The best summer dresses for every occasion

We've found some stylish and flattering summer dresses for you to wear from dawn until dusk.

best summer dresses for every occasion

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Summer is on the horizon, and we're well and truly ready to wear our best summer dresses in the sun! After dreary spells of wind and rain, we're looking forward to relaxing in the garden, taking trips to the seaside (with ice cream in hand, of course), and having delicious barbecues with friends and family. Finding the perfect dress for mature women which is cool and comfy can be a challenge. But fear not, we have you covered. We have scoured the internet for this season's must-have summer dresses.

Under the beaming summer sun, you'll need the perfect flattering dress to help you radiate confidence and stay as cool and comfortable as possible. So, whether you are in need of a special occasion dress for going to a wedding, a garden party or a gateway abroad - we have the perfect one for you.

Best summer dresses at a glance:

Overall best summer dress: V-Neck Frill Detail Midi Waisted Dress - View offer on Marks & Spencer
• Best summer dress for holidays abroad: Nobody's Child Lupin Smock Mini Dress - View offer on JD Williams
Best bargain summer dress: Retro Floral Print Button Through Puff Sleeve Tea Dress - View offer on simply be
Best summer dress for petite women: Petite Tropical Printed Beach Maxi Dress - View offer on Karen Millen

The top priorities for the best summer dresses are to be stylish and functional, and fortunately, that's a trend most brands are hopping on board with this year. There are plenty of dresses with flattering relaxed, comfortable fits - think floaty sleeves and hemlines - that are easy to throw on. After a couple of years spent in comfy loungewear, you can forgive us for not wanting to go back to more restrictive clothing.

The best summer dresses

Overall best summer dress

Description

When it comes to summer dresses we are obsessed with this elegant midi-waisted dress. With a flattering v-neck and stunning short puffed sleeves, it reminds us of a Spanish dress. We love the bright blue which will pop under the summer sun. This dress is great for most figures as it has an elasticated waist and tiered skirt that creates a gorgeous silhouette. Our favourite feature is the tie at the back of the dress.

Our review: "When I wore this dress, I did not stop getting compliments on both, the colour and the cuts. I felt confident when wearing it. The dress is long, which makes it perfect for wearing somewhere like a barbecue, where you may end up sitting in low chairs or running around with children.

"This dress is really soft and has all the appeal of silk with none of the stress. After I washed it, I hung it out to dry and it was relatively crease-free. I used a low-temperature iron on it and it looked perfect. I would highly recommend it. "

Pros

  • Size inclusive
  • Great colour
  • Washes well

Cons

  • Not suitable for tumble drying

We're huge fans of dresses from Marks & Spencer here at Yours, so that's why we've got a whole article dedicated to our favourite M&S dresses for you to shop our top picks.

Best summer dress for holidays abroad

Nobody's Child Lupin Smock Mini DressJD Williams

Description

If you have a trip abroad planned we cannot get over this vibrant stunning smock mini dress by JD Williams. This stunning dress has been crafted from airy organic cotton which is our favourite fabric for wearing on holiday. Our favourite feature of this dress is that it can be worn either way - meaning you can create two different looks with just one dress. Which is fantastic if you are travelling light.

Our review: " I love vibrant colours. Especially in summer. I think it always puts me in a fantastic mood. So, when I saw this dress it really spoke to my personal style. I received so many compliments throughout the day when I was wearing it. This is the perfect dress for wearing next to the pool or at the beach. I love the quality of this dress. The organic cotton fabric is really cooling but feels fantastic on your skin."

Pros

  • 100 per cent organic cotton
  • 30 degree machine washable
  • Vibrant colour

Cons

  • Sizing is slim, so size up for a better fit

Best bargain summer dress

Retro Floral Print Button Through Puff Sleeve Tea Midi DressSimplybe

Description

Designed in this super cute retro print, this tea-style midi dress gives effortless summer style. Featuring puff sleeves and a flattering V neckline, you can easily dress it up or down for any occasion.

Customer review: "Poppies ! I am a sucker for a poppy dress. This material is lovely and floaty but it does make me hot, so I will wear this on a cooler summer’s evening or day. Nice length on me, I’m 5”3 and it’s not to long that I look like an old lady. "

Pros

  • Lovely pattern
  • Flattering V neckline
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Most customers found it was a generous fit

Best summer dress for petite women:

Petite Tropical Printed Halter Woven Beach Maxi DressKaren Millen

Description

Finding the perfect summer dress when you are petite can be difficult. Halter necklines are great for showcasing shoulders and drawing the eye upward, this is a great way to add the illusion of length. We love this halter-neck dress. the tropical print is perfect for summer evening meals. This lightweight fabric is both flattering and fluid.

Pros

  • Maxi hemline
  • Lightweight material
  • Tropical print

Cons

  • Only available in sizes 4 - 16

Best everyday summer dress

Denim midi dressH&M

Description

Perfect for throwing on any day of summer. We cannot get enough of this denim midi dress. This gorgeous dress is perfect for pottering around in the garden but can also be dressed up for a summer lunch date. Did we mention it has pockets too?! Made with organic and recycled cotton, this dress will keep you nice and cool.

Customer review: "A fabulous versatile addition to my wardrobe. It's easy to switch between a casual & formal look. Good quality denim which launders easily. Very comfortable fit that is true to size. A good quality denim dress that's extremely good value!"

Pros

  • Pockets
  • Button-up closure
  • Short-sleeves 

Cons

  • Generous sizing

Best casual summer dress

Sailor DressSea Salt Cornwall

Description

This laidback summer dress is ideal for relaxed evenings and weekends in the sunshine. The relaxed fit skims the body and is made from soft and breathable organic cotton - that will keep you lovely and cool. It falls just below the knee and even comes with pockets!

Customer review: "I love this dress. The fit is perfect and the length just right as I prefer a dress to come just below the knee. It is a brilliant thickness and will be perfect through the autumn with a denim jacket. It is very comfortable and I plan to wear it for an upcoming early morning flight. Would definitely recommend."

Pros

  • 100 per cent cotton (organic)
  • Side splits
  • In-seam pockets

Cons

  • Some customers found that it was a little bit long

Best summer dress for women with short necks

Description

We love a straight neckline. It looks great on most people but really benefits women with a short neck and/or narrow shoulders. This is because it gives the look of broadness and width. It also looks great on voluptuous women as it can help to add balance.

Pros

  • Thin straps
  • Tied detail at the back

Cons

  • Hand wash only

Best summer dress for curvy women

Description

This midi-summer dress creates a flattering silhouette whilst still being comfortable. The bodice and straps are fully shirred for stretch and support around the bust and shoulders. Pair with trainers or sandals for a cool and comfortable daytime look.

Customer reviews: "So happy with this dress. Exactly as it looks in the photo. Lovely material. Perfect fit. Very flattering. Hoping for more colours."

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Tie up straps
  • Can be dressed up or down

Cons

  • Limited colour options

Best summer dress for evening meals

Description

Made of 100 per cent cotton, you know this dress will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. We are obsessed with the long puffed sleeves. This long dress is perfect for drawing the eye vertically rather than horizontally.

Pros

  • Embroidered details
  • Bow fastening on the back

Cons

  • Limited sizing

Best summer dress to wear with trainers

Description

We cannot get enough of this timeless tea-cut dress. Perfect for any occasion. We love pairing this dress with white trainers for a more casual look. This is the perfect picnic outfit.

Customer review: "Colour is a lovely powder blue & dress is very comfortable to wear.
A lot of dresses I've tried had too much material in them that swamped me this has just the right amount to make it floaty. Good price too"

Pros

  • Also available in plus size
  • True sizing fit
  • Machine Washable

Cons

  • Fabric is a little too lightweight for some customers

Best wrap summer evening dress

Joanna Hope Print Luxe Jersey Maxi DressJD WILLIAMS

Description

We cannot get enough of this animal print wrap dress. It is a show-stopping summer piece. Designed with balloon sleeves with elasticated cuffs this feminine wrap front dress looks perfect for a summer night on the town.

Customer review: "This dress is dressy, smart and a perfect fit. It really complimented my fuller figure and i got so many compliments when wearing this. It made me feel well dressed and special. "

Pros

  • Classy
  • Comfortable
  • Slimming

Cons

  • Slightly thick for daytime wearing

Best summer sun dress

Denim Frill Sleeve Sun Dress
Price: £48.75 (was £65)

www.monsoon.co.uk

Description

We'd wear denim all year round if we could, but sometimes, it's just a little too heavy for summer dressing. Luckily, our dreams have come true in this sundress from Monsoon made from breathable sustainable cotton. Perfect for brunches and barbecues, we love the ruffle detailing and knee-length that'll look lovely paired with bright white trainers.

Customer review: "Love this dress. I have a bit of an obsession with denim dresses and wanted one for the summer, this is perfect."

Pros

  • 100 per cent sustainable cotton
  • Machine washable
  • Ruffle detailing on the bodice

Cons

  • Small fit, size up.

Best oversized summer dress

Description

If you're looking for the same levels of comfort but don't want such an oversized fit, this linen-rich shift dress will help you stay easy-breezy with a regular fit that falls to the knee. Made of sustainably sourced viscose, it's an easy wardrobe staple that you can wear with sandals, heels, or trainers. Available in a cream mix (pictured), green, or royal blue.

Customer review: "Very flattering dress. Perfect length - just below knee on me (5.6ft). Would've liked pockets in the side seams but still happy with it"

Pros

  • Flattering
  • Regular, short and long options
  • Linen material

Cons

  • No pockets

Best summer dress for a garden party

Smocked Jersey Maxi DressBoden

Description

Got a garden party to attend this summer? The floaty tiered skirt of this maxi dress is the ideal outfit for going from day to night. It is a floaty maxi length with a slim fit. The dress length finishes at low calf.

Customer review: "I'm 5'1"and between a size 12-14 and the 12 petite fitted well. It fell just above my ankles so great for heels or flats. But whilst it is very feminine and pretty and I love the V front and decorative print and material it is quite see through."

Pros

  • Two fit options
  • Slim fit
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Slightly see through

Best black summer dress

AND/OR Bernie Sleeveless Jersey Dress, BlackJohn Lewis

Description

Made of 100 per cent cotton, this midi dress offers a soft and breathable fit all day long. We love the subtle way the tired fabric gathers and drapes down. Available in black and orange.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Breathable

Cons

  • No online reviews

Where to buy summer dresses online

If you haven't quite found the summer dress of your dreams, you can count on these retailers to have wonderful dresses available with more options becoming available the closer to summer we get. We can't wait!

Seasalt Cornwall: Stocks UK sizes 6-20

H&M: Stocks UK sizes 4-26

Wallis: Stocks UK sizes 8-18

SimplyBe: Stocks UK sizes 10-32

JD Williams: Stocks UK sizes 10-30

Karen Millen: Stocks UK sizes 4-26

M&S: Stocks UK sizes 8-22

Mango: Stocks UK sizes 4-26

Joules: Stocks UK sizes 6-26

John Lewis: Stocks UK sizes 4-28

Marks and Spencer: Stocks UK sizes 6-24

Boden: Stocks UK sizes 6-22

Monsoon: Stocks UK sizes 8-22

M&Co: Stocks UK sizes 6-28

Which dress is best in summer?

When choosing the the best dresses for you, remember to consider the weather. Opt for fabrics which are lightweight in summer. Linen, silk and cotton summer dresses are all great options, as it won't cause you to overheat. Pick a dress which really suits your style and highlights your best attributes. Remember, you always look best when something is comfortable and makes you feel good.

What length dress is in style now?

The style of dresses is forever changing. We love longer dresses this summer and have noticed lots of maxi dresses or below-the-knee options. This style is especially great for more mature ladies.

FAQs

How to style a summer dress:

And in terms of style? That's completely up to you! There are plenty of summer dresses that can be dressed up and down for day outings and enjoying the lighter, balmy evenings. We've found some of the best summer dresses to buy now with a range of lengths, designs, fits, and sleeve lengths to make sure you feel your absolute best.

Alternatively, why not consider renting a dress? Not only will you be able to wear a dress that you might not have been able to afford originally, but you'll be helping the planet too. Win-win!

Hannah James is a Senior Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah spends a lot of time in the kitchen and loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.

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