While New Yorkers often head east for a summer filled with pickle ball, champagne and linen sets, those who camp out at home know one rule is imperative as the days get longer and significantly warmer: your key to surviving is dressing smartly. Pack up your jeans and fold your boucle quiet luxury dresses elsewhere if you're staying in the city—this summer, the only trend that seems to matter to anyone is delicate, soft, breezy smocked and shirred dresses.
While the romantic style has been around for ages, it girls new and alike have been turning to it for a no-frills, easy summer outfit recipe. Just throw on your smocked dress of choice, slip-on footwear and a raffia bag for a look that'll rival even the coolest girls on the Italian coast.
Below, browse styling inspirations for the best smocked dresses and shop some of the prettiest picks.
(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)
What you need: white smocked dress and crotchet bag
(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)
What you need: sunglasses and a smocked tube dress
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
What you need: a delicate, puff-sleeve smocked mini dress
(Image credit: @champagnemani)
What you need: a contrast-stitched smock dress and colorful makeup
(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)
What you need: a full-length smocked dress and summer sandals
(Image credit: @balencianas)
What you need: a strapless smocked dress and a lightweight knit to throw over your shoulders
Shop smock dresses:
FP One
Lausanne Slip
This dress (seen above) is an obvious favorite choice.
By Malene Birger
Vyra Smocked Cotton-Voile Maxi Dress
I'm loving this laid-back Grecian-inspired pick.
Sea
Casey Hand-Smocked Cotton Midi Dress
Simply goregous.
Madewell
Theo Sleeveless Midi Dress
This muted eggplant color looks so good with black accessories.
J.Crew
Tie-Front Voile Cover-Up Midi Dress
This dress is currently en-route to me as we speak.
Fashion Apparels
Venus Smocked Midi Dress
Smocked dresses and a drop waist? This summer's two biggest dress trends combined equal my favorite find on this list.
Ciao Lucia
Fiorella Dress Check
Ciao Lucia is the cool girl brand everyone (including myself) is pining over now.
H&M
Smocked-Bodice Dress
For under $20, this dress is a must-have for anyone looking for a chic, easy outfit to add into their closets.
La Ligne
Vivian Dress
Pretty in pink.
Sea
Willa Smocking Dress
Sea's summer offerings are anything but boring: this simple sweetheart dress puts a fun twist into the smocked trend with an exaggerated, long bodice.
Sovere
Reserve One-Shoulder Smocked-Waist Dress
A need, not a want.
Sndys
Tahlia Dress
Everyone loves this classic Sndys dress.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Gathered Midi Dress
Don't shy away from color this season.
Significant Other
Robyn Dress
I think I actually need this dress in my life in order to survive.
Gap
Flutter Sleeve Smocked Mini Dress
Love.
Dôen
Ambrosia Dress
Dôen's summer line-up is straight out of a fashion fairytale.
Frame
Shirred Ramie-Gauze Midi Dress
Big day for girls who can't say no to beautiful white dresses.
Maeve
Strapless Smocked Dress
Chic.
Lane Bryant
Smocked-Bodice Maxi Dress
I'm loving how timeless this silhouette is.
Reformation
Tavi Linen Dress
Reformation never comes to play with their adorable floral-printed dresses.
Ciao Lucia
Smocked Midi Dress
The bows on this pick are simply *chef's kiss*.
Dôen
+ Net Sustain Earhart Smocked Organic Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress
If you're looking for something a bit more understated, this black mini with a smocked neckline seems like the perfect pick.
Reformation
Nira Dress
Ref can do no wrong when it comes to picking their florals in my eyes.
Posse
Abby Smocked Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
This butter yellow smocked strapless number is just speaking to me.
Sndys
x REVOLVE Lottie Dress
The side cut-outs on this find are the perfect way to show a little extra skin this summer—I apologize for the tan-lines in advance!
Eloquii
Elements Chambray Puff Sleeve Smocked Bodice Dress
The simplest way to make puff sleeve dresses feel extra 2023? Chambray fabrics.
Tory Burch
Printed Silk Strapless Dress
After seeing this Tory Burch dress, I practically had to pick my jaw off the ground.
Hill House
The Eyelet Cosima Nap Dress
Not going to lie, I'm a massive Hill House stan.
Hill House
The Naia Nap Dress
This dress just screams summer holiday.
Ganni
Seersucker Check Smock Maxi Dress
The Ganni team always impresses me with their incredible on-trend dress offerings.