Credit: Shade Owomoyela, Stylist's Junior Commercial Writer
Fashion
These are team Stylist’s favourite summer dresses on the high street
By Lucy Reber
10 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
5 min read
As soon as the sun comes out we’re making a beeline for one wardrobe staple: a great summer dress. Our team has taken to the high street to find the best styles for you – think easy, breezy and a joy to wear.
There is nothing so liberating as a great dress. In the summer months it’s the perfect chuck-on-and-go solution, the ultimate one-step outfit. Finding a truly versatile style is a joy – I have a cotton, mixed-media, trapeze style I bought from Cos last year that works for anything. Day in the city? Just add flat leather sandals and a tote. When it rains? Throw over a trench and add trainers. Heading into autumn? Reach for some 70s-style long boots.
As ever, the spring/summer 2024 catwalks were awash with dramatic styles designed to inspire. The hyper-feminine aesthetic we’ve seen emerge the past few seasons was still very much in evidence. Bold red, paillette midis at 16 Arlington, crystal-embellished, mini shift dresses for Gucci and multi-ruffled sheer-tulle creations by Molly Goddard… there was a dress for every taste, even if leaning toward the avant garde.
While the catwalk was full of inspiration, the high street has answered the question of what we want to wear day to day. We can now find shirred midis and elegant linen styles, and mini shift dresses that can take us from city to destination wedding in style.
Frankly, the problem is now the overwhelming volume of choice on the high street: how to explore so many great pieces? Our team have you covered. They’ve ventured to their favourite stores to hand-pick some gems, so you don’t have to. Take a look at the Stylist team edit, available online now.
Holly Bullock, features writer
Whenever I’m staring at my wardrobe and don’t know what to wear (this is about 90% of office days), I put on a black dress.
I have a few long-sleeved ones that I lean on during winter, but was in need of a summery alternative (I’m a big believer in black being an all-year-round colour). So when I saw this sleeveless midi from Cos I knew I had to try it on.
The lightweight fabric is smart but not too warm and the midi length is perfect for pairing with chunky sandals or ballet flats with fun socks: I’m sold.
Miranda Larbi, Strong Women editor
This & Other Stories dress is exactly what I’m looking for ahead of a summer packed with weddings. It’s cute, fun and super comfortable – there’s plenty of room for dancing and staying cool in the Sicilian heat, but it’s also low-key smart.
I’d probably wear it with Birkenstocks most of the time, but you could give it an instant upgrade with a chic pair of kitten heels. It’s the kind of thing you’d wear again and again.
Kitty McGee, executive fashion director
I love this sleeveless, asymmetric midi dress from Jigsaw as a high-summer, occasion-wear option.
The colour is a super saturated orange-red which feels joyful and makes a statement. But the simple silhouette of the dress is understated, so could be dressed up with a minimal-heeled sandal, or down with flat leather pumps or even chunky leather sandals and a trench.
Shade Owomoyela, junior commercial writer
With festival season upon us, I’ll be leaning into the trusty dress and knee-high boots combo over and over again.
This strapless number from Free People is a welcome alternative to the classic festival mini dress. Its floaty silhouette and cotton fabric makes dancing a breeze, and paired with your favourite boots, oversized sunnies and a statement bumbag, it’s going to be your best friend in the fields this summer!
Amy Beecham, senior writer
If you’re looking for the centrepiece to your ultimate holiday evening outfit, this is it.
From the sea-blue colour to the silky material, everything about this dress screams summertime. Just add a metallic clutch, strappy heeled sandal and cocktail by the pool.
Lucy Reber, fashion director
I’ve been looking for the perfect white summer dress and I think this is it. I love the bodice style with full swishy skirt.
The stretchy smocked back and adjustable straps make it super comfy and can be fitted perfectly to you.
I’ll be wearing mine with chunky, flat leather sandals and gold jewellery – ideal for a summer in the city.
Shahed Ezaydi, writer
I adore this dress, as I find it a little tricky to find summery lightweight dresses that aren’t too revealing for someone who likes to dress modestly.
This piece is fun, and also lightweight so I don’t get too hot or sweaty in the city over summer.
Susanne Norris, deputy digital editor
As a rule of thumb, I tend to stay away from florals in summer. And, while I’ll opt for brights from time to time, I tend to keep my colour palette pretty neutral, too.
I absolutely adore this satin slip dress from Oliver Bonas – the length is perfect for swishing around, the gold colour is just gorgeous and I can pair it with anything from ballet flats to sandals.
Bonus: it doesn’t have a cowl neckline (so many slip dresses fall into this trap) meaning it looks elegant while feeling supportive.
Shop gold metallic shimmer midi slip dress at Oliver Bonas, £80
Lauren Geall, Strong Women senior writer
The floral pattern on this dress is lovely and summery, and the slit on the side makes it feel a little more dressy.
I’d pair it with a nice pair of sandals or trainers for the day time, and a pair of chunky white heels if I wanted to dress it up at night.
Annie Simpson, email content editor
Although I’m usually more of a monochrome lover when it comes to my wardrobe, I was immediately drawn to the bright orange hue of this dress.
The T-shirt shape makes it so easy to throw on, with the thick, textured material adding a little more interest – it could easily be dressed up or down for multiple occasions, be it for the office or holiday wear.
Plus, it has pockets!
Flora Devenport, campaign producer
When the sun’s beating down, effortless off-the-shoulder numbers come out.
This dress transported me to al-fresco evenings after a long day on the beach, as the textured mid-length style makes it an elegant cover-up!
Slip on some flats for a seamless bikini-to-evening summer look.
Images: Courtesy of the team
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