The Summer Dresses That Minimalists Will Love

I remember flicking through fashion magazines as a teenager and becoming convinced that the only acceptable way to stylishly navigate summer was to become this vision of bohemianism. Floor-grazing linen dresses, suede fringing, peasant blouses and gladiator sandals were the staples to be seen in, and one would drift from Notting Hill pub garden to music festival, all the while keeping those cream espadrilles in pristine condition. I blame Sienna Miller.

It took me far longer than I'd care to admit to realise that, in fact, this is not a style persona that works for me (no matter how many peasant skirts I buy). I just like tailoring too much. However, it was when I ventured into COS that everything clicked into place. While I'll never be a complete fashion purist, there was something about the brand's simplicity and clean-lined minimalism that made everything feel so chic.

As luck would have it, the last year or two has seen minimalistic style continue in an upward trajectory, with influencers foregoing the look-at-me extraversion that proliferated c.2015 and instead opting for unprinted shirt dresses, simple slips and voluminous smocks. Countless high street brands, from Other Stories to Arket, have also embraced the less-is-more approach, which is great news for people like me who can't quite get on board with boho. If this rings true for you too, scroll down to shop my minimalistic dress edit, and see how influencers are wearing theirs.

Style Notes: A mini shirt dress makes for a perfect pairing with straw accessories.

Style Notes: Smock dresses are a fab option for minimalist-style lovers. Make like Alexis Foreman and pair yours with chunky flats and a woven bag.

Shop Our Minimalist Dress Edit

Next up, 18 summer-ready outfits to copy