After our first mini heatwave of the year, it’s clear that summer is on its way. The sunshine is attempting to peek through the skies, and it's time to get our warm-weather wardrobes in order. Naturally, dresses are the first thing to come to mind. Polished and yet requiring little to no styling, able to be dressed up or down, these versatile additions are primed for the days when the sun is shining and you don’t want to waste time putting together an outfit.
Taffy wears a dress from Aligne.
Hunting down a great dress is something I take very seriously. A few years ago I began rebuilding my dress collection, and so any new addition has to come with careful consideration. It’s a time when you can invest a little more, like a great Reformation dress or even a designer buy, but if you're currently looking for something more affordable, there are treasures to be found in the high street new-in sections. And I’ve taken the time to sift through the hundreds of styles to bring all of the best affordable summer dresses together for you below.
Rachael wears black mini dress from Other Stories.
With a quick scan of the edit you can see that there's something for all occasions below. For those who rely on a staple LBD, contemporary updates have been made to silhouette and design details to bring a fresh take to this classic. Naturally, I had to include bestselling styles from Other Stories and Free People, that are just so good they come back every year (and every season) but alongside you'll find fresh new-in finds from some of our favourite brands like COS, Nobody's Child and plenty more. Minimalists can rest assured that there are plenty of neutral styles ready to support their summer wardrobes, whilst those with a penchant for print and colour will also be impressed with the more standout styles.
Kim wears a red dress from COS.
Whether you’re headed out on for a picnic in the park or dressing up for a garden party or event, you’ll find a range of styles from day to night below. Keep scrolling to shop the best affordable summer dresses for 2025.
Shop the Best Affordable Summer Dress for Summer 2025
Now this is the kind of timeless dress that you'll pull out year after year.
The Oasis dress is a consistent best-seller, and now it comes in 11 dreamy shades.
It's no secret that polka dots are big news this summer.
I still can't believe that this polished dress comes from the high street. Just add monochromatic accessories to keep the expensive feel high.
When this dress launched last year it sold out almost instantly. Now it's back in 8 glorious shades.
The shirred bodice makes this dress incredibly comfortable (trust me, I've got it) whilst the one-shoulder and deep blue shade add a dressier edge.
All the editors in our office are talking about how exquisite this COS dress is.
For the warmest days, look to airy linen styles especially with this straight neckline finish.
Nobody's Child includes considered details in every dress. Here, its the panelled waist, flowing skirt and rounded neckline that stand out for me.
The bold shade! The puff sleeves! The silk and linen mix!
This is the first thing I'll be packing for my upcoming holiday.
The kind of elevated dress that is suitable for work as well as off-duty looks.
This whole look is my summer inspo.
This year's dress selection at Anthropologie is my favourite so far.
The elasticated top can be folded over to create a great holiday skirt as well making this one of the more versatile options.
If you're leaning into the boho aesthetic this summer, this loose-fitting silhouette with relaxed puff sleeves is the perfect fit.
Keep it minimalist with monochromatic accessories, or take the paired-back white as a chance to play with colourful additions.
Now this is how you can revitalise your denim looks for summer.
There's something undeniably chic about a dropped waistline.
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