We look forward to the advent of summer all winter long, yet not the notoriously difficult daily dressing stress.
Your failsafe ensemble of a cosy jumper, jeans and boots needs to be swapped out for something far more warm weather appropriate. But finding that balance between work appropriate, withstanding the sauna commute and with party-ready appeal is no mean feat - all while considering the mercurial nature of the British weather and that one moment of sun could be closely followed by a rainstorm. The struggle is real.
There is one silhouette that we reach for time and time again, summer after summer: the mini dress. Ready for the sunshine, these high hem silhouettes slip into the category of an everyday wardrobe staple and the sartorial embodiment of all the joys of summer. Flash your pins and usher in some much needed vitamin D.
The ultimate solve to high temp wardrobe woes, the garment provides seemingly endless versitility with a throw-on-and-go quality. Pair with trainers and a jacket for urban living, while add sandals, a floppy straw hat and basket bag to take you seamlessly from the streets to the beach for weekend jaunts to tropical climates.
With endless variations to choose from, whether it’s the timeless LBD that has caught your eye, the LWD, a perennially chic floral print or striking vibrant shades that provide eye-popping impact, you’ll be ready for whatever your spontaneous summer plans will throw at you. There’s even options that lean towards the more work appropriate end of the styling spectrum that you can layer under an oversized blazer with chunky loafers and add tights when the winter weather returns.
A enduring asset your wardrobe has been missing, shop the best mini dresses below.
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Reformation Isha Linen Dress
In a breathable linen fabric, this mini dress will form the foundation of your warm weather wardrobe. It has a lot to love, from the vibrant red hue to the halter silhouette. Also available in black and in a unique ‘Tonala’ print.
This option from ASOS is a great dupe for £17.
Buy now £245.00, Reformation
H&M Crochet-look dress
Crochet is synonymous with the summer and H&M takes a pared-back approach to the embroidery with this dress that is timeless, chic and can be made all the more interesting with colourful accessories.
Buy now £22.99, H&M
Nobody’s Child Midnight Floral Kitty Mini Dress
Floral prints are not groundbreaking but they make easy wins to wear for just about any occasion that fills your summer diary. Nobody’s Child proves this with Midnight Floral design. We also love it in the red petal print.
Buy now £35.00, Nobody’s Child
Ganni check suiting mini dress
So popular is the checked Ganni midi that it’s almost like the Zara polka dot dress in its ubiquity. The Scandi fashion house has cut it to a mini length and added puff sleeves for look that combines the best of praire dresses with a nod to gingham 2for a result that feels like the sartorial embodiment of summer.
Buy now £345.00, Ganni
RIXO Anandi floral-print woven mini dress
This pretty mini frock has a floral design in a more abstract watercolour print that will bring the summer spirit even when the weather isn’t playing ball. As is the signature Rixo way, there’s a nod to vintage silhouettes with elasicated puff sleeves and a scoop neckline for a regency feel.
Buy now £195.00, Net-A-Porter
& Other Stories Tailored Linen Belted Mini Dress
The LBD is an iconic style that everyone needs in their wardrobe and this option from & Other Stories will simplify the challenge of dressing for the office when the weather hots up. Not only is it made from a lightweight linen to keep you cool during the commute, but the belted cinching makes it boardroom ready.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Warehouse Premium Satin Twill Bow Back Mini Dress
When the dress code calls for more formality, stay cool, calm and chic in this mini fuschia frock. The satin-like piece is adorned with an oversized bow at the back to make it a statement style that deserves its place in your wardrobe.
Buy now £65.40, Warehouse
Staud Psychedelic cotton-crochet mini dress
Staud has got the crochet memo with this mini dress that harks back to the textile’s bohemian roots by incorporating a multicoloured swirling patchwork that gives a psychedelic 70s feel.
Buy now £213.00, Matches
H&M Short slip dress
Whether you embrace the evening appeal of this slip dress with its strappy cowl back by pairing it with heeled sandals or choose to give it a more casual approach with trainers and a denim jacket, you have a piece that will have you prepared for any summer soiree.
Buy now £17.99, H&M
Ganni cotton poplin mini dress
Break away from the monochrome of your winter wardrobe with the most vibrant colourway on the wheel. This zesty orange mini dress from Ganni is an easy and flattering style thanks to the ruching, elasticated edging and U-neckline.
Buy now £72.50, Ganni
Batsheva + Laura Ashley ruffled floral-print cotton-poplin mini dress
Inspired by vintage romantic floral prints, it seems a match made in style heaven for Batsheva to collaborate with Laura Ashley. The result is frothy frocks that have a prairie feel as is shown by this ditsy design. Honourable mention goes to the billowing sleeves, ruffle trims and gathered skirt.
Buy now £125.00, Net-A-Porter
Aje Mimosa cutout linen-blend dress
There won’t be a single event in your calendar that won’t call for the Mimosa dress - be it a BBQ or a ball. Its versatile black colourway is made all the more appealing by well-placed cut-outs that give definition to the silhouette and feminine and fun puffed sleeves.
Buy now £202.00, Matches
Cro-Che Beaded Butterfly Dress - Pink
For festival season and beyond, Cro-Che is the brand you need on your radar. In a soft pastel pink, this dress takes crochet with its boho sentiments and gives it a nostalgic 90s feel with beaded butterflies that have been sewn by hand. The piece comes alive during the day when the light reflects on the 3D design and makes it shimmer.
Buy now £302.00, Cro-Che
