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29 cute floral dresses to shop now for summer
From tea dresses to kaftans and date-night minis ✨
Floral dresses are a perennial favourite, and it's easy to see why - we're convinced there is truly a floral dress for everyone out there. There's something to be said, too, for the all-in-one ease of a dress - they just make getting ready a breeze, which is always appreciated. Whether you're after a cute floral mini to wear on a first date, a floaty kaftan to bring on holiday, or a chic maxi dress to wear to a wedding, we've rounded up the best of the best for every date in your diary.
What are the best floral dresses for weddings?
If you're headed to watch a couple say "I do," consider first the dress code, setting, and time of day of the wedding. If it's a small, casual, daytime affair, a short or midi floral dress and flats are appropriate (save any micro-mini hemlines for a night out, though). If it's black tie, more formal, or taking place in the evening, consider a longer, dramatic shape by The Vampire's Wife, Cecilie Bahnsen, Sister Jane, Molly Goddard, Needle & Thread, or Paper London. Look for bold shoulders, statement ruffles, cutouts, or glitzy details, and go all out with special accessories and platform heels. If it's an afternoon garden or beach wedding, check out smart-casual midi dresses from LoveShack Fancy, Rixo, Sleeper, or Ghost, to wear with flat sandals. (Sinking into the sand or grass is always a bummer - opt for smart comfort over a spiky high heel.)
What should I wear with a floral dress?
The pure genius of the floral dress is this: they can be styled "up" or "down" depending how dressy or casual you'd like to be. High street dresses from Mango, New Look, River Island, and Hollister look cute with casual things like stompy boots, trainers, faded sweatshirts, and bomber jackets. But those same dresses can pull a fast switcheroo with a shoe change - suddenly, knee-high boots or platforms give the look a whole new feel. Add spangly earrings, a beaded bag, and statement coat to really dress things up.
What brands make floral dresses with sleeves?
This is the UK, after all, meaning summertime isn't always blazing hot sun - and long sleeved dresses stay in our rotation even into the summer months. If you're looking for added warmth, or you just prefer a little extra arm coverage, check out our picks from Ganni, Bernadette, River Island, ASOS, Simply Be, and Michael Kors.
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LoveShackFancy Rena floral cotton minidress: Floral dresses
For the frilliest, daintiest, prettiest floral dresses, our first stop is always LoveShackFancy. The luxe label is famous for its fantasy frocks, a.k.a., ideal for special summer events. Browse their selection of *perfect* mini, midi, and maxi dresses at MyTheresa. (Dress pictured, sizes XS to L.)
The Vampire's Wife The Villanelle floral-print cotton midi dress: Floral dresses
Psst: Kate Middleton is a big fan of this label's fitted silhouettes - remember the pink gown she wore in Belize? And if this dress looks familiar, it's because Jodie Comer's character Villanelle wore this *exact* frock in season three of Killing Eve. Talk about style cred...
& Other Stories Cutout Back Strappy Midi Dress: Floral dresses
You've got to see the back of this dress - it's a gorgeous take on the cutout dress trend. The faded hibiscus print is ultra-chic, and the midi silhouette will skim off your curves in all the right ways. EU sizes 32 to 44.
Ganni Ruched Mesh Midi Dress: Floral dresses
Every summer, Ganni releases *that* dress that all the cool girls snap up, hence catapulting it into wardrobe icon status overnight. This cute ruched mesh dress looks great on any shape or size, and we predict it's gonna sell out fast. Sizes 6 to 26, available in two patterns.
New Look Yellow Floral Shirred Frill Square Neck Mini Dress: Floral dresses
You can't beat this sunny New Look dress for the price. (Seriously - under thirty quid? Sign us up.) The square neck, swingy skirt, and balloon sleeves all make for v romantic details. Perfect for date night or a picnic in the park with your platform sandals.
Frankie's Bikinis, £190 Isabel Satin Floral Dress: Floral dresses
Our all-time favourite bikini brand, Frankie's Bikinis, *also* does cool beach clothes. We love this retro-feel maxi slip, but they've got an amazing selection of other floral dresses as well. Sizes XS to XL.
Forever New Curve tie bust split midi tea dress in ivory floral: Floral dresses
Puff sleeve, midi length, and comfy fit? Yes, please. Forever New's pastel floral midi is the perfect throw on and go dress for warm weather. Just add sunnies. Sizes 18 to 26.
M&S Collection Satin Floral Round Neck Midaxi Tea Dress: Floral dresses
M&S is one of our top go-tos for pretty floral tea dresses, like this prim pink one. This would dress up nicely for a wedding or baby shower, or pair well with white trainers for the office. Sizes 6-16.
BERNADETTE Matthieu floral-print taffeta maxi dress: Floral dresses
If you're after a splurge-worthy special occasion dress, Bernadette's maxi dress is as chic as they come. The loose 70s-inspired fit is ultra flattering on any body shape, and this would pair well with flat sandals or heels. FR sizes 34 to 42.
& Other Stories, £85 Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress: Floral dresses
If you like your dresses prim and pretty, & Other Stories has you covered this summer. This ruffled wrap dress will take you from the pub to the park and on to a birthday party with ease. Just add wedge sandals. EU Sizes 32 to 44.
Simply Be Black Floral Simply Beautiful Square Neck Tiered Midi Dress: Floral dresses
If you love to wear black all year round, but still want to feel summery, Simply Be's midi is made for you. How nice would this look with platforms or smart leather lace-up sandals? Sizes 10 to 32.
RIXO Lolita floral-print cotton mini dress: Floral dresses
For fashion editor-approved floral dresses, look no further than British cult brand Rixo. They have the market cornered on cool prints, flattering cuts, and unique pattern clashes. This lime mini dress is what party dress dreams are made of - especially with those accessories. Sizes 6 to 20.
Collusion COLLUSION Plus daisy print ruched long sleeve mesh dress in multi: Floral dresses
Want to get in on the mesh party dress trend? Collusion's cheery floral mini has smiley faces on it, so it's basically impossible to be in a bad mood while wearing it. This dress is dance-floor-ready in sizes 16-28.
Kitri Harlow Dress: Floral dresses
Kitri never misses - and this chic mini dress is no exception. Perfect for a summer party, or perhaps special dinner plans. (Psst - looking for something to wear with? Check out our edit of affordable designer bags under £300.) Sizes 10 to 16.
Mango's easy green floral midi will be *so* comfy to wear with sandals. Just add a denim jacket and a personalised necklace. Sizes 6 to 12.
Ghost Zara Ghost Dress: Floral dresses
When we think of the perfect floral dress, we think of Ghost. This flowing smock style looks ultra-comfy, and the square neck gives it a fashion-forward detail. PS, buying it in black ensures it will give you excellent cost-per-wear, as you can easily style it for any weather all year round. Sizes XS to XL.
River Island Pink floral midi shirt dress: Floral dresses
River Island smashed it out of the park with this one - we wouldn't guess that this shimmery, ruffled midi is less than £100 from the high street. Snap this one up to be the best-dressed guest at the wedding. Sizes 6 to 18.
Sleeper, approx £245 Atlanta Linen Dress in Roses: Floral dresses
It wouldn't be a floral dress roundup without including Sleeper's iconic Atlanta dress. These uber-flattering, romantic dresses remain top sellers every summer, and it's easy to see why. They're slightly on the pricier side, but that's because they're sustainably and ethically hand-crafted in the capital of Ukraine, where the brand has also played a part in the ongoing war relief efforts. Sizes XS to XL.
REFORMATION Cammi floral crepe mini dress: Floral dresses
Got Bridgerton fever? Bring regency style into 2022 with Reformation's perfect printed mini dress, ideal for all your special occasions this summer. Sizes 6 to 14.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
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