Stay Stylish This Summer with 14 Must-Wear Dress Trends
InStyle editors are always on the lookout for the latest fashion trends. We’ve scoured the runways and street style for inspiration, not to mention endlessly scrolling through TikTok. Here are a variety of summer dress styles that will be a visual treat
Some of these looks may be fresh from the catwalk, and you might find yourself spending an afternoon shopping. (Note: You’ve been warned.) Others are classics that are probably already in your wardrobe — but styled in unexpected and delightful ways.
Keep scrolling to see 14 outfits for summer that feature the best trends.
Crochet Fashion
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Knits may seem like a strange choice for summer, but they are actually one of the hottest trends. Gen Z loves all things grandma and grandpa related, so a crochet maxi will give you street style points this season.
Unexpected Denim
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In an unexpected fabric, like denim, a strapless midi-dress is a great choice. Denim is a casual fabric, but you can dress it up with statement accessories. Pearl jewelry or neon-colored shoes are two examples.
Choose clothing that is authentic, lightweight and breathable to keep cool in the summer. All of these materials are great choices, including denim, cotton linen and silk.
Embrace Hygge
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We can assure you that you will want to have a napdress on hand no matter where you go this summer. It’s comfortable and versatile. You can wear it to lounge around at home or at a midsummer party.
Head-to Toe White
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A white dress is both fashionable and functional. It will help you beat the summer heat while still looking elegant. Choose a sheer material (think: gauzy, chiffon), because the naked dress still has a strong following and is perfect for summer.
Floral Patterns
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Florals are the quintessential print for summer. They’re feminine and fresh. Wearing a floral midi dress gives you a look that is equally suitable for the office and brunch.
While most midi-length dresses hit below the knee, or at mid-calf for those with shorter legs, a shorter dress (e.g. At the knee or just below is more flattering.
’90s “It Girl”
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A slip dress is essential for fashion minimalists. Choose a bright color to modernize the ’90s garment and celebrate summer fun. Finish off your summer dress with a knitted layered to add contrast texture.
Make it Metallic
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Hello, earthings. Summer is known for its bright, bold colors like neons. It’s the season of metallics (literally). This is a throwback to summer blockbusters like 1996’s Independence Day or 1997’s Men in Black.
Flirty Frock
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If all else fails, your classic cotton dress is the best option. Cotton is breathable and perfect for summer’s dog days. But when you combine it with a trendy bow, it puts the fun in functional. What’s the best part? The best part?
Sporty Spice
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Athleisure as you have never seen it. Re-invent your sporty separates with a mesh dress, and add some strappy shoes (optional but highly recommended).
Retro ’60s-Inspired
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A colorful, fun shift dress will make you feel whimsical on days like these. This psychedelic pattern will take you back to the 1960s, and it reads: “Good vibes only.”
Business Class 2.0
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Do you agree that pants are overrated? Repurpose your oversized shirts as dresses for summer. You can use any color, but this chartreuse-green dress looks like something out of a dopamine dressing manual.
Add some Preparation to Your Step
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A striped cotton dress with shades of blue, white and grey is perfect for the summer. Wearing an oversized button down will keep you cool and comfortable in the air-conditioned spaces and on hot sidewalks.
Layer with Linen
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A linen dress is essential for your summer wardrobe, regardless of the silhouette. Leave some buttons unfastened if you’re going for a longer hem like a maxidress. This will give it a breezy, easy look. Add a linen jacket to finish your linen on linen look.
Instead of assuming that linen will not wrinkle, we suggest embracing the softly rumpled appearance. Try a long, full skirt with a natural undone look if you are prone to wrinkles.
Fringetastic
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Why not bring the festival season to yourself if you can’t get to Coachella? You can achieve this look by wearing a summer dress that has fringe. We’re deeming it the city-slicker-on-holiday look.
