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Honestly, what would we do without mini dresses in summer? They are a true wardrobe staple. For heatwaves, holidays, and hot dates, we love how versatile these little babies can be. Not to mention how simply they transition from day to night and work across szns.
Women first started wearing this iconic piece during the swinging ‘60s, when fashion designer Mary Quant put mini hemlines on the map. They came back with a vengeance in the noughties, but this time around they were less A-line and more bodycon (of course, this is the era of the slinky slip dress). Fast forward to 2022 and the mini dress is more versatile than ever, you can choose between Cecilie Bahsen’s baby dolls, or Faithfull The Brand's milkmaid styles. Plus there are puffball skirts, crochet tops and balloon sleeve options too. Or if you’re feeling more risque, try a Y2K-inspired ultra-mini – take inspiration from that belted Miu Miu skirt we’ve seen all over Insta.
If you’re nervous to try this trend after years of sticking to midaxi (AKA midi and maxi) hems, remember it's all about the styling. The LBD is the most classic and great for parties, but if you need something more versatile look for a slip style that can be dressed up with heels or underpinned with a t-shirt for more coverage. During summer heatwaves, grab a floaty mini dress to keep you cool – cotton and linen are the best breezy fabrics out there.
With so many mini dresses to choose from, it can be a lil' overwhelming browsing for 'the one'. That’s why we’ve gone and done all the hard work for you and selected 23 of the best ones to shop now.
The retro orange florals, half zip and point collar on this & Other Stories mini dress are giving us all the ‘60s feels. In fact, this is a perfect example of how bodycon styles can still work in the daytime. Wear yours to a girls brunch with Mary-Jane shoes.
This New Look mini dress is one of our favourites in this edit. It’s part of Anne-Marie’s collection for the brand and features an empire-cut bust, ultra-feminine A-line skirt and matelassé flowers in the fabric. We love how the elasticated puff sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder, too.
Faithfull The Brand La Ceiba gathered floral-print crepe de chine mini dress
Faithfull The Brand’s mini dress has a ruched bust and on-trend spaghetti straps, but turns to reveal a comfy smocked back (you’ll be thanking us post picnic/bbq). We especially love that ‘80s-inspired floral print.
Monki’s ruched mini is reminding us of a certain dress that we’ve seen all over Insta and Tik Tok. We’re obsessed with the textured stretch-crepe and sage-green colour. Wear yours with white boots and get ready for ALL the compliments.
Perfect for sunny picnics or garden parties. Ganni's floral mini dress is made from 100% cotton to keep you cool in the summer. Style yours with chunky sandals to contrast the dress' girly vibes.
The cowl neck and strappy low back on H&M’s satin mini dress make it a great evening piece, but it’s instantly made daytime-appropriate when styled with a cute cardigan or underpinned with a T-shirt. This baby comes in black and white, as well as a pretty lilac hue – but it's got to be '90s-inspired chocolate brown for us, though.
A modern take on a retro classic, Mango’s A-line mini dress is dotted with shimmering palette sequins and finished with a scalloped hem. We like how the slender halter ties and spaghetti strap add a little ‘90s touch. Wear yours with platform heels and hoops to go ‘out out’.
This Red Valentino number is a great example of how mini dresses really are appropriate for wedding guest lewks. We love the natural drape of the pastel pink crepe and that retro pussy bow is just irresistible.
New Look Curves Brown Zebra Print Strappy Cut Out Mini Dress
The clever cut-out in New Look’s mini dress gives the illusion of a co-ord without all the fuss. We love how brown zebra print feels more grown-up than typical black and white colourways – further this feel with strappy sandals and minimal jewellery.
The T-shirt dress just got a makeover: we LOVE how COS has elevated this simple wardrobe classic. This mini dress has a flared, skater-style skirt and a removable belt which makes it super easy to switch up the silhouette (read: hella versatile). The buttercup yellow colour is our fave but it also comes in black and green.
Daisy Street Milkmaid corset detail mini dress in spring floral
This Daisy Street mini dress looks like a rare vintage find! Clock the sweetheart bodice, balloon sleeves and those pastel florals (a nod to the ‘90s Laura Ashley lewks everyone’s obsessed with atm).
Hot pink is so on-trend this season (thanks to Valentino’s AW22 collection), so Very’s mini dress is bound to put you on the best-dressed list. We love the feminine frilled detailing on its hem and sleeves. Plus, the shirred bodice ensures it's comfy enough to wear all day, every day.
Everyone needs a reliable denim dress in their wardrobe, but Mango’s panelled mini is far from basic – we love its sultry cut-out waist and balloon sleeves. Wear yours during the day with cowboy boots, then amp up those ‘80s vibes come nighttime with chandelier earrings.
ASOS Design Curve broderie mini smock dress with shirred back in white
Broderie Anglaise is truly timeless, so buy ASOS’ mini dress now and you’ll be wearing it for summers to come. Featuring the most on-trend square neckline and statement puff sleeves, it turns to reveal a super comfy smocked back.
We reckon H&M’s mini dress is a bit of a summer saviour. It’s cut from a super comfy waffle jersey and the smocked top makes it easy to throw on. Wear yours on holiday as a day dress or chic beach cover-up, then add jewels and heels to take it into the evening.
Urban Outfitters' mini dress ticks two of this season’s biggest trends: Y2K style and underwear as outerwear. We love the lustrous satin finish, Eastern-inspired flowers and lace trims on this nightie style. Wear yours with a leather blazer and chunky boots.
Made from a soft jersey and cut in a roomy tiered shape, Mango’s mini dress is a great holiday staple that you’re guaranteed to reach for again and again. We love the emerald colour (it’s giving Bottega vibes), but this one also comes in powder-blue and white.
How gorge is this River Island mini dress? We love its subtle midriff cut-out, puffed shoulders and balloon sleeves. Satin always looks amazing in the sunshine – especially in this soft lemon colour.
Sustainable brand Nobody’s Child is a fashion editor favourite, known for its timeless designs and zero waste policy. We love this mini’s ditsy florals and ‘40s inspired tea shape. Elevate yours with heeled sandals for summer events or simply wear it with Converse on weekends.
Heading to a festival this summer? Make sure to pick up this Asos mini dress before you do. The contrast embroidery, balloon sleeves and keyhole neckline would look even better when paired with cowboy boots.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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