There are certain things that universally signify summer—the smell of BBQs in the evening air, ordering your first Pimm’s, and it being light at 9pm. However, to us fashion types, nothing feels quite so summer-like as stepping out in a gorgeous dress (without the need for tights). And right now, as we delve deeper into the warmer months, we’ve started to see specific dress trends emerge as the stars of the season.
Below I’ve listed the eight dress trends that I think you’ll see throughout all the stages of the relaxing of lockdown restrictions. Long-sleeved, denim and knitted dresses are perfect for the next few months of daily walks, while the bright pink dresses and fun minis I’ve found below have rescheduled weddings written all over them.
I’ve been sure to include a mix of classic basic styles, to more fashion-forward silhouettes and bolder options for those who want to just have fun with fashion again. So keep scrolling to see the new dress trends I really love for summer.
Long-sleeved dresses are a perfect option for a British summer, as they a little bit warmer for those days when it’s still quite chilly. Either opt for an oversized billowing sleeve or puff sleeve, or something a little simpler.
Statement, ruffle collars have been popular for several seasons, and we largely have Ganni to thank for the revival of this Princess Diana trend. Whether it’s a mini, midi, or maxi, a collar is a welcome addition to any dress.
The overriding message coming from designers and buyers for summer 2021 is that we want our clothes to be joyful, and one of the main ways this was manifested was with lots of bright pink. Designers such as Molly Goddard and Tove have created beautiful dresses in vibrant pink colours.
Sometimes it’s important to make sure you just have the basics covered, and for summer you don’t get more useful than a black sundress.
Knitted dresses soared in popularity in 2020, as the perfect option who want to find the perfect middle ground between getting dressed properly but still feeling comfortable. Either opt for a tunic style that you can layer over trousers or a more fitted silhouette that you can wear with simple sandals.
Over the past few years it has been all about the midi dress, however for summer 2021 designers such as Jacquemus, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton all had several playful minis in their collections.
Fashion decrees that everyone should own at least one little black dress, but there’s an equally viable case to be made for the little white dress. Whether you opt for something loose and relaxed in a linen or cotton or something more formal with puff sleeves and lace embellishment, a white dress has long been a warm-weather staple.
