10 chic midi dresses to bookmark (and buy) for summer 2021

Midi dress street style

Credit: Getty

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10 chic midi dresses to bookmark (and buy) for summer 2021

By Stylist Fashion Team

4 years ago

Summer is here! So get ahead with our edit of the best midi dresses to shop right now.

Ah, British summertime. A few blissful weeks of the year where, after spending what feels like eleven months in hibernation, we shed our winter layers and savour the feel of the sun on our skin. This is the time when all the milkmaid dresses, summer shorts, beaded jewellery and silky skirts we’ve been collecting finally have their moment of glory.

Given the fleeting nature of said summertime, however, it’s never too early to start planning your warm weather outfits. And there’s one wardrobe staple that trumps them all: the midi dress. 

Simple, airy and stylish, the midi dress is the ideal throw-on-and-go piece. Needless to say, it’s pretty much the perfect summer offering as lockdown restrictions ease, as we fancy a change of scenery from our weekday loungewear but aren’t in the mood to put together a complicated (or restrictive) outfit. 

The real beauty of midi dresses, however, lies in their staying power. Sure, you may be looking to bookmark a few chic pieces for your IRL catch-ups , but the humble midi will serve you well in seasons beyond, too. And with a new crop of spring/summer 2021 silhouettes now hitting the ‘new in’ sections online, there’s a style to suit everyone. 

From subtle polka dot prints and retro florals, to colour-block beauties that will spark joy in your wardrobe whatever the weather, these midi dresses go above and beyond to earn their hero status.


Emily & Fin Bree Summer Rainbow Stripe Dress

Emily & Fin midi dress

Reminiscent of classic British seaside holidays, the Bree rainbow-striped dress will give you beach hut vibes in the best possible way. Plus, the gathered skirt, seersucker fabric and patch pockets bring to mind every 50s-inspired, last-scene-of-Grease dream we’ve ever had. 

Shop Bree rainbow stripe midi dress with pockets from Emily & Fin at The Drop by Stylist, £80.10

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& Other Stories dress

& Other Stories printed puff-sleeve midi dress

This floaty puff-sleeved dress will keep you cool when temperatures start to climb, plus it’s chic enough for evening events, too. 

Shop & Other Stories puff-sleeve midi dress, £95

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Nanushka Soffio wrap dress

Nanushka Soffio wrap dress

This tangerine orange style from Nanushka will most definitely give you the feel-good factor. Wear with strappy sandals and a flash of red lipstick for a colour clash that works. 

Shop Nanushka Soffio wrap dress at Harrods, £445

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H&M dress

H&M midi dress

Fashion’s love for the 90s aesthetic shows no signs of dimming, and this neon pink throw-on dress will look so good with chunky trainers and a backpack. 

Shop H&M midi dress, £24.99

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Topshop tiered poplin midi smock dress

Topshop tiered poplin midi smock dress

There’s no denying the power of colour to make you feel happier. If you’re dressing to boost your mood, then look no further than this orange cotton poplin midi dress in a punchy orange shade.

Shop Topshop tiered poplin midi smock dress at Asos, £49.99

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Rixo Sandrine midi dress

Rixo Sandrine midi dress

Rixo has the power to create countless ‘wow’ dresses.  Add layers of gold jewellery and style with everything from white boots and trainers to strappy heeled sandals for future plans. 

Shop Rixo Sandrine midi dress, £235

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Whistles dress

Whistles midi dress

Lime green dresses are key for spring/summer 2021 and this one is a beauty. The lace detail, front splits and square neckline makes it the ideal plus one to upcoming events. 

Shop Noelle dress at Whistles, £179

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French Connection dress

French Connection midi dress

This style is a great round-the-clock style to add to your collection. Team with black sandals, an oversized blazer and you’ve got a look fit for the office (once offices are open again, of course). 

Shop Tommy dress at French Connection, £60

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Bimba Y Lola dress

Bimba Y Lola dress

The ultimate throw-it-on-and-feel-great dress, this will go with everything from your summer Supergas to cool mules. You can never fail with a gingham dress for spring. 

Shop red gingham dress at Bimba Y Lola, £175

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Ganni printed cotton poplin dress

Ganni printed cotton poplin dress

How perfect is this pink dress? The flattering ditsy print and puff sleeves with ruched detail makes it look way more expensive than the price tag. 

Shop Ganni printed cotton poplin dress at Coggles, £108

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Main image: Getty. 

All other images courtesy of brands 

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