What do you wear when it’s 30+ degrees outside and you need to show office-face? A stylish, comfy dress, of course.
High street brands are dropping their latest collections, bringing new-season freshness and a lighter, brighter look to sunnier months ahead. But what’s in store for summer trends and which are the best new season dresses to invest in now?
Heatwave-friendly dresses to buy and wear now
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You only have to look at the best outfits from the red carpets this year to see that *big dress energy* is what it’s all about – celebs are wearing dresses with dramatic cut-outs, embellishments and sheer fabrics, slip dresses, metallics, bright colours and lots of black dresses. I’m not saying it’s time to buy a ball gown or dress like you’re on a catwalk, but high street brands will all be taking note of these most popular trends to inspire collections we want to buy into this year.
Earlier this year, there was some terrifying talk about whether florals are out for good, spurred on by the John Lewis’ fashion design director Queralt Ferrar. Introducing new prints for the summer season, she said she was giving customers “a fresh take on the floral midi” by introducing “graphic tile prints, block colours and bold florals” instead.
Granted, the not so groundbreaking tussle between maximalist and minimalist styling, prints and block colours, to floral or not to floral, is nothing new when it comes to trends. But there has definitely been a significant shift away from ditsy prints towards bolder florals and different prints, especially checkerboards and abstract prints. The mood is confident, not wallflower.
If you’re ready for that new season boost, you’re in the right place. Here are 20 new-season dresses that are anything but ditsy and will instantly perk up your summer wardrobe.
The top 20 new-season heatwave dresses on the high street right now
If I could own a wardrobe full of KITRI Studio dresses to wear on rotation, I would. This floaty V-neck maxi is perfect for BBQs, date nights and brunches, and the clashing mix of prints is a more interesting take on the standard floral midi.
Never Fully Dressed is the place to go for all things boho, and I’ll definitely be stocking up on a couple of their dresses for my summer holidays. This one mixes an array of paisley and floral prints to create a patchwork effect and the voluminous ruffle skirt adds drama. Imagine the impact this would have on the dance floor.
You don’t have to wear prints every day, just because it’s summer. If you’re a fan of simplicity and figure-hugging fits, you need TALA’s maxi dress. You can style it with anything from sandals or trainers to heels, so it’s probably the most versatile dress you can have in your wardrobe this summer (and all year round, to be honest).
Nobody’s Child can do no wrong, in my eyes. The eye-catching abstract print will be a total hit this summer, whether you’re chilling in a UK pub garden or jetting off somewhere exotic.
Crochet is having a real moment in 2023, and the low scoop back and flared sleeves on this Pull & Bear dress are totally drool-worthy. Pair it with some chunky sandals and statement sunglasses to finish off the look.
This pretty Mango dress is exactly what you want to float around in during a heatwave this summer. The A-Line silhouette is so elegant and the length is perfect for flashing some dainty kitten heels. The gold hardware detail on the back is the perfect excuse to layer up with some statement gold jewellery.
When the weather is hot, sometimes the last thing you want to wear is a super clingy dress that shows off your sweat patches and makes you feel restricted. That’s where this breezy organic cotton shirt dress comes in. It’s loose-fitting and will keep you cool, but the collar and roll-up sleeves make it much smarter than a regular T-shirt dress. Wear it with trainers or sandals for work or play.
River Island is a trusty source for vibrant summer dresses, and this blue ruffled dress is a real show-stopper. Perfect for summer weddings and other glam occasions, you’ll get a lot of wear out of it. I’m loving the extra flared sleeves and thigh slit details too.
Who doesn’t love a puff sleeve dress? This one from River Island is so cute and modest enough to wear to a wedding, christening or even to the office. Smock dresses are ideal for heat but can often be a little shapeless, but this one comes with a ruched, elasticated bodice to highlight your waist.
A simple bandeau dress is a great go-to for “nothing to wear” days. Urban Outfitters’ acid-wash offering will show off your curves and can easily be elevated with a pair of mules. Or, if you want to keep it practical and modest, layer up with an oversized linen shirt or denim jacket and pair it with sandals or trainers.
If you’re into the rose choker trend right now, you’ll love this sassy midi from Free People. The red floral print is much larger than a regular ditzy floral dress, and the drapey top and exaggerated side slits make this a real statement piece.
Don’t reserve knitted dresses for winter. This orange one from Zara skims the body without being too tight and has super thin straps, so you won’t feel clammy. It’ll look great with an up-do, chunky sandals and dainty jewellery.
Big into the corset trend? This prairie dress combines a floaty pleated prairie-style skirt with a fitted corset body, making it equal parts flattering and comfortable. Rock it with biker boots or cowboy boots to a festival, or slip into some lace-up sandals for a party.
House of Sunny’s update to their best-selling Hockney dress features a fresh lime kiwi print (one of the summer’s trending shades) and has matching sleeves for an extra twist.
Denim is big news this season, so of course I’ve had to find a great denim dress. This Sezane mini is at the top of my wishlist so far.
If one ditsy floral dress was going to make the cut, it had to be this one from Nobody’s Child. The ruffled sleeves, flattering v neckline and subtle black floral print make it far from dated, especially if you wear it with some cowboy boots.
& Other Stories has balanced the fit of this orange mini shirt dress to perfection – loosely fitted at the hips and flowy and relaxed on top. Shop for more new season dresses and must-haves from & Other Stories next.
New Look have delivered on bigger and bolder florals with this vibrant pink print. Note the drawstring fit-and-flare waist which makes for a really flattering dress shape.
This Forever New silky slip dress fits like a dream. Throw a fur coat or blazer over your shoulders for wearing to a fancy party or dinner now and bring it out for a summer wedding with strappy sandals.
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