From summer in the city and picnics in the park to balmy nights by the beach and everything in between, dresses are the perfect piece for whatever the warm weather brings your way. The ultimate throw-on-and-go option to help you look and feel cool in the humidity, discover the must-have summer dress styles of the season to take you through Monday to Sunday, work to weekend. Read on and get inspired.
1. Midi Dress
Monday
We think the midi dress is arguably one of the most versatile garments in the modern wardrobe. It’s the perfect blank canvas for experimentation – whatever the silhouette, fabric or hue. It is also the perfect length to take into the office. A midi shirt dress in particular is the epitome of a dress code friendly option with its collar and button-down front.
Want to make it feel more cool than corporate? Chunky or thin strappy black leather sandals, a statement belt looped at the waist and tousled locks will bring everything together with minimal effort.
2. Sleeveless or Short Sleeve Dresses
Tuesday
If there is little ventilation in the office, ensure you choose wisely when getting ready for work. A sleeveless or short sleeved dress is an obvious choice – whether spaghetti strap, racer back, t-shirt length or loose flutter sleeve.
Opt for a full skirt to balance out the skin exposure while being considered and comfortable. A broderie cotton style or light viscose will keep the outfit feeling light and airy. Want to ensure you can wear this dress in the boardroom and beachside? Choose a muted or sophisticated colour such as bottle green or black to increase its versatility. That way you can wear your favourite black heels and bag in the city, and trade them in for leather sandals and a raffia bag when you are bayside.
3. Floral Dresses
Wednesday
Partial to a pattern and in particular a floral? Spring and summer are the perfect months to start experimenting with lighter, brighter flower patterns. Scattered micro print, oversized and bold, black-based to white-based patterns – there is no right or wrong way to wear a botanical print.
A white-based floral print is an easy way to start wearing florals in summer, while light natural fabrics like cotton, viscose or linen will ensure you stay cool with their breathable, moisture-wicking qualities. For a dress you can wear comfortably to a picnic, afterwork drinks or family lunch, choose a languid, flowing fit with a mid to long length and romantic, billowing sleeves. There is an undeniable elegance about this silhouette, and it will be very easy to swap in different accessories for when you need the look to segue from day to night.
4. Mini Dresses
Thursday
The mighty mini. For summer, we love the idea of a loose, long-sleeve mini dress with a high neck or button-up collar in a cotton or linen blend fabric. Colours like sage green, navy or cream will look equally as stylish with black leather bags, shoes and belts as they will with tan or cream-coloured accessories. Looking to accessorise your mini dress for a warm day in the city? Wear knee-high leather boots, a wide waist belt and either drape a linen blazer over your shoulders or tie the arms of a knit across your collar for when the temperatures start to dip.
5. Maxi Dresses
Friday
Looking for a more elevated look once the work day comes to an end? We suggest an elegant maxi dress. For an extra elevated style, choose a fabric that you typically wouldn’t wear during the day or in the office. Delicate and detailed fabrics like bold or intricate lace, to cutwork add an extra special twist. From billowing long sleeves, short puff sleeves, or no sleeves at all, there are countless iterations of the maxi dress to consider. As a statement fabric does a lot of the talking, keep the hairstyle classic and polished, the shoes chic and strappy and the jewels refined.
6. Puff Sleeve Dresses
Saturday
It’s no secret the puff sleeve has become a style must-have. It’s been featured on runways and streetstyle for seasons now, officially making it a bonafide wardrobe staple. Typically a short sleeve length that finishes above the elbow that sits high over the shoulder, the puff sleeve is both feminine and chic. The perfect addition to a party look – look to the puff sleeve dress for whatever your weekend brings. Sometimes, only high hemlines will do when temperature soars, so finish the look with footwear that’s both minimal and sleek as well as delicate jewellery to let this statement dress shine.
7. Tiered Dresses
Sunday
It is time for your Sunday best. The flowing style of the tiered dress presents a cool and breezy option for getting dressed in the summer heat. This style is ready for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a romantic date or a day in the office. Better yet, tiered skirt dresses are styled easily with any style shoe: choose a clean white sneaker with a mini length, woven espadrille with a midi length, or a flat leather sandal with a maxi length dress.
What fabrics to look for in a summer dress?
When the mercury is on the rise, look to natural fibres that are moisture-wicking and breathable. Organic linen, crisp cotton, soft bamboo, or silky viscose, are all excellent options that are durable fibres that only get better with age and wear.
What shoes to wear with a summer dress?
Summer dresses are meant to be effortless and easy to wear. Footwear in summer should be the same. Leather brogues or loafers segue from colder months to warmer, while wedge espadrilles are the ultimate all-day, all-night, summer shoe perfect for exploring while on holiday. Minimal leather sandals are a must with summer dresses and don’t forget those fresh white sneakers that will take you anywhere and everywhere.
How to take a summer dress into autumn?
The best way to ensure a dress can traverse seasons from summer into autumn is through smart layering. Have a slip dress you want to wear again? Wear a thin long-sleeve top under it with a leather waist belt over the top and slip-on a pair of leather boots. Or, with billowing sleeved summer dresses, layer stockings and thermals underneath and finish the look with sleek knee-high leather boots.