Amelia Yeomans
When it comes to hot weather, the best summer dresses will keep you cool and comfortable, without compromising on style. The most fashion-forward way to beat the heat, from high street to designer, there is a phenomenal array of options available, so we've asked the woman&home team to share their favourites.
A key part of a summer capsule wardrobe, when you're looking for what to wear in the heat, a summer dress is an obvious choice. A one and done look, you won't have to spend too much time styling your outfit, and with the right breezy shape and lightweight, breathable fabric, you'll look and feel great.
"Design has moved to a greater focus on timeless, forever pieces," observes personal stylist Keren Beaumont. "People are shopping smarter and investing, rather than buying into trends." While many of the best summer dresses on the market tap into the spring/summer fashion trends of 2025, timeless designs can be reworked year after year with new accessories, and many summer dresses can even be layered for cooler months for extra longevity.
The best summer dresses for the impending heatwave including styles worn on repeat by the woman&home team
Summer dresses - Our top picks
Opt for floaty, loose dresses that won’t cling or rub - even amid humidity and heatwaves. If you're worried about thigh rub when wearing dresses, check out our guide to the best anti-chafing shorts, for an easy and comfortable solution.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen will help keep you cool, as they are what we call 'breathable', but they can need additional ironing to keep them crease-free. While silk is also a breathable fabric, it stains easily, particular with water and sweat marks, making it less ideal for rising temperatures.
For minimal upkeep, look for dresses that are natural fibres blended with a dash of polyester or nylon. If you're nervous about sweat patches, choose summer dresses that feature a busy, vibrant pattern as they’re more forgiving than pale pastels, grey, or bright block colour.
A striped shirt dress is a great option for summer outfits for work. Delivering a tailored look with a breezy silhouette, this design almost has a pinstripe aesthetic that's perfect for the city. The neutral colourway of this design ensures it will pair well with almost any colour of shoe or blazer to complete your look. For a defined waist, add a belt, but for a more casual feel wear along for an even more breathable finish.
With a Breton style top and an A-line skirt, this timeless GAP design is one of the best summer dresses to invest in. Wearable for smart and casual moments, the A-line shape is flattering too. Wear in the summer as is, before adding a layer for autumn weather. Try a leather biker jacket for a tougher look, or a cosy cable knit cardigan for extra warmth.
Beauty writer, Naomi Jamieson, has mixed feelings when it comes to summer dresses: "The fit is very flattering, with the ribbed, vest-like top cinching you in and offsetting the more flowy, a-line style skirt. The simple design makes this dress so easy to just throw on (it's the perfect one-and-done piece), and I also love the rounded scoop neckline, as this again makes the dress feel more casual to me. The muted colour is easy to style."
Short summer dresses
Warm weather often has us reaching for a shorter dress. Before you panic, that doesn't necessarily mean mini, but it does cover everything from thigh-grazing to just below the knee, i.e. pre-midi length.
There are many different shapes and guises when it comes to short dresses, and it's all about working out which silhouette fits and flatters your shape. When it comes to footwear, you can go for leg-lengthening heels, or keep it casual with flat sandals or the best white trainers for a more sporty feel.
With a 60s aesthetic, this boucle-style dress is a great AM to PM find. For the summer team with heeled sandals in a neutral hue, and for winter, add a cardigan, opaque tights and knee-high boots.
Wondering how to do boho style? Monsoon has a long heritage for floaty, bohemian dresses that are ideal for the summer months. This airy silhouette will certainly keep you cool. A great dress for holidays too.
In a linen blend, this breathable short dress is a great casual piece with flat sandals. Pack in your suitcase and slip on over your swimsuit around the swimming pool.
Summer Midi dresses
Nearly all of us have at least one midi in our wardrobe (some of us, ahem, have slightly more) because this all-year silhouette is just so easy to style. When it comes to summer midi dresses, opt for lighter fabrics, brighter colours and bolder prints to boost your summer outfit ideas. Of course, midi dresses come in a multitude of cuts, but for the most timeless and flattering iterations, a fit and flare rarely fails. Accentuating and creating nipped-in waists, skimming midriffs and grazing hips and thighs, this shape can do it all.
One of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy, when it comes to day-to-day outfits or occasionwear dressing, midi dresses are always top of our list for everything from the best wedding guest dresses to what to wear to the races.
Loved by woman&home fashion e-com editor, Caroline Parr, "I bought the racerback version of this dress last summer, and it has to be one of the comfiest items I own. The crochet stitch detailing reminded me of Toteme's high-end designs, and it even has pockets. It's super flattering and perfect for hot days, but I layer it with a cardigan when the weather is chilly.
One of our favourite British clothing brands, Me+Em's latest collection is packed with bright colours and classic cuts. This sport midi dress features a drawstring waist to help you nip in your waist, a collared top for a polished, bust-flattering finish and an A-line skirt that will have a cooling effect. Smart enough for the office, add heels and you have a comfortable and chic look to wear to Wimbledon too.
With a shirred bust and thick straps, this relaxed stripe midi dress is a summer winner. For cooler moments, add a denim jacket to lean into the casual look of the dress, and team with a pair of on-trend jelly shoes or fisherman sandals.
Summer Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are ideal for warm weather, offering great sun coverage and a comfortable fit. While, like every other dress, maxis come in a host of different fabrications, easy jersey designs are ideal for what to wear on a plane, while cotton makes summer day dressing a breeze. For eveningwear looks, try chiffon, tulle and silk iterations to make an impact.
Some of the chicest dresses for big busts are maxi length A-line designs, thanks to their proportion-balancing power. If you're on the petite end of the spectrum and are worried about a maxi dress swamping you, opt for a style with a split hem, team with wedges, or shorten the length to skim your ankle to add the illusion of extra height.
I couldn't put the best summer dresses together without including at least one leopard print piece and this maxi dress silhouette with dropped waist takes jersey dresses up a notch. The sleeveless cut will keep you cool, while the jersey ensures comfort and movement.
woman&home e-com editor, Heidi Scrimgeour is on her second iteration of this maxi dress: "I bought a previous season's version of this dress on impulse after meeting someone at a work event who looked fabulous in it and embodied the kind of style I aspire to. I was not disappointed. It's expensive, easily the most expensive dress I've bought, but I feel like a million bucks in it."
If you need a summer dress that can do it all, this printed maxi dress will see you through summer occasions, but for smart casual moments too. An easy, breezy dress this powerful pink hue is sure to brighten your day.
Linen dresses
Linen dresses are a summer staple thanks to their breathability. The natural fabric helps to pass air to your skin, keeping you cool all season long. While 100% linen styles will likely crease heavily, which can make them a little annoying for long-term wear, blended styles, where the linen fibres are mixed with manmade fibres, will often retain a good level of breathability, but crease less.
Linen dresses are ideal for holiday outfit ideas or summer outfits for work, as they have a certain level of polish to them, that keeps them smart, whilst you feel cool - you can't really get better than that.
The most elegant way to do linen dresses this summer, this maxi iteration is ideal for weddings, Christenings and even the races. Pair with heels for smarter moments, adding flat sandals for alfresco summer dining.
Available up to a size 26/28, this size-inclusive linen dress is great for work or play this season. The bold pink hue, and the front pockets make this a stylish and practical buy.
With an empire line shape, this figure-flattering dress cinches in at your smallest part, before fluting out over your silhouette, skimming hips, thighs and midriffs. The puff sleeve adds an extra feminine twist.
Plus-size summer dresses
When it comes to the best plus size clothing brands, the market has really increased with trend-led options in recent seasons, making buying the best dresses for fuller figures easier and more fun than ever before.
Plus size women come in all different body types and no two figures are the same, but working out your body type will help with some basic guidelines as to what silhouettes might feel most comfortable.
Most importantly, you need to feel great and comfortable as this will be reflected in how you carry yourself in the dress. Look to specialist brands, as they will understand how to cut for curves for the best fits, and don't be tempted to simply go for vastly oversized pieces as these will drown your figure, adding bulk to your frame.
Broderie Anglaise is a summer classic, but I love the bold red hue used in this design. The flattering square neckline is great for fuller busts, while the flared sleeve offers coverage that will keep you cool.
Yours Clothing has a great selection of plus size summer clothes and this bright abstract print is a great casual piece for those who love to make a splash.
From summer weddings to glam beach moments, this halterneck neck dress adds polish to all warm weather moments.
Summer shirt dresses
The best shirt dresses are a must when it comes to summer dress season. Stylish but breezy, especially in cotton and linen fabrications, they have a certain polish and tailored feel that makes them instantly smart, great if you're still heading into meetings during a heatwave. Perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe, this piece really will stand the test of time, although don't forget to iron or steam your dress to keep it looking its best.
When it comes to how to style a shirt dress, they're great for basically all occasions, as more luxe versions will work for what to wear to a wedding, with crisper designs making a strong office ensemble. Bolder prints and colours, with more laidback or oversized styles are great weekend wears too.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Boden dresses, and this printed shirt dress is one of the brand's most timeless silhouettes. An airy shape but with plenty of sun coverage, you can wear this all year long.
A classic blue and white combo, give this look a more expensive finish by swapping the self-tie fabric belt for a tan leather design.
In a stiff cotton, this could-be-designer shirt dress is a great summer buy. With a corset-style cut through the body, this dress will help to create a contoured silhouette.
Summer Wrap dresses
Universally flattering, wrap dresses are the one silhouette that truly flatters every figure. Sculpting curves and adding fullness to rectangular body shapes, the wrap dress is the fashion pack's secret weapon.
Although fabric is always important, it plays a particularly powerful role when it comes to the wrap dress. A shape that can be worn for all occasions, for a summer wrap dress that will take you from AM to PM with a switch of accessories, a slightly heavier cotton can not be beaten. While jersey styles work all year, a synthetic jersey with no cotton might feel a little warm on high-temperature days.
Available in all lengths, a wrap dress is always a good investment, just make sure to pair it with the best bra (usually a push-up or low-cut balconette) that will work with the cut-away style. If you find you're too busty, you can always wear a body or fitted camisole underneath your dress.
A wrap silhouette is always a flattering choice, and this design in particular will flatter a bustline with its gently ruffled neckline. The full skirt helps to balance out hips and thighs and create a truly cinched in look.
Paisley prints never really go out of fashion, but this bohemian-inspired look is certainly having a moment in 2025. With a plunged neckline and sleeveless cut, this dress will keep you cool and stylish.
A sweet and simple wrap dress for everyday wear, add a white cardigan for cooler evenings, or a white blazer for a little more polish.
T-shirt dresses
Ah, the T-shirt dress - one of life's underappreciated fashion hacks. A one-and-done outfit that's comfortable, casual, and breathable, we think that the T-shirt dress is long overdue a moment in the spotlight. And if there's ever been a time to bring it back into the mainstream, it's the summer. As casual or as dressy, and as fitted or relaxed as you want it to be, the humble T-shirt dress is the style staple we all need.
When it comes to fabrication, the T-shirt dress really covers all basis, but to make it one of the best summer dresses, a cotton iteration is obviously the top choice for breathability.
Loved by woman&home beauty editor, Fiona McKim, this is a great summer find "There is something very chic about a simple sundress - so this stretchy midi from Uniqlo had already caught my eye. Then I realised it was a dress with a built-in bra, so there’s no need to wrestle myself into my strapless bra or worry about rogue straps ruining the look. It’s genius! This has become my go-to ‘chuck it on’ summer look with my trusty Birkenstock Milanos - I’m planning to buy the red version for a summer holiday in France, too."
We already know that a t-shirt is a summer staple, but a t-shirt dress takes this classic silhouette to a whole new level. The maxi length design with side slit, shown here, gives you all the comfort of wearing an oversized t-shirt, but with a one and done outfit. A great base layer, while you can't wear it to a wedding, for smart/casual occasions, you can certainly add some elegant flats and statement jewels to make this laidback look a little more dressed-up.
In a breathable linen blend, this simple camisole dress with bold print is a brilliant summer dress buy. An airy silhouette that will keep you cool, this dress skims your shape for a figure-flattering finish. Add a blazer for a little more of a tailored feel, or lean into the relaxed look with a white cardigan. One to wear at home or on holiday, this is a timeless buy that will keep you cool in hot weather for years to come.
How we selected the best summer dresses
With literally hundreds of summer dresses on the market in different cuts, colours, prints and fabrics, it can feel overwhelming. You may want to consider your body type as apple body shapes, pear-shaped bodies and hourglass body shapes can look entirely different in the same dress.
When selecting the best summer dresses for this list, I tried to cover as many bases as possible. Most important was the fabric and the cut; I wanted at least one, if not both, to promote breathability and coolness, after all, that's exactly what I want from my summer wardrobe. I also wanted to cater for lots of different body types, with varied silhouettes, to help you find the one.
Next, I thought about occasions and having something for the everyday, the dressed-down and the dressed-up moments of the season.
I also drew on my 20+ years experience in the industry as to who makes quality clothes, how they fit and the materials they used and finally, I asked the woman&home team for their stylish recommendations of what they have been shopping this season.
How to style summer dresses, according to the experts
The best thing about summer dresses? They can be endlessly reinvented by switching up your accessories - whether that's adding a statement pair of earrings or elevating your look with one of the best designer bags.
"Almost any dress can be styled up or down for day or night. It's all in the accessories," says personal stylist Keren Beaumont. "For daytime, trainers and flat sandals with a crossbody bag and simple, understated jewellery give a relaxed look," she adds. "For evening, a dress can be transformed by adding statement earrings, and a pair of heels or smart flat pumps and a small bag carried under the shoulder (as you might carry a clutch)."
Former woman&home style editor Joely Chilcott agrees. "A few simple tweaks can help you transition from day to night effortlessly," she says. "A change of footwear is key – heels will instantly make you hold yourself differently, so the overall outfit has a more elevated feel. Glam up with some statement jewellery like oversized earrings to draw attention to your face. And a sweep of lipstick always helps!"
Accessories can also extend a dress's wearability as the seasons change. Lots of summery, floral frocks can be worn with tights, boots, a chunky knit, and one of the best winter coats once the colder weather rolls around, too.
"Don't be afraid of layering," advises Chilcott. "Summer prints can work wonders in temperamental weather if you pop a jumper on top and wear it with boots."
The best summer dresses are a companion for the rising temperatures that you can enjoy all season long. So which one's are in your basket?
