If your summer calendar is brimming with weddings, summer events and gatherings of the elegant ilk, and your trusty linen shorts and cotton shirts just aren’t quite cutting it for the elevated dress codes, I have to put you on to the dress trend I've seen the most stylish people reaching for this season.
Swishy, floor-grazing and rendered in a glossy finish, satin maxi dresses have become my go-to for every elevated summer occasion, and I’m far from the only one defaulting to the trend. Just this week, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley embraced the silhouette three times over the course of a few days, styling multiple The Own Studio satin dresses for occasions on the Italian coast.
First, she opted for a flowing seafoam green design, complete with a sheer, floor-skimming cape that added extra movement and dimension to her evening-ready ensemble. Later, she switched into a yellow satin gown for a wedding celebration by the water’s edge.
Finally, I spotted the model in a light beige style that skimmed her frame, extending past her ankles. In a soft neutral tone, this dress felt incredibly sophisticated while remaining unfussy and easy to style.
While lightweight cottons and linens tend to dominate in the heat, I’ve found satin to be even more comfortable—equally airy, but with a supple softness and gentle drape that feels indulgent. Add to that its subtle sheen and the floor-sweeping length, and you’ve got a dress trend inherently elevated enough for dressier affairs. That said, I can also picture it paired with flat sandals for less fancy affairs, too.
Polished, uncomplicated and easy, satin maxi dresses are my summer styling secret. Read on to shop my favourite styles below.
Shop Satin Maxi Dresses:
Add a pop of colour to your summer rotation with this fresh, apple green dress.
This also comes in five other shades.
This also comes in a rich copper shade.
This features an elegant open-back design that gives it such a special edge.
A glossy satin dress is the easiest way to ensure an elevated ensemble.
The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Style with sandals to dress this down, otherwise pair with a sweeping satin dress.
I'm banking this for wedding season.
-
Rosie HW Doesn't Believe In This Swimsuit Myth, and Neither Should YouLet's settle this debate.
-
The 6 Dress Trends That Are Taking Center Stage for Fall 2025The major silhouettes to know.
-
My Fashion Friends Put These 30 Exceptionally Good Pieces on My Radar This MonthGood luck picking just one favorite.
-
The Pretty Dress Trend L.A. It Girls Are Bringing Into Fall (and the "Basic" Style They Already Forgot About)It's finally time to part ways with boring linen dresses.
-
J.Crew and Gap Are Having Major Sales RN—Here Are 31 Beautiful Summer Finds I'm Swooning OverFlirty florals and blush-worthy lace pieces.
-
FYI: Sandal Haters in Ibiza Are Wearing Beach Dresses With This Unexpected Shoe TrendSporty and comfortable.
-
The Dresses From Mango Are Undeniably Top-Tier—These 25 Impressive Styles Are Guaranteed to Turn HeadsThere's nothing like a great dress.
-
Not Linen, Not Denim: The Far Chicer Pant Trend Fashion People in Turkey Are Wearing With White Tank TopsFashion icon Rosie Huntington-Whiteley approves.
