Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
11 drop-waist dresses for simple summer styling, whatever the occasion
By Lauren Cunningham &Soraya Gaied Chortane
6 days ago
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3 min read
Elongating, easy to wear and versatile, we’ve curated the best high street styles to take you from office days to al fresco evenings in style.
Avid Stylist readers will know how much we love a dress, and we’re often among the first to spy a new style. This summer, it’s all about the dropped waist, elongating the body to create extra shape and structure for an incredibly simple yet chic look with barely any effort. And it appears almost everyone is a fan, so much so that some of our favourite styles have already sold out.
The good news is that there are plenty of other options, so long as you know where to find them. We’ve hunted up and down the high street to find a selection that will solve almost every spring/summer dressing conundrum: weddings, barbecues and even days in the office. You just have to style them with the right accessories to create looks for a whole host of occasions.
While some dresses are more formal in fit – Abercrombie’s polka dot pick or the strawberry-printed Reformation number, for example – and will pair perfectly with strappy sandals or heels, others excel for more laidback looks. Team a pair of trainers with the M&S T-shirt-style dress and you’ll have a fashionable yet incredibly functional outfit in no time that’s perfect for this in-between summer weather.
Keep scrolling to see these options and many more.
Reformation Balia linen dress
Reformation is home to plenty of pretty dresses, including this strawberry-printed option. Combining a corset-style top with a gathered skirt, it creates extra shape for added dimension with a slight drop waist, accentuating the hips.
M&S pure cotton mini drop-waist dress
Combining the dropped waist trend with the equally as stylish bubble-hemline, this M&S option is perfect for those looking to really lean into the exaggerated silhouette look.
Nobody's Child cream one-shoulder drop-waist Trent midi dress
Simply pair this cream one-shoulder dress with heels, pumps or sandals and you’ll be good to go within minutes.
Shop Nobody’s Child cream one shoulder drop waist trent midi dress, £110
H&M smocked jersey dress
With a sweet ditsy print, this H&M dress is perfect for those looking to add some print to their summer wardrobes. We’re marking it as a great go-to for hot holidays and park picnics (if the weather ever warms up).
Mango A-line dress
T-shirt dresses are often simple in shape yet boast plenty of styling possibilities and this Mango drop-waist option is sure to do just that. While the gathered skirt adds extra interest, the pared-back top half will work as a blank canvas for all kinds of accessories – chunky jewellery, neck scarves and gold necklaces included.
Aligne Santino organic cotton maxi dress
Truly leaning into the dropped look, this Aligne option has a gathered skirt that starts just on the hip and has sweet buttons stitched to the front.
Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle drop-waist maxi dress
Polka dot prints are incredibly eye-catching and add a fun, summertime style to any look. This strapless frock is the perfect example, pairing perfectly with pumps, heels or sandals for summer weddings, barbecues and any other semi-fancy soirées.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle drop-waist maxi dress, £125
Free People Hutch The Ridge dress
Puffball skirts are having a real moment, brought back from the 80s thanks to Miu Miu and Celine. Pulling on this voluminous trend and combining it with a laid-back vest top will make a statement.
Asos Design slash-neck button-down dropped-waist mini dress in blue painted print
Button-down outfits are one of this summer’s standout trends, so this drop waist number is certainly chic. Plus, it’s made from soft cotton, making comfort a key consideration.
Shop Asos Design slash neck button down dropped waist mini dress in blue painted print, £28
Anthropologie strapless drop-waist midi dress
For a boho-inspired look, wear this gorgeous strapless khaki dress with lots of layered cord necklaces, a basket bag and a wide-brimmed straw hat.
Shop Anthropologie By Anthropologie strapless drop-waist midi dress, £220
Toast candystripe pleated cotton dress
This candystripe dress is sure to become your go-to for many occasions, whether it’s for summer weddings, drinks with friends or even the office.
Images: courtesy of brands
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