With summer just around the corner, dresses are on my mind. Once temps hit above 21°C, there's nothing more blissful than taking a break from my usual wardrobe and allowing a single item of clothing to speak to my entire look. Easy, effortless, and reliable for work, the weekend, holiday, and a myriad of summer occasions, dresses are all I want to live in come June, July, and August.
Luckily, we have plenty of fresh styles to get excited about this summer. Determined to add some of-the-moment styles to my wardrobe, I did a deep dive and scoured everything from spring and summer 2024 runways to what's trending on Instagram. I also got plenty of notes from my fellow editors to see what specific dress styles have the fashion-crowd stamp of approval this summer.
If you're also looking for a summer dress update, you're in luck. I'm sharing 6 noteworthy dress styles I'm invest in this year and the 6 styles I'll be retiring (for now). What I will say is that this is my own opinion—if I'm pausing on a dress trend you love wearing, then don't let me deter you by any means. This is just my personal preference for 2024, nothing more! So, without further ado, from a fresh take on floral dresses to strapless silhouettes, scroll on to discover the 6 summer dress trends I'm excited about this year.
1. Pause: Strappy, Bandage Dresses
Wear: Strapless Silhouettes
Style Notes: It's all about shoulder-baring strapless silhouettes this summer. Whether you lean into the '90s minimalist trend or go for a bold print or vibrant colour, this sleek silhouette will dominate this season.
Shop the Trend:
This can be dressed down with sandals or up with slingbacks and an oversized blazer.
This dress will hug you in all the right places.
The perfect LBD.
2. Pause: Wrap Dresses
Wear: Draping + Ruching
Style Notes: S/S 24 runways were rife with beautiful goddess-inspired draped dresses and irresistible ruching details. Both retailers and the fashion set have been quick to jump on the pretty trend, and there's no doubt we'll see it in full force this summer.
Shop the Trend:
I love the shade of this pretty H&M dress.
Wear this with neutral accessories for an effortlessly chic look.
Red is back again this summer as a trending colour.
3. Pause: Ditsy Florals
Wear: Rosettes
Style Notes: Skip the ditsy prints in favor of bold and beautiful rosettes this season. The pretty appliqué is a trend-forward way to wear your florals this summer. And luckily, its dominance is expected to continue into fall!
Shop the Trend:
Magda Butrym is known for its beautiful rosette dresses.
Doesn't this look way more expensive than it is?
You can dress this down with an oversized denim jacket and trainers or up with heels and a clutch.
4. Pause: Corduroy Dresses
Wear: Denim Dresses
Style Notes: Denim dresses are in the spotlight this summer after dominating S/S 24 runways. Whether you opt for a loose slip dress or a retro minidress, you're guaranteed to look on-trend sporting denim this summer.
Shop the Trend:
This is at the top of my holiday wishlist.
I love the retro feel this dress has.
COS is so good for elevated basics.
5. Pause: Pinafore Dresses
Wear: '90s Minimalist Dresses
Style Notes: As we've seen, chich and minimalist silhouettes from the '90s are trending. Take a break from Alexa Chung-style pinafores and opt for a sleek and versatile dress that will go with almost everything in your closet.
Shop the Trend:
90s chic.
This is such an easy dress to style up or down.
Skims makes the most comfortable layering dresses.
6. Pause: Paisley
Wear: Polka Dot
Style Notes: Polka dots never really went out of style, but the print has certainly made an re-entrance that no one expected this season; specifically monochrome styles or white polka dots on a chocolate brown base. Even our very own fashion editor Remy Farrell has gotten behind the classic print this summer.
Shop the Trend:
Remy's exact dress!
I love that this dress also features puff sleeves and a square neck. Plus, it's linen, which is an added bonus.
The cutest mini that you can dress up or down with a simple switch of footwear.
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