I’m a firm believer that midi dresses can be worn year-round and styled in myriad ways, whether that’s with a polo-neck and knee-high boots, an oversized jumper or wrap styles worn untied like a flowy bohemian-style cardi. However, come summer, when our choices are less about retaining heat under bundled layers and more about fanciful styling, the midi dress really comes into its own. I’m already envisaging flocking through tufts of overgrown grass and picnicking with friends at the mere thought of wearing a dress without tights.
The efficiency of the summer midi dress is one of its many appeals. In one step, you’re dressed head to toe, with only accessories and outerwear to mull over. They’re just the right length to make you feel warm enough on blustery days yet light enough to see you through stickier temperatures. The same goes for day-to-night styling. Trainers with midi dresses are a match made in heaven, and for eveningwear, swap in a blazer and slip-on heels.
The last few years have seen this style somewhat elevated. We’re seeing puff sleeves, perforated knits, slits and cut-outs, balancing the proportions of fabric-heavy styles, and best of all, they’re timeless.
This season, expect to see midis in a rich jewel-toned pallet with a healthy dose of florals to boot. (Despite what some people believe, I fully think it wouldn’t be summer styling without some pattern.) Also, powder blue, burnt sienna, greens spanning from emerald to chartreuse and cocoa browns are dominating this year, in addition to classic neutrals.
Below is a curation of the best summer midi dresses that have caught my eye lately, from high-street to high-end. If you too go weak at the knees for a midi, you’re in for a real treat.
Next Up: I Just Spent Hours Searching for the Best Summer Mini Dresses—You’re Welcome
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
