It goes without saying, dresses are a summer essential. From the beginning of June until the end of August, we ditch our jeans in favour of a rotation of summer dresses, adopting an unofficial seasonal uniform that prioritises easy, breezy, one-and-done dressing.
This summer, it feels like there are more summer dress designs to choose from than ever before. While silhouettes and lengths, colourways, patterns, and fabrications all differ, they all share one common detail – they're effortlessly versatile. Pair it with flip-flops and a headscarf for laidback summer style, or dress it up with statement earrings and kitten heels. This season's summer dresses really can do it all.
But which summer dress style is right for you? Not that you need only pick one. In fact, you can't go wrong with any of the below summer dress trends.
Drop-waist dress
Admittedly a controversial silhouette – but unnecessarily so, trust us – drop-waist dresses are easily the standout style of the season, as confirmed by the Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior spring/summer 2026 runways. The key to making the look work for you is to find the most flattering point below your natural waist for the dropped waistline to hit. It could be at the hip or lower down at the mid-thigh, the exact point varies from dress to dress.
M&S Jersey Ribbed Midi Drop Waist Dress
Bandana scarf dress
Maximalist patterns are trending in a big way this season (sorry, minimalists) with Pucci-esque psychedelic designs and paisley prints all decorating summer garments. Our favourite way to get in on the look is with a bandana scarf dress that effortlessly ticks off two trends in one, via its printed design and also its silhouette and detailing that resembles a re-fashioned square scarf.
Next Blue/Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Bandeau Scarf Detail Midi Dress
Linen shift dress
Name a dress more synonymous with summer than a linen shift dress. Naturally, it's no surprise they're literally everywhere right now. From the chicest of fashion It girls – see Poppy Delevingne in a brown linen cut-out mini shift dress while in Cannes earlier this summer – to just about every high street store going.
White dress
Despite spring's vibrant colour trends – cobalt blue, lemon yellow, chilli red – this summer it's all about the white dress. Seen across the SS26 collections at the likes of Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, Isabel Marant and more, styles varied from classic broderie anglaise designs to lace-trimmed ruffled tiers along with crisp cotton poplin numbers. Consider this the seasonal update to your go-to LBD.
Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Cap Sleeve Dipped Waist Midi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Cap Sleeve Dipped Waist Midi Dress
Striped dress
Polka dots might have dominated the beginning of 2026, but the trendiest summer dresses are those adorned with stripes running in every direction. Follow Loewe's lead with the fashion house's SS26 collection showcasing a range of holiday-ready striped styles.
Reiss Esme Stripe-Print Sleeveless Mini Dress
Apron dress
Miu Miu's SS26 show centred around the apron, with practical workwear designs, frilled floral pinnys and even a bejewelled bib or two all showcased on the runway. Sure, it might have sparked a lot of thoughts from the internet, but celebrities including Alexa Chung, Emma Corrin, Paloma Elsesser, and Chloe Sevigny have all gotten behind Miuccia Prada's trend, with the high street naturally following suit with its own take on the look.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
