Even though I'm a fashion editor, I typically lean towards a minimalist wardrobe filled with versatile, fuss-free staples I can style in various ways throughout the year. So, in other words, my wardrobe is almost entirely black. Even in the summer, I favour black or white dresses (largely the former), purely because I'm so accident-prone, and the colour can cover a multitude of mishaps. Plus, black dresses are easy to style and look effortlessly chic, of course.
Unsurprisingly, I own a plethora of black summer dresses, which I alternate between, slipping on a black halterneck dress one day, a strappy cross-back style another, a black dress with shirred details and puff sleeves for casual days out or a satin slip dress for date night. And whilst I love my rotation of black dresses and am sure they will never lose their timeless appeal, there are times when, admittedly, I pull out said dresses and wish I had a vibrant one-piece to inject a splash of colour into my wardrobe.
Black and white dresses may be fail-safe options I revert to on autopilot, but this summer, I've decided it's time to shake up the status quo. I've seen a medley of dress colour trends in retailers, on celebrities and being styled by those in the know, all of which I'm keen to add to my summer dress collection. There's a kaleidoscope of colours to choose from, but the dress colour trends I'm focused on the most include vibrant red, butter yellow, pistachio and cornflower blue, to name a few.
The best bit? When it comes to styling, a colourful dress is equally as easy to build into an outfit for the warmer months. Whether you're escaping to the office purely for the air-con, jetting off on a well-deserved holiday or heading to a summer wedding, a colourful summer dress will work hard for you.
So, without further ado, scroll on for the dress colour trends to have on your radar this summer, along with top styling tips on how to wear them and my pick of the best styles to help you embrace them.
The Chicest Dress Colour Trends of 2025
1. Butter Yellow
Style Notes: This soft pastel hue pairs beautifully with cream or gold accessories and can be worn day or night, including for formal occasions such as summer weddings.
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The fitted corset-like middle section beautifully contrasts the ruched bust and voluminous skirting, which is ideal for the ideal flattering, floaty midi.
A bandeau dress is a favourite for those who want to show off their décolletage. Style this dress with strappy heels and a clutch for a warm-weather wedding.
A satin slip never goes out of style. This silky number in butter yellow flows like molten gold and achieves an elegant finish, whether you pair it with heeled sandals for the evening or layer over a denim jacket and wear with pumps for the day.
2. Cornflower Blue
Style Notes: Chloé's autumn/winter 2025 show highlighted a variety of pastel blue tones, but the pigment dial has been flicked up a notch for this summer in the form of cornflower. Cornflower blue is not to be confused with sky blue or pale blue, though it does sit somewhere in the middle. It pairs beautifully with other blue tones as well as creams and metallics, namely silver, though of course, it also can be worn with denim.
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Those who prefer some coverage from their dresses will be pleased to find that this midi features slightly capped sleeves. This design creates an hourglass shape as the fabric drapes over the shoulders and cinches at the middle, before billowing out into an A-line skirt.
COS has nailed effortless summer dressing with this throw-on dress. Pair with trainers and for those off-duty days, or even wear it to the office with a linen blazer.
Don't be afraid to play with prints as well as colours!
3. Red and Orange Gingham
Style Notes: I'm sort of cheating with this one as it's a print, but gingham is a timeless trend that surges in popularity every summer. And whilst navy and white, black and white or red and white are the most common colour iterations, I love the softness of Marina's ochre version (pictured above). I would style it with white trainers, white ankle socks and a denim jacket for a preppy daytime look this summer.
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I adore voluminous puff sleeves on a summer dress because they really add character to the design. Wear the sleeves to your wrists at full length, or cinch up to the elbow to exaggerate the sleeves even more.
A shirred dress ensures a snug fit for all bust sizes whilst adding texture and character to the design.
Gingham is gorgeous in an array of colours and pattern sizes, which Rixo's Anais Midi Dress perfectly demonstrates. The short-sleeved top boasts a thicker cross-hatch pattern to contrast the finer gingham print on the skirt, which gives the illusion of a two-piece set.
4. Pillar Box Red
Style Notes: An all-red outfit may seem pretty bold, but there's a shade of red to suit every skin tone, and all pair beautifully with gold, raffia or tan accessories, which makes the colour more versatile (and wearable) than you may assume.
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If you're heading on holiday, have a diary filled with reservations for rooftop bars this summer or have a destination wedding to attend, this minidress is ideal, with its dropped hem, peplum-style skirt and structured bodice.
Dôen's summer dresses never fail to deliver on style and comfort. Case in point: the Marianne dress. With a ruched top, tiered hem and billowy skirt, this dress will be a hardworking staple you can rely on day or night.
A modern, easy-to-wear twist on the classic shift dress. The shirred top hugs the body before the skirt billows out beautifully from the hips.
5. Pistachio Green
Style Notes: Pistachio is having a moment, not just in terms of food (specifically that Dubai chocolate), but in terms of colour, too. From interiors to fashion, I've spotted the shade everywhere this season. If you're a fan of khaki green in the colder seasons, you'll come to love its summery sister. Pair it with cream footwear to allow the muted tone to really pop, though it also complements tan and metallic accessories.
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I'd style this with a pair of heeled pumps and a little top-handle bag.
Sister Jane is best known for its voluminous dresses, so if you prefer a loose fit to keep you cool, comfortable and chic in the summer, this is the brand to have on your radar.
It's giving modern-day Roman empress thanks to the draped detailing and asymmetric cut.
6. Black and White
Style Notes: Now, I know I said I'm steering away from black and white dresses, but black and white dresses are different; printed monochrome summer dresses are effortlessly chic and sophisticated. I've seen a particular surge in black-and-white polka-dot dresses this season, though stripes and checks also fit the brief.
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A halterneck dress is a popular summer style I love as it suits all body shapes, particularly those with broad shoulders, like me. The black-and -white stripe print runs in different directions, which adds character and cleverly streamlines your silhouette.
For something a little different!
This is such an easy yet elevated style from Reformation.
7. Powder Pink
Style Notes: Move over, bubblegum pink, it's time for the soft powder pink tones to shine. This hue invites you to get creative with your accessories, whether you opt for cream tones, crisp white or metallic silver, though I also recommend clashing with bright pink accessories or other pastel shades like lilac and pale blue.
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Wear this unique design in the daytime with sandals or trainers, or with strappy kitten heels for a wedding guest outfit.
I consider this an elevated version of Sleeper's iconic Atlanta Dress. Instead of the voluminous puff sleeves, the Juliette features a puffed shoulder that blends into a fitted, shirred long-sleeved bodice with an asymmetric hem and thigh-high split.
Zara's short ruffle dress channels Chloé's modern boho dresses thanks to the tiered ruffles and fishtail hem at the back, which tall girls will appreciate, as it provides extra coverage (IYKYK). Wear with heels, cowboy boots or ballet pumps, and you can even go full Chloé by wearing it over a pair of flared jeans in the transitional seasons.
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