As we embrace high summer, staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. The focus on layering that dominated the cooler months is replaced by an innate desire to keep things simple—and what's simpler than a really great dress?
In my opinion, the key to a great dress is its versatility. Whether I'm going for an expensive-looking high street or designer piece, I want to know my dresses can be worn on rotation throughout the seasons and, with just a swap of sandals for trainers, a raffia tote for a sleek shoulder bag, can still feel fresh and new.
When you're looking for an easy throw-on summer dress, my advice is to focus on classic shapes and light, breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are summer essentials, as they're lightweight enough to be comfortable even on the stickiest days and somehow manage to always look understatedly refined. And when it comes to silhouettes, you'll find that a classic shift, simple slip or midi dress with voluminous sleeves will always serve you well this summer and for many summers to come.
With so many tempting new options up for grabs, I've done some digging to find the seven staple dress styles that tick the boxes of being effortless, versatile and undeniably chic. Happy shopping.
The Best Throw-On Dresses For Summer:
1. Slips
Style Notes: A slip dress is such a versatile style—pair it with trainers and sunglasses for an easy day look, or dress it up with jewellery and heeled sandals for a summer party outfit. This season, it looks like everyone is embracing more colours, so take the opportunity to explore the rainbow of options available.
Shop the Look:
The perfect pop of colour.
Lime green? Yes please. Massimo's dress collection never fails to amaze me.
The perfect minimal black dress. Dress up with heeled mules and gold accessories, or dress down with flip flops and a basket bag.
This would look great with simple white trainers. and a cardi.
Ghost is well known for its slip dresses, and for good reason.
2. The Breezy White Dress
Style Notes: Does anything say "sunny weather" more than a white dress? Even if you already own a go-to white dress, there are so many variations that I'm sure you could be convinced to invest in another...This season, I recommend leaning into the breezy, voluminous style, whether it's a poplin dress with a voluminous skirt, or a more bohemian embroidered maxi.
Shop the Look:
Simple perfection.
I've spotted so many London influencers in this exact dress.
This could easily pass for a designer find.
The silhouette of this dress is so gorgeous.
This is at the top of my wish list.
3. Long Linen Dress
Style Notes: Linen is a must-have seasonal fabric that looks effortlessly cool enough to work in so many situations, from the office to your next holiday. This year, I'm embracing the longer silhouettes, from midi-length shift styles to ankle-grazing maxis. Dress up or down as you need with just a couple of accessory switches.
Shop the Look:
Proof that sometimes simple really is best.
Love.
This would look gorgeous with gold or tan accessories.
So classic.
This dress exudes effortless cool.
4. Colourful Maxi
Style Notes: I tend to see myself as a minimalist, but in the warmer months I'm more tempted to embrace colour. If you're also in the mood to brighten up your summer wardrobe, the easiest place to start is with a colourful maxi that does all the work for you, and will see you through warm weather at home or abroad on your next holiday,.
Shop the Look:
I love the flowy fit of this maxi dress.
Butter yellow is the colour of the season.
The perfect wedding guest dress.
A pop of red for the warmest holiday weather.
5. Structured Mini Dress
Style Notes: When the temperatures rise, so do our hemlines. Keep you mini dress feeling effortless yet polished by opting for a more structured silhouette, whether that means opting for a cleverly tailored dress that cinches the waist, or a thoughtfully ruched design.
Shop the Look:
I love the retro look of this print.
The button-down detail makes this feel easy yet cool.
Such a pretty print.
The fit of this dress is perfect.
A gorgeous pattern, fit and silhouette.
6. Puff-Sleeved Midi
Style Notes: The voluminous sleeve midi dress has firmly become a summer staple over the past few years, and this season is no different. With a subtly romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, the silhouette feels particularly timeless—and thanks to its popularity, is available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Shop the Look:
Doen is an influencer go-to for this exact dress style.
Love the back.
Perfect for a garden party.
You can't go wrong with a red summer dress.
7. Light Knit
Style Notes: Listen, sometimes the weather just will not cooperate. But even if it's more of a grey sky day than blue, that doesn't mean you have to give up your dresses. A light knit style will be perfect for those slightly cooler days, and can also be a great holiday piece for layering when the sun suddenly sets.
Shop the Look:
A holiday dress if I ever saw one.
A great cover up.
I gasped.
A white knitted dress is so easy to dress up or down.
Add a gold belt and knee-high boots.
-
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.
-
Spotted in Ibiza: Dua Lipa Wore the Provocative Dress Trend That'll Still Be Relevant in 2026Guaranteed.
-
I Haven't Worn a Dress in a Year, But These 37 From Reformation Are Making Me Want to Change ThatJust slip these on.
-
These 31 Effortless Summer Basics Make Getting Ready So Much EasierLow lift, high reward.
-
Forget Trying Hard—This Dress Trend Is Every Stylish Woman's Secret to No-Effort DressingPutting together an outfit has literally never been easier.
-
If You're Anti-Jeans, TheseReplica Store Skirts, Dresses, and Pants Will Make You GiddyStylish bottoms to the front!
-
Not Halter, Not Strapless: Amal Clooney Just Wore the Specific Neckline That Always Looks Elegant in Lake ComoEvery time.
-
I'm a Shopping Expert—31 of the Hottest Summer Finds According to My Revolve, Zara, andReplica Store TabsFrom trendy lace-trim shorts to flip-flop heels.
