresses have officially dropped out of the conversation, with the most prevailing dress shape this season arguably the babydoll variety. From Olivia Rodrigo’s floral-adorned Generation78 style to Elsa Hosk’s Sandy Liang version, this silhouette is easy to style and breezy to wear. However, this season, the most covetable option does have to go to the Faithfull Costa dress, which is a style with puffed sleeves and a blue shade that’s inspired by Cadaqués in Spain, as seen here in Cincinnati-cum-Nashville based influencer Hannah Allen.

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2. Balloon Shorts

Style Notes: Another check trend that’s bubbling up is balloon shorts. With inflated proportions and a slight bloomer shape, this cropped style is the latest iteration of the underwear-as-outerwear trend, with the hemline equivalent to the length of knickers. Still, when designed with a dreamy check print, they feel like the perfect thing to throw on and go, be it in city settings or coastal alcoves.

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3. Grunge Shirting

Style Notes: It feels like every few years the check shirt has a revival. A mainstay in off-duty wardrobes in both 1996 and 2016, fast forward a decade and it appears this wardrobe staple is ready for a revival. Last winter, this style went viral thanks to a certain COS version. This summer, it’s gaining intrigue once again, appearing in the collections of Toteme, Matteau and Mango. Not only is this proof of the checked print’s constant appeal, but also evident that investing in the right style will have you reaching for it year-round, even if you are simply tying it around your waist or slinging it over your shoulders as an accessory layer.

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4. Awkward-Length Skirts

Style Notes: Don’t let the name fool you. A skirt that falls just below the knee, which has always commonly been referred to as an awkward length, is one of the most covetable styles of the season. Languidly skimming the area between your ankle and your calf, this in-between shape is an essential look for both Hailey Bieber and Matthieu Blazy. Still, don’t think that wearing a checked skirt is equivalent to wearing a tartan kilt. Ditch the pleats and opt for a more streamlined and pencil style that evokes a Parisian sensibility.

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5. Funnel-Neck Jackets

Style Notes: The long days, blue skies and scorching temperatures currently gracing us are set to end. But don’t fret. Enjoy them while they last, whilst still preparing for the season about to be upon us with a polished funnel-neck jacket. Most commonly seen in suede and leather styles, this shape has become one of the most sought-after styles for cooler moments. However, for days when the weather turns and all you want to do is stay at home to watch The Celebrity Traitors, you’ll already be set.

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Every summer, there's one dress trend that quietly takes over before you suddenly realise half the people you follow on Instagram are wearing it. This year, it's broderie anglaise. To be honest, it never really went anywhere; it's earned its place as one of those rare summer staples that comes back year after year without ever feeling tired.

But recently, I've noticed it everywhere. From creators whose wardrobes I save for outfit inspiration to a surprising number of editors turning up to the office in embroidered cotton dresses, it's officially reached that point where I can't scroll (or leave the house) without seeing one. Naturally, that sent me straight to H&M, a place that always gets summer dresses right, and after one browse through the new-in section, I realised the brand has quietly produced one of its strongest dress collections in years.

The appeal is pretty obvious once you start paying attention. Broderie anglaise has a way of making even the simplest dress interesting without relying on loud prints or loads of accessories. The embroidered cutwork gives the fabric texture, whilst the lightweight cotton keeps everything breathable on genuinely hot days. It's the kind of dress you throw on with leather sandals and a basket bag and somehow still get asked where it's from.

This season, H&M hasn't stuck to just one version either. There are easy minidresses for weekends, elegant midis you'll wear on repeat, sweeping maxis that look far more expensive than they are, halterneck styles that feel particularly current and simple sleeveless silhouettes you'll reach for long after summer holidays are over. Whether you always buy white dresses or you're tempted by butter yellow, bright green or classic black, you're sure to find something that feels premium across the collection.

I'm trying very hard not to order them all, but a few have already made their way into my saved items, and I know exactly which one I'd buy first if my size starts disappearing. If you've also noticed broderie anglaise slowly taking over your feed, consider this your sign to lean into the trend. Below, I've rounded up the H&M pieces I've already bookmarked. Happy shopping.

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I’ll let you in on a little secret: I rarely wear mini dresses. My dress collection is predominantly focused on long, flowing styles that hit around mid-calf or skim along the floor, but this year, that’s all changed.

Suddenly, I found myself adding a host of mini dress outfits to my outfit inspiration board, and now that I’m packing for my first sunny trip of the season, I began the search to bolster my mini dress collection. Quickly, I found one particular style with a French edge was holding my attention more than most: white embroidered mini dresses.

For summer 2026, my wardrobe intentions are clear. Every new addition has to have the perfect balance of timeless and fresh, wearable and breathable to take on the warmest days. Naturally, a pretty white embroidered mini dress fits right in. Each summer I find myself drawn back to fresh white palettes, whether paired with equally muted accessories or acting as the foundations for layering on bolder accents by way of silk scarves or vibrant handbags. Either way, the white dress has claimed its place as a sophisticated summer hero.

Whether you’re ready to invest in your summer wardrobe or looking for an expensive-looking high street buy, designers across price points are leaning into the embroidered mini dress return. Intricate details like embroidery and Broderie Anglaise are back for another summer, accenting our favourite blouses, flowing trousers, and now bringing a dainty finishing touch to our throw-on mini dresses. As I’ve already spotted so many stylish people wearing this precise dress trend, let’s get straight into the very best white embroidered mini dresses for summer 2026.

Shop the Best White Embroidered Mini Dresses for Summer 2026

Anointing the dress of the summer is by no means an easy task, nor one I take lightly as a fashion writer. However, after weeks of heatwave dressing, it’s become apparent that the must-have style this season is none other than Réalisation Par’s best-selling Cora dress.

The balmy label specialises in slinky, silk dresses rendered in magnetic prints and delicate cuts, from the ethereal rosette dress seen on Olivia Dean during her Italian sojourn to Sicily to the beloved sun-spotted halterneck mini owned by Lila Moss and Olivia Rodrigo. Still, for a brand that produces endless covetable creations, the Cora dress has reached new levels of fervour, piquing the interest of countless tastemakers and trend setters, including Camille Rowe and Apple Martin.

Launched back in March, the style originally launched to incredibly high demand, selling out within a few days of its release. Now, after a waitlist of close to 5,000 people and constant calls for a restock, it’s once again available to purchase. Naturally, as an inquisitive fashion writer who both adores this brand and is always documenting fashion trends to note, I was eager to try the dress for myself. Needless excitement it was not, with the commotion and praise over the piece instantly vindicated from the second I tried it on.

For reference, the dress is a bias-cut shape that gently drapes along the body. It’s cut close to the figure to accentuate every curve, from the plunging cowl neckline that can either be worn to gracefully expose the décolletage or hang asymmetrically off one shoulder. The bottom half of the dress is equally notable, too. Inspired by handkerchief skirts from the ‘90s, it’s pieced together with georgette panelling that draws the eyeline down the body. The style is semi-sheer, but it does come with a built-in slip that adds coverage where it’s needed, leaving the rest of the fabric light, airy and full of movement whilst ensuring you don’t feel exposed. I found the dress to be true to size, as I’m typically a size 10 and felt that the medium fit me perfectly.

However, the most appealing part of the dress is the print. Horizontal stripes are one of the most coveted motifs this season, and this dress delivers the trend in a way that feels sun-kissed and radiant. This is not only due to the fact that the colour palette is bright and blissful, but also that the pattern itself feels like washes of watercolour paint splashed across the body.

After trying it on in Réalisation Par’s Belgravia store, I was instantly enamoured with the style, knowing I’d immediately have to take it home with me. Since then, I’ve had no struggles in styling it or finding places to wear it. Originally intended as a more occasion-ready piece, the brand confirmed it was designed as a summer wedding guest dress that could suit “city ceremonies to sun-drenched receptions”, claiming it’s “the piece you reach for when the invite is open-ended and the night is young.” I’ve not yet worn it to any nuptials, but I did wear it the evening my fiancé proposed to me, so it’s safe to say that this dress certainly has the magic touch.

The only thought that crossed my mind is that, given how many people are lusting over the style, will it run the risk of becoming fatigued in my wardrobe? If you have the same fear of refusing to invest in it in case it becomes overexposed, I can assure you, especially as someone who has owned countless Réalisation Par dresses over the years, that each design is subversive and sensual in its own right, making them incredibly wearable without feeling repetitive, despite the unique print.

The Cora has quickly become my good time dress; the style I throw on to bring a high-octane touch to my ensembles or simply spark my serotonin, and I firmly believe that it will have the same effect on you. Because there’s no way you can wear something as vibrant and striking as this and not feel your best self. So, without further ado and before the style sells out again, shop the Réalisation Par Cora dress for yourself, below.

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I’ll admit, I’ve only recently added dresses to my wardrobe. For many years, I steered clear of the style in favour of mix-and-match sets and light tailoring, and honestly, I was missing out. After dipping my toe back into dresses in the spring months, I quickly found that after a few heatwaves, they have become the most dependable category in my wardrobe, and now that summer is in full swing, I’m on the hunt to bolster my collection. Starting at the basics, I set about finding the most sophisticated minimalist summer dresses that will hold their place in my wardrobe for many years to come. If you’re also interested, you’ll want to scroll on.

Whilst I may be new to the dress game, that doesn’t mean I’m easily swayed. As a shopping editor with almost a decade of experience, I’m well-versed in the particulars that make up a worthwhile purchase, and have applied them firmly to each of the styles below. With the help of the high street and high-end brands, I’ve brought together a series of refined dresses that will bring instant polish to any wardrobe, as well as a breezy respite on the warmest days.

From linen to cotton, maxi to mini, I’ve honed in on the best minimalist summer dresses for 2026. You’ll find best-sellers from Dôen and Reformation that continue to feel like current additions every single year. For summer 2026, fabrics have been updated to take on the warmest days, from breezy linen at James Perse to the organic cotton of Matteau's popular shirred dress. As minimalists, we tend to be drawn to more demure palettes of black and white, but alongside buttery yellow, soft blue and accents of pink are seamlessly slipping into our summer wardrobes right now. Whilst I've explored a variety of silhouettes, lengths and details, what binds these pieces together is that they're timeless, elegant and refined enough for even the most stringent minimalists. Now that the sunshine has arrived, it's time to explore the best minimalist dresses for summer 2026.

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I’ll be honest: wedding season has always felt a little bittersweet. Don’t get me wrong, there is something undeniably joyful about watching two people celebrate their love on a warm summer afternoon, surrounded by flowers, champagne and questionable dance-floor decisions. But for much of my adult life, the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation was quickly followed by the same familiar sense of dread: what on earth was I going to wear?

As someone who spent most of her life a UK size 24, occasion dressing always felt more like an exercise in making do as opposed to expressing myself the way I really wanted to. In my early and mid-twenties, I attended countless weddings wearing the same charity shop-bought beige linen suit, simply because there weren’t many other options available to me. Not because of a lack of style, but because occasionwear in my size was so limited that constant repetition felt like the safest choice.

Over the past five years though, things have shifted. I’m now a UK 16/18, and whilst the fashion industry still has a long way to go, there’s been a noticeable (if uneven) move towards greater size inclusivity, finally giving me more room to play and experiment with different styles.

My experience across both sides of the sizing spectrum is why I feel so rooted in mid- and plus-size dressing—it’s a lived experience. I’ve had to make things work when fashion didn’t make space for bodies like mine, and I know exactly what it feels like when it finally does. Now, with wedding invitations piling up and more options than ever before, I’ve rounded up a selection of the best wedding-guest pieces for mid- and plus-size bodies; styles that prove occasionwear can be both fashion-forward and genuinely inclusive. Keep scrolling to see the options that meet my (high) standards.

Shop the Best Mid-Size and Plus-Size Wedding-Guest Dresses 2026

At this point in the season, the summer standouts have earned their place. Linen trousers are the warm-weather answer to smart tailoring, pretty blouses are bringing a sweet edge to tough denim shorts and floaty skirts, and then there’s the most hardworking category of all: dresses. My dress collection is currently working overtime, taking on heatwaves, milder days, holidays and everything in between with ease, and recently I’ve noticed that one best-selling style has returned for another summer to lead the way as the timeless, sophisticated style that fashion people depend on every summer. Now, the Matteau Shirred Cotton Midi Dress is at the top of my wish list.

When it comes to dress shopping, I like mine timeless, elegant and understated. The kinds of dresses that can be worn with sandals yet still feel refined enough for dressier al fresco dinners. That’s where Matteau’s dress comes in, nestling comfortably into well-edited wardrobes across the globe. Whether strolling through the city or heading abroad, this versatile dress is well worth the investment.

Launching a few years ago, this exact style became an instant hit. The square neckline is instantly polished, with thin straps to nod to pared-back minimalism and soft ruching around the middle to create a sleek silhouette. It’s the kind of dress that you can throw on in the morning and will still feel the part when heading out for your daily coffee stroll and later swapping in mules for sunny drinks in the evening. Currently, the brown 100% cotton version is sitting in my basket, but you’ll also find the mini version and various colourways taking up space on my wish list right now. As it's in stock right now, I’ll be sure to check out right away, and if you’re interested, I’d recommend scrolling below.

Shop the Matteau Shirred Cotton Midi Dress

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If you’re anything like me, you spent late spring planning out a series of intricate summer outfits which swiftly went out the window as soon as the first heatwave arrived. Instead, most days I find myself reaching for a reliable dress, a pair of sleek sandals and an oversized bag to see me through work, weekends and evening drinks. It’s a simple formula, and one that can prove incredibly effective when you have the right dress in tow. Now, from London to Paris, the most stylish people I know are all wearing the Aligne Jennie Cap Sleeve Linen Dress, and I've just added it to my basket.

Amidst a sea of summer dresses, it takes something particularly special to stand out. Now, Aligne has risen to the challenge. Looking closely, it's easy to see why the Jennie dress has become an instant favourite amongst the most stylish people around. It exudes sophistication, from the cap sleeves to the intricate fastenings through the centre, with the linen fabric grounding the style in daywear thanks to its breezy composition and natural crinkle. Paired with ballet flats, sandals or a sleek mule, it’s the kind of dress that screams elegance even when you only have five minutes to get ready (exactly my kind of dress).

Whilst there's been a flurry of sightings of the white version, the style does also come in a seriously covetable navy, too. Both will fit seamlessly into any well-curated wardrobe, ready to be paired with complementary neutrals or ignited with bolder accessories in vibrant shades. As soon as I caught onto the style, I added it to my basket. If you're interested, I suggest you move fast!

Shop the Aligne Jennie Cap Sleeve Linen Dress

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As soon as the high temperatures arrived, a switch occurred in my wardrobe. Whilst most of the year I spend my time in jeans and tailored trousers, suddenly dresses have returned to pride of place in my wardrobe, taking on coffee strolls, al fresco dinners and shopping trips with ease. With such a high rotation of dress outfits this summer, I found myself in need of something new, but naturally, it has to meet my high demands. I searched for a dress that looks incredibly expensive, sophisticated for all occasions and can work hard whether I'm in the city or heading abroad. Enter the Abercrombie & Fitch Dylan Bra-Free Dress hit the brief.

Abercrombie & Fitch is known for many things, from the beloved Sloane Trousers to excellent denim, and of course, the dresses. And instantly, the Dylan has become a beloved style amongst fashion people everywhere. The silhouette is so refined, with a basque waist, soft ruching around the bust, and the highlight—a built-in bra. The smocking on the back allows the style to fit snugly to your body, and with the three hem lengths and adjustable straps. The style comes in 100% cotton and a linen style, and now is also available in halterneck and mini versions!

As great high street buys do, this dress has been flying in and out of stock recently. Available in a series of sleek shades and prints, the style is proving incredibly popular for its sophisticated look and ease thanks to the bra-free design. But don’t worry, the styles do come back in stock, and it's a dress worth refreshing your search page for. Now, scroll on to shop the Abercrombie & Fitch Dylan Bra-Free Midi Dress.

Shop the Abercrombie & Fitch Dylan Bra-Free Dress

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When it comes to finding the hottest trends at an affordable price, Zara is well known among the fashion people and editors alike as their first port of call. I mean, we’re only one month into the season, and the brand has already leaned into all of the defining trends of summer 2026 far faster than its other high-street counterparts. And of course, this includes its forever-elegant dress collection.

I always turn to a dress as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those summer days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. So, I decided to go on the hunt for some on-trend dress styles that feel fresh and elevated for the current season. The spring/summer 2026 designer runways have already showcased a number of chic trends that feel just as timeless as they look chic, and it should come as no surprise that the high-street hero already has several of these styles on its website right now. And in true Zara fashion, the overarching dress trends remain elevated but effortless, and more importantly, all look extremely expensive, with each easily passing as a designer find.

So if you, too, are in need of some elevated throw-on styles to polish up your sandals, flip-flops and trainers this season, keep scrolling to discover the six elegant dress trends Zara is backing for the season.

6 Easy But Elegant Dress Trends Zara Is Backing In Summer 2026

1. Linen

Style notes: Lightweight, breezy, with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, linen dresses are a trusty staple that can be relied upon summer after summer. And for 2026, Zara has upped their game with a number of elevated silhouettes, bold colours and chic detailing.

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2. Polka Dot

Style notes: Polka-dot dresses are set to be everywhere yet again this summer. And Zara’s current selection is elegant, timeless, and can be taken from day to night with ease. I’ll personally be styling one of the brand's midi iterations with loafers and a raffia tote for the office and swapping these out for kitten heels and a statement clutch on summer evenings.

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3. Ruffles

Style notes: Ruffled detailing on clothing is by no means new; however, for summer 2026, Zara has taken it to the next level with even more exaggerated frills that elevate its dress selection and lend it a romantic quality that pairs easily with formal footwear.

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4. Lace

Style notes: It’s clear that 2026 is the year of vintage revival, and lace is one of the many ways Zara is hopping on this comeback trend. Wearing lace dresses might initially sound quite daunting, but trust me when I say that all of the styles below are pared-back, easy to style, and most importantly, lightweight for the hot days to come.

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5. Pastels

Style notes: I’m not usually one to opt for colour; however, the pastel hues that I spotted on the spring/summer 2026 runways and now at Zara are tempting me. Bright enough to inject some colour into your outfits, but still feeling wearable for a minimalist like me, pastel dresses are perfect for the upcoming wedding guest season.

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6. Two Tone

Style notes: If you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals, then the two-tone dress trend thats set to dominate summer 2026 is for you. Not only does this trend feel more elevated than your standard one-coloured dress, but it will also look expensive and polished at any price point—just look at Zara’s selection below!

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If I'm ever looking for petite styling inspiration—and, as a fashion writer with a circle of petite friends, I often am—Nicola Coughlan is always my first port of call. Wearable and always elevated, her outfits often make their way into my group chats. And now, as we settle into summer, the actor has stepped out in the dress-and-shoe combination I'll be recommending to my petite friends all season long.

Attending an event in London this week, Nicola stepped out in a petite-friendly minidress. Designed with long sleeves and a voluminous bubble-hem skirt, the playful style elongated her legs, creating a balanced silhouette. Rather than leaning into obvious sandals or Mary Janes, however, Nicola elevated the look with a pair of sleek pointed-toe heels.

The elongated toe shape extends the line of the leg, enhancing the lengthening effect of the shorter hemline. Whilst the bubble-hem dress tapped into one of the season's biggest trends, it was the sophisticated shoe pairing that made the outfit feel especially chic.

Elegant and uncomplicated, read on to shop my edit of the best bubble-hem minidresses and pointed-toe heels below.

Shop Bubble-Hem Minidresses and Pointed-Toe Heels:

There are few things chicer than an Elsa Hosk outfit. Any fashion editor can confirm. She often combines multiple of-the-moment trends into one outfit and does so in the most effortless of ways. The latest summer trends she combined made for an easy outfit I highly recommend copying.

For starters, the summer 2026 dress trend Hosk wore was a sleep dress. In case you're wondering why, exactly, people are wearing sleep dresses outside, let me explain. It's basically a term given to loose-fitting, unstructured summer dresses with pretty, vintage-inspired details such as ruffled trims, bows, and eyelets. If you were to actually sleep in a dress, this style would be a good one to do so in. They're often white (as Hosk's was) but certainly don't need to be.

With her puff-sleeve sleep dress, Hosk wore the closed-toe shoe trend (sorry, sandals) I want to make sure is on your radar: bright blue flats. It may seem a bit specific, but ocean-adjacent shades such as aquamarine and cerulean are a major colour theme this summer, and flat shoes are one of the forms in which people are embracing it.

Scroll on to see Hosk's sleep-dress-and-blue-flats outfit for yourself (along with another recent occasion in which she wore the sleep-dress trend), and shop similar styles for yourself.

Shop Elsa Hosk's Exact Sleep Dress Outfit:

On Elsa Hosk: Sandy Liang Daikon Dress (£322); Saint Laurent Panier Medium Bag in Raffia Tote Bag (£1595); Chanel shoes

Another Elsa Hosk Sleep-Dress Outfit

On Elsa Hosk: Helsa Midi Dress With Lace in Tech Poplin (£137); Polo Ralph Lauren Logo Cotton Twill Ball Cap (£94)

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Shop Blue Ballet Flats

Before the summer season started, I had dreams of waking up early and meticulously planning each outfit to ensure I looked polished in the warm weather. However, it will be unsurprising to learn that, two heatwaves in, this plan has completely gone out of the window. Now, I’m only interested in easy, throw-on pieces that feel effortless without compromising on elegance. The best summer staple for this? A dress, of course, and recently I’ve been spotting both a particular high-street iteration on both fashion people and editors alike. And if you’re a minimalist like me, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s anti-trend, elegant and, most importantly, requires little effort to style. Enter With Nothing Underneath’s linen mini dress.

Made from 100% linen and created in 5 different colours, With Nothing Underneath’s mini dress collection contains 2 different silhouettes: the Jackie dress with a round-neck tailored style and the Sloane, which comes with a flattering low V-neckline and shift body. Both dresses are lightweight throw-on styles that can be dressed down for the day with flat sandals and a raffia tote, or up for summer evenings with a pair of kitten heels and a statement clutch.

After spotting my fellow Who What Wear editor, Florrie, in the red Sloane dress, I’m now fully convinced that it’s the perfect addition to the effortlessly chic capsule wardrobe I’m aiming to recreate for 2026. Not to mention that the timeless silhouettes of both dresses ensure that they’ll last in my wardrobe for many more summers to come. Keep scrolling to shop With Nothing Underneath’s linen mini dress collection, and then take a browse at some more linen mini dresses I have my eye on.

Shop With Nothing Underneath Linen Mini Dresses

Shop More Linen Mini Dresses I Love

As the paragon of boho dressing, it should come as no surprise to see Sienna Miller master yet another floaty mini to combat the recent heatwave that’s been gripping London for the past week. Eschewing her favourite ethereal Chloé maxis, the actress stepped out in her old haunt of Portobello Road to celebrate the opening of Debute’s pop-up boutique.

Founded by sisters Jazzy De Lisser and Lola Bute, the brand fuses the daring silhouettes found along Ibiza coastlines with the ease and effortlessness of London style, making it like catnip for cool girls seeking flirty hemlines, sensual prints and beachy accents.

These are fitting adages for a woman who has made herself a devotee of lace trims, blissful eyelets and tiered skirts, so it wasn’t a major stretch of the imagination to see the mother-of-three out and about in their styles. What did pique interest, however, was the fact that her ensembles consisted of the cardinal pieces in a chic French woman’s summer wardrobe.

As a British It girl through and through, one always associates Miller’s style with the sartorial capital, be it through her penchant for tailored jeans and boxy blazers when off-duty in Marylebone, or her sumptuous knits and nap dresses when at home at Buckinghamshire cottage.

Still, for the outing, she looked every part Parisian in a dreamy broderie anglaise mini and T-bar sandals. She accented these pieces with a woven basket bag, too, which has long been the staple of style icons like Jane Birkin and Catherine Deneuve, further cementing her allegiance to the Côte d'Azur aesthetic.

This wasn’t a one-time occasion either. As posted on Debute’s Instagram, Miller also posed in a pretty red-and-white gingham dress, which looked as seamless in Notting Hill as it would in Provence. With Euro Summer on the horizon, we certainly can’t think of a better approach to dressing than reaching for pieces that would work well across both sides of the channel.

For pieces that are made to be worn on long market strolls, evenings by the coast and whilst sipping on a glass of crisp rosé, shop the best Sienna Miller-approved summer dresses and sandals.

Shop the Best Broderie Dresses and T-Bar Sandals:

Most of us spend all year dreaming of sunshine, envisaging our best summer selves, tanned, chic and carefree. But in the UK, when a heatwave hits and we are likely sans aircon and a sea breeze, the reality of summer hits with a dull—and sweaty—thud. Whether you’re a stifled city-dweller gasping for air on the Tube, or having a marginally better time somewhere less densely populated, you’ll no doubt be feeling the effects of the hottest British weather we’ve experienced in decades. All of this to say: it's time to get sorted. And no, I'm not suggesting you go out and invest in AC, but I do think you should arm yourself with a breezy throw-on summer dress to see you through this and any subsequent hot spells.

Thankfully, we’re talking seriously low-maintenance looks; typically unstructured smocks that are voluminous in shape, generous in fit and constructed from something light and airy like cotton. For those who prefer a little more coverage, the trapeze maxi is a great alternative that’s no less airy, so long as you’re opting for natural fibres. And those braving the stuffy commute to bask in that sweet office aircon, you can still keep cool in cotton and linen in smarter, more structured silhouettes and longer hemlines. From Dôen's cult cotton midis to H&M floor-sweeping linen dresses, here's our edit of the best heatwave-appropriate dresses for when it's too hot to think for yourself.

Shop the Best Heatwave Dresses for Summer 2026:

As soon as the warm weather arrives, there's one piece in my wardrobe that comes to full prominence: summer dresses. Whether I'm heading to the office, exploring a new city or dressing up for an al fresco dinner, dresses always rise to the occasion. The overarching draw of dresses is their ease. Simply throw on, slip into shoes, grab a bag, and you can be on your way in a matter of minutes, with a breezy edge to take on the warmest days. But at the moment, my dress selection is lacking. Luckily, the Amazon Prime Day sale has arrived just in time for the sky-high temperatures, and already I've found a series of expensive-looking dresses worth snapping up now.

If you thought that hunting for elegant dresses amongst the thousands of items on offer at Amazon would be a tedious task, I have some good news. I've spent hours scrolling through every page of deals to find the very best styles, so you don't have to. Yes, it's a big task, but I've managed to uncover so many pretty styles from maxi to mini, colourful to neutral, all with a timeless appeal that will ensure they become staples in your summer capsule wardrobe every single year.

For those who are looking for a romantic edge, look to the embroidered and floral print styles. The pretty motifs make it hard to believe these are affordable buys, and they'll be able to slip into your wardrobe seamlessly, only calling upon sandals and a basket bag for a put-together look. For those who are more minimalist, there's a series of sleek, refined styles that will serve as the backdrop to your summer looks every single year. Plus, these can be revitalised with styling from bold jewellery to crochet bandanas as you please. With summer in the air and next-day delivery available, we can take this moment to instantly update our summer wardrobes. Now, scroll on to shop the most expensive-looking dresses in the Amazon Prime Day sale.

Shop the Most Expensive-Looking Amazon Prime Day Dresses

The high summer temperatures are putting our summer wardrobes to the test right now, and if you're wondering how to stay chic in the heat, I'm here to help. For some, the prospect of a new season means a complete overhaul of their wardrobes, and whilst I agree that there is a shift between the seasons, this doesn't need to be an annual reset. Instead, a well-edited summer wardrobe that can outlast the trends and bring a polished feel to summer dressing every single year is the smarter option. And if you're wondering where to start, I've curated a refined edit of anti-trend summer staples from H&M that will ensure you look exceedingly chic on the hottest days on a budget.

The secret to looking put together throughout the summer months is to rely on great staples. Whilst they might not be the most invigorating buys, they are the most worthwhile. Sleek linen trousers can be mixed and matched with pretty blouses, elegant dresses thrown on with sandals and a basket bag, and if you're looking to take your outfits up a notch, you can play around with accessories. But having solid foundations will ensure you never wonder what to wear in the heat.

Over my many years working in fashion, I've found that 7 summer basics come back every single year, and are able to hold their elegant credentials regardless of the moving trends. And if you want to create a chic summer wardrobe on a budget, H&M's expensive-looking styles always come through. With the help of considered silhouettes, linen blends and intricate detailing, the brand's pieces can often be mistaken for expensive buys, and all come with a dose of timelessness to ensure that your 2026 purchases hold their place in your wardrobe for many years to come. With the mercury high, it's time to add a touch of polish to our outfits. Now, scroll on to shop the 7 anti-trend summer staples H&M has perfected this year.

Shop the Best Anti-Trend Summer Buys from H&M

1. Light Trousers

2. Elegant Dresses

3. Chic Shorts

4. Pretty Tops

5. Oversized Shirts

6. Loose Skirts

7. Summery Accessories

As a fashion editor, there’s an almost smug sensibility that comes with wearing a specific silhouette long before it became a viral sensation, which is exactly how I feel about the rise of the rosette dress trend.

For the uninitiated, a rosette is a form of protruding floral appliqué that adds a romantic and botanical appeal to any ensemble, especially a balmy summer dress. I first fell in love with them after stumbling into Pico Copenhagen, which is a Danish accessories boutique styled with dark lacquered wood that gives the saccharine brooches and hairpins it stocks an almost old-school apothecary feel. Now, I’m never far from the style, fixing my candy-coloured and peony-inspired styles to the lapels of my jackets, tying my lily-esque styles into my hair in lieu of a ribbon, or simply tacking them onto my shirt for some extra dimension.

So, naturally, when I saw the first inclinations of a rosette dress redux, my interest was naturally piqued. Leading this trend is none other than Réalisation Par, a brand revered for its ethereal prints and dreamlike silhouettes. Their new Mount Street boutique in Mayfair is nothing short of retail heaven, and it was alongside the curated antiques and analogue film photobooth that Olivia Dean picked up one of the London-based brand’s rosette dresses.

Leaning into the effortless elegance and soft glamour of the cap-sleeve style, the Grammy Award-winning musician posted a photo of herself wearing it whilst on a tour break in Italy. Anointing the dress as the defining style of the season, she juxtaposed the graceful, floral detailing against the scintillating backdrop of Taormina in Sicily, proving it a staple for balmy clients and cool summer wardrobes.

Of course, those who keep a close eye on the trend cycle would be acutely aware that the rosette dress trend is just one of a series of nostalgic trends that have come back from the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. The earliest proponent of this trend in popular culture would be none other than Carrie Bradshaw.

Often seen running around Manhattan, be it meeting her girlfriends on Saturday morning at their local brunch spot or skulking around the Upper East Side in the evening at a cocktail bar with Mr Big, the beloved fictional columnist was never far from the oversized motif, making it one of her most defining fashion legacies in the years since the show’s end. (Though there was a small but memorable reprisal of the rosette in And Just Like That.)

When a trend has earned the approval of the It girl pack for decades, it’s enough to collectively acquiesce that rosette dresses are indeed in bloom. Plus, with Matthieu Blazy rendering Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite flower, the camellia, in technicolour hues for his creations at the helm of the French maison and Dior’s Jonathan Anderson well invested in his sartorial green thumb, this form of garden-inspired dressing has endorsements from the upper echelons of fashion, too.

As Harry Styles, another known purveyor of the trend, said, everything’s coming up roses…

Shop the Rosette Dress Trend for Summer 2026

With ethereal, darling prints, romantic silhouettes and elegant lace-trims, Dôen’s dreamy dresses have become an indispensable part of summer dressing for the most refined amongst us. Yet, with each passing season, the California-based brand, whose designs are underscored by a nostalgic sensibility and breezy effortlessness, seems to outdo the last, offering new interpretations of light, airy, and whimsical pieces that embody the sun-kissed sensibility the brand is known for.

It’s these exact qualities that make the brand synonymous with summer dressing, especially amongst fashion’s most influential, who seek out considered, contemporary and cool styles that imbue their days with a graceful and calming touch. But when it comes to cult styles, it’s Dôen’s Daphne dress that certainly is the most covetable.

You'll no doubt have seen the Dôen Daphne dress everywhere, roaming through charming inner-city streets or wandering through bucolic landscapes in its mini cut, billowing puff sleeves and embroidered accents. For the uninitiated, the Dôen Daphne dress is by no means a new style; however, it has just been released in a charming new botanical print, breathing new life into a trusted reliable.

With a delicate baby blue ribbon that runs along the neckline and an enchanting floral print that looks like it could’ve been taken from the wallpaper of some 17th-century French château, it resonates with those seeking a softer take on throw-on-and-go dressing, whilst looking incredibly polished, refined and luxuriously understated. That is to say, anyone who wants to look as heavenly as Kirsten Dunst as Lux Lisbon in Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides.

Now, this might sound contrarian, but despite my adoration for Doen, I’m actually yet to invest in one of the brand’s pieces, as much as I regularly lust over them. Yet with consecutive co-signs from the celebrity style set, enduring appeal and inherent sweetness, I know this is the summer dress worth my investment.

I have a few major milestones on the horizon, too—a trip to Mariselle and an engagement party, just to name a few—and this is the piece I envision seeing me through every balmy and blissful moment. Sophisticated and understated in equal measure, shop the viral beloved piece below and uncover more of Dôen’s divine pieces, ahead.

Shop the Dôen Daphne Dress:

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It's hard to believe that I avoided wearing dresses for so long. For many summers, I spent hours putting together a series of intricate outfits, pulling upon various separates to create my chic summer looks, when all along, there was an easy alternative. The one-and-done dress requires little thought or styling, as the really great ones don't need plenty of extras, just a simple pair of sandals and a sleek woven bag to look instantly polished. As the sunshine has already proven to be precarious this summer, when the sky-high temperatures return, I don't want to waste any time mixing and matching pieces together. Instead, I'm calling upon great dresses to do the heavy lifting, and one brand that knows all about great dresses is Dôen.

You're probably well acquainted with Dôen by now. Since its launch a decade ago, the brand has become a favourite for in-the-know fashion people and celebrities alike. Year after year, Dôen's best-selling styles can be spotted as soon as the sunshine arrives, from the delicate puff sleeves of the Quinn to the intricate ruching on the Emmaretta. As soon as the weather starts to brighten, stylish people once again reach for dependable Dôen dresses, whether they're strolling through the city on weekends or packing up for a trip abroad. At the same time, new designs arrive, or shades are updated on beloved styles, which continue to renew our fascination with the brand, but one thing remains the same: the ease and elegance in every design.

When it comes to worthwhile summer investments, I like to do my research. That's why I took all the recommendations and sightings in my stride as I headed out to try Dôen's best-selling pieces in person. Truthfully, I went in with high hopes, and I was not disappointed. The brand's way of creating fluid, elegant and timeless pieces is well documented, but actually wearing the piece means that I can add comfortable, lightweight and breathable to that list. The fabrics, most of which focus on organic cotton or silk-satin, feel high-end to the touch, and along with the refined designs, prove exactly why Dôen is such a well-loved brand across the globe.

Narrowing down my choices of the best Dôen dresses came down to a few things. One is the cult status of a few styles, including the Ischia and the Emmaretta, which have proven their worth over the years. Alongside, Dôen's sweet mini dresses frequently sell out, and already the Almadia is proving to be a fan favourite with an elegant square lace-trim neckline, whilst the Fiona caught my eye for its distinctive print and chic silhouette. In terms of sizing, I tend to wear a size small and would stick to my true size for all the styles below. If you're in between sizes, note that the Quinn, Emmaretta and Ischia have soft shirring to fit your form, with ties around the neckline which allow you to adjust the bust to fit your body. With the sunshine returning, now is the time to bolster our summer dress collections, and if you want to dive into the best Dôen dresses, keep scrolling to read my review.

1. The Quinn

Style Notes: The Quinn dress is classic in every way. From the puff sleeves to the shirred waist to the flowing skirt, this dress is made to outlast the moving trends, and the organic cotton primes the style for the warmest summer days. The Quinn comes in a series of sleek shades from classic black and white to this standout soft green, which I haven't stopped thinking about ever since.

Shop the Dôen Quinn Dress:

2. The Almadia Dress

Style Notes: If you like your dresses mini, airy and impossibly polished, it's time to talk about the Almadia. Featuring a crochet-trimmed neckline with a sleek square shape, the Almadia is the perfect throw-on and go style when heading abroad. It's worth noting that the fabric can come up a little sheer, so if you prefer more coverage, layer this over simple shorts.

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3. The Emmaretta

Style Notes: Whether I'm strolling through the streets of London or exploring a new city abroad, I know that this dress will look the part. Simple add ballet flats or sandals and chuck all your essentials in a woven bag for an instantly sleek look. Here I tried on a size up (due to stock) but was able to adjust the fit around the bust and waist with the ties, showing just how clever this small addition is. I'd still take my regular size here.

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4. The Ischia

Style Notes: The Ischia is one dress that I spot time and time again. It exudes the same understated mood as the Quinn, but with longer puff sleeves and adjustable ties also around the waist. From spring to autumn, this is a dress that will work hard in your wardrobe, paired with sandals, ballet flats or heels as desired. Find the style in your favourite neutrals as well as more playful prints too.

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5. The Fiona

Style Notes: Whilst Dôen excels in understated styles, you should also keep an eye out for its incredible prints. Case in point: the Fiona dress, with a sweet floral print, delicate lace trim and luxurious silk-satin fabric. The cap sleeves are a sweet addition to this style, which can move from day to evening with a simple switch in styling. I've already spotted a series of stylish people in this dress this season, so move fast if you don't want to miss out.

Shop More Dôen Dresses We Adore

If there’s one antidote to the unpredictability of British summertime, it’s the promise that the grey clouds will always eventually clear, making way for blue skies and warm weather, despite how long it takes for these bluebell days to arrive. As such, it’s always important to arm yourself with a balmy summer dress that can see you through. This season, the options worth your investment are insurmountable, meaning that there are countless new-in styles all vying for a spot in your wardrobe.

Across London, you’ll find ethereal prints and slinky silhouettes inside Réalisation Par’s new Mount Street flagship, gorgeous floaty floral midis at Rixo’s iconic King Road boutique and the full spectrum of occasionwear dressing at Reformation’s Covent Garden store. There are also establishments like Selfridge’s, which serve as a dress emporium and service every occasion and style under the sun, from the effortlessly contemporary cuts of brands like DISSH to the more architectural and minimal silhouettes of St. Agni.

Lest we understate the offerings across the high street, too. At Zara, trending prints like polka dots and classic motifs like crochet and lace are on full display. Meanwhile, at Mango, a recent co-sign from Hailey Bieber has further cemented the retailer as the master of blending effortlessly cool silhouettes with contemporary trends. Of course, we need to acknowledge the offering at H&M, too. At an affordable price point, the brand makes elegance accessible with graceful lace-trims, delicate broderie anglaise details and satin slips.

Still, we’d be remiss if we excluded mentioning the paragon of summer dresses. Dôen continues to dominate this category with romantic minis that feel right at home inside a 17th-century French château or the sun-kissed coastline of California. Faithfull the Label continues to inspire our Euro Summer wardrobes with a collection of dresses inspired by the shades and styles of Spain’s rugged Costa Brava. Chloé brings a nostalgic bohemian sensibility to summer dressing with ethereal minis and vintage botanical illustrations.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of new-in summer dresses to marvel at. So, whether you’re daydreaming about the next time you get to wear one or are very much manifesting sunshine by picking one up now, continue scrolling through for our meticulously curated edit of the finest new-in summer dress styles to covet.

Shop the Best New-In Summer Dresses for 2026

Last year I went to a countryside wedding in Essex, a city one in London and headed to the South of France for a destination wedding. And yes, It was a busy summer. This year, I only have one to go to in Ireland, but again, it's a totally different vibe in a stately home. With all types covered within a matter of months, I would say I've mastered the art of wedding guest dressing. And considering it's one of my most-asked questions as a stylist, I'm always on the lookout for new guest trends that are set to dominate wedding season. Turns out, high street hero Marks and Spencer has them all checked off. And yep, as you can imagine, none of them will cost a fortune—something we can all appreciate considering weddings can be pretty expensive, especially when you have a few in the diary.

Let me show you some of the trends that I, a fashion editor of over 12 years, believes everyone will be shopping from M&S this season.

Top of my list is satin. I wore an olive green Reiss gown to the destination wedding last year (similar to Vanessa's £100 M&S style, above) and I felt like royalty. There's something about the fluid fabric that feels luxe, and it makes any dress silhouette look 100x fancier. Then there's prints. Florals will always be relevant, polka dots are still huge news, and I say a firm yes to the dress when it comes to animal-inspired styles.

Add to this the tiny detail that's making a huge impact, plus the key colours of the season, and M&S has made choosing a wedding guest dress super simple this summer. Now all you have to do is RSVP.

Best M&S Wedding Guest Dresses

1. Liquid Satin

2. Make It A Mini

3. Prints Please