This Is the One Dress Detail That's Taking Over Our Feeds Right Now—We Are Utterly Hooked
If you've been on your feed lately, you'll know scallop dresses are everywhere right now, and we can see why.

Every year when summer rolls around, there's one item that always rises to the top of every fashion person's wishlist: the perfect dress. It's hardly surprising. With longer days, lighter fabrics, and more reasons to be out and about, there's something about warm-weather dressing that lends itself so naturally to dresses. From gauzy cotton maxis for park picnics to throw-on minis for weekends away, it's the time of year when dresses really earn their keep. And while we've seen everything from oversized shirting to painterly prints dominate our feeds, there's one detail that's been quietly gaining momentum and is now fully taking centre stage: scalloped edges. Or more specifically—the best scallop dresses.
These soft, wave-like trims have been steadily edging their way (pun intended) into the spotlight. At first, they crept into our saved folders via airy linen separates and delicate collars. But now, they've fully graduated from subtle detail to hero design feature. Think flirty hemlines, structured sleeves, cutout waistlines, and decorative borders that give classic silhouettes a fresh twist. The best scallop dresses don't just add visual interest—they elevate simple styles without relying on bold prints or flashy colours. It's the kind of detail that makes you look twice, even if you're just wearing a white cotton dress and sandals.
If you're wondering why you've suddenly started noticing them more often, you're not alone. While we saw iterations on the runways from brands like Chloé, Cecilie Bahnsen and Simone Rocha (who all incorporated curved edging into lacework and romantic silhouettes), the real takeover happened online. These dresses are the kind that translate well on camera—gentle scalloped trims catch the light in just the right way, offering texture and dimension without overwhelming a look. So it makes sense that this trend has moved swiftly from curated Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards to street style and actual wardrobes.
But what actually is a scallop dress? It's not so much about a specific shape or length—it's any dress that includes a scalloped finish, whether that's a mini with a curved hem, a tiered midi with scalloped panels, or a floaty maxi with broderie anglaise cut-outs forming subtle waves across the fabric. The versatility is part of the appeal. It can be bold or barely-there. Whimsical or sleek. This kind of detail brings softness and structure in equal measure, which is probably why it's been embraced across generations, from Gen Z in babydoll styles to older fashion insiders styling theirs with espadrilles and a structured tote.
If I've won you over by now, you're going to love me even more, as I've rounded up the best scallop dresses in the three lengths I think really define the look this season: mini, midi and maxi, below. Happy shopping.
Shop Our Favourite Scallop Dresses:
1. Mini Scallop Dresses
Style Notes: Whether you're heading to a rooftop bar, packing for a beach getaway, or just want something light to wear on a heatwave day in the city, mini dresses are a summer hero. The best scallop dresses in this category are playful, flattering, and—most importantly—easy. This length works particularly well with a scalloped edge as it allows the curved hem to stand out without competing with other elements. Look to structured poplin styles and even softer knits for transitional dressing. I've noticed more and more brands leaning into this silhouette as an easy way to elevate an otherwise simple dress. Just add a pair of sleek sandals or chunky trainers and you're set.
Shop Mini Scallop Dresses
2. Midi Scallop Dresses
Style Notes: Arguably the most versatile dress length, midis walk the line between relaxed and polished. The best scallop dresses in this category are the ones that can take you from brunch to evening plans without needing a full outfit change. Midis are where the scallop trend feels most wearable. These dresses still offer impact, but in a way that feels effortless. I've included some favourites below that I think work just as well with trainers as they do with slingbacks.
Shop Midi Scallop Dresses:
3. Maxi Scallop Dresses
Style Notes: Whether you lean towards long and floaty or structured and sleek, a maxi dress is the kind of wardrobe staple that doesn't ask for much but always delivers. And right now, the best scallop dresses in longer lengths are tapping into more directional detailing—think modern silhouettes, interesting cut-outs, and even subtle tailoring techniques that lend edge to what's traditionally seen as a romantic style.
Shop Maxi Scallop Dresses:
Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, where she specialises in paid-for and affiliate content across beauty and fashion. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature and has previously held editor positions at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Before joiningBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, she was part of the US Branded Content team, bringing her expertise back home to help grow the UK division. With years of experience testing and reviewing fashion and beauty products, she writes trend-driven and commerce-focused stories. When she's not shopping for work, she's making her way through her Kindle TBR list—spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain
-
This Is the Lingerie-Adjacent Dress Trend You'll See on Every Cool Fashion Girl Starting Now
Zoë Kravitz is leading the charge.
-
If the Ease of Jeans and a T-Shirt Came in Dress Form, It Would Look a Lot Like This…
Spotted in Brentwood on Kendall Jenner.
-
This Is *the* Pretty Dress Trend to Wear With Tights and Heels If You Want to Get Compliments This Fall
Trust us.
-
I Haven't Worn a Dress in a Year, But These 37 From Reformation Are Making Me Want to Change That
Just slip these on.
-
Forget Trying Hard—This Dress Trend Is Every Stylish Woman's Secret to No-Effort Dressing
Putting together an outfit has literally never been easier.
-
Take It From Olivia Rodrigo: This Fall Dress Trend Will Replace Polka-Dot Ones
You heard it here first.
-
Put Down That Crewneck—*This* Is the Neckline Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing Instead
Throwback.
-
People With Pretty Style Are Already Wearing This Vintagey Fall Dress Trend in L.A.
Kaia Gerber has great taste.