We can’t be the only ones who got very giddy at the first sight of sun in spring and started optimistically dressing for warm weather a little too early this year. Well, maybe we were, but after shivering in vests and putting up with spells of rain in sandals, the one piece that has actually seen us through from the start of the year all the way up to a scorching July has been a great summer dress..
Layered up with cardigans, worn on their own with flip flops, even under a chunky knit in autumn, summer dresses are so versatile that they deserve to be considered a wardrobe staple. Floaty chiffon! Puff sleeved cotton! Slinky slips! There’s nothing and no occasion a great dress can’t do, but with so many options on the market it can be difficult knowing where to invest your hard earned cash.
Thankfully for you, the Who What Wear UK editors a lot of their time shopping (all in the name of research I might add), and if anyone knows where to find the perfect piece, it’s us. Summer dresses are our forte, and whether you’re in need of breathable fabrics for the hottest days, high-quality pieces that not only feel good but will last for a lifetime, or style shapes, and silhouettes that make you feel your very best, we’ve got you covered.
From prairie dresses to showstopping party piece (and everything in between), these the Who What Wear UK editor’s round up of the best summer dress brands to wear this season. Happy shopping.
1. Réalisation Par
“Réalisation just can’t help it, they’ve got a knack for making viral dresses. After investing in the Gia dress in not one, but two prints after seeing them all over my social feed a couple of years ago, the latest smash hit, the Cora, is racking up numbers for all of the same reasons. Whisper light fabric, perfectly placed seams, dopamine-inducing colours and vibrant prints—whatever your style (or the occasion), there’s a Réalisation dress for you. Whenever I’m in need of an instant outfit that I just know invite compliments, I always start here. And should you be in London, head to the recently opened Mount Street flagship for a luxurious shopping experience that has to be experienced to be believed.” Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Shop Réalisation Par Dresses:
Just add a pair of flat sandals and a raffia bag.
The internet is losing its collective minds over this dress.
Honestly. this is summer in a dress.
Conclusive proof that you can wear black in summer, especially when it’s this light and airy.
2. Reformation
“Ask any fashion editor and I’m confident they will have plenty of Reformation in their summer rotation. Already hooked on the Olina trousers and knee skirts this year, the new-in dresses are next on my wish list. From beautiful wedding guest florals to everyday minis, Reformation have the edge on cool-girl styles that the A-list love too.” Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Shop Reformation Dresses:
Dark florals feel so much cooler than ditsy prints for summer.
Wear as often as you do your favourite pair of blue jeans.
I’d recreate this whole look for a city break.
That elegant, low back is a sight to behold.
3. Faithfull
Style Notes: “I’m not ashamed to admit, my wardrobe is full of Faithfull dresses. Not only do they always get colours and prints exactly right, but the stretchier shirred pieces are exactly the kind of comfortable style you want to throw on a hot summer’s day. My preference is for cotton midis and maxis that pair perfectly with my trusty flip flops, but I could also be convinced by the latest drop of minis that deserve a spot in my suitcase for my next holiday. If you’re looking for summer dresses that celebrate the joy of summer, you just found them.” Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop Faithfull Dresses:
It doesn’t feel like sunny season without checks and gingham.
Such a timeless style you’ll happily wear it for years to come.
Wear now with sandals, and in autumn with a coat and knee high boots.
Doesn’t this make you want to book a flight somewhere sunny?
The perfect crisp, white linen to pair with a tan.
4. Matteau
“I wasn’t a big dress wearer, but not because I don’t like them, but because I hadn’t found the one yet. Matteau is as close to perfection as any dress has ever come for me, thanks in part to the airy, organic cotton, but also the exceptional fit. As a petite shopper (I’m 5ft4) I can often struggle with the length of some dresses, but Matteau midis still hit right without swamping me in fabric (the shirred styles are genuinely perfect for this). Yes, the prices are a little high on the premium side, but as a big believer in building capsule wardrobes, I prefer to spend a little more on a piece that I know I can wear on rotation every year over quick buys that go out of style as soon as the season changes.” Marina Avraam, Senior Shopping Editor
Shop Matteau Dresses:
This shade of red would look incredible on every skin tone.
So cute with ballet flats and a mini bag.
Just look at that cinched waist.
No need for bra support with this strapless column style.
A strong contender for best summer dress on the market.
5. Dôen
“Whenever my friends have asked me what I’m wearing, 8 times out of 10, it’s because it’s been a Dôen dress. Cute, playful, and endlessly romantic, my summer style tends to shift from tees, jeans and trainers in spring to flirty dresses that I can wear to festivals, picnics, holidays and hosting, and Dôen always meets the brief. Although I’m wearing them on repeat with flip flops right now, if you find the prairie energy a little too bit too sweet for sandals, after spotting Dua Lipa wearing a dress and moto boots in the middle of summer, I’m tempted to copy the look to toughen up cute prints and ground puffy skirts.” Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor
Shop Dôen Dresses:
This was love at first sight.
The babydoll/nightgown dress trend makes getting ready in the morning so easy.
Everyone needs at least one great LBD.
This makes me feel happier just by looking at it.
Proving to be a smash hit on socials.
6. Free People
“As much as I love uncovering amazing, new pieces, shopping still has to feel easy first and foremost. As someone who wants to make sure my purchases are going to be worth the time and effort, I like to try on and feel fabrics in bricks and mortar stores just as much as I like shopping online, so whenever I’m near a Free People store, I pop in to see their latest dress offering. This summer with a wedding and honeymoon on the cards, I’ve been keeping an eye out for romantic dresses that will work for home and away, and Free People taps in to the luxurious, boho energy I’ve been looking for. The breezy maxis and cotton minis are my favourite thing in store right now (the Tilly is currently in my basket), and as excited as I am to wear my wedding dress, I’m also looking forward to the honeymoon looks that will follow too.” Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
Shop Free People Dresses:
The perfect little white dress in my opinion.
This is exactly how I want to breeze around this summer.
If you think this looks good from the front, just wait until you see the back.
Selling fast in my favourite colour.
A bestseller for a very good reason.
