While we’ve developed a somewhat unhealthy attachment to our oversized blazers and favourite straight-leg jeans, we couldn’t be happier to be bidding them adieu for our summertime staple: the sun dress.
Sure, we can don a dress year-round, but it’s never quite the same as the flowy, strappy and lightweight numbers we wear so freely in the spring and summer months.
From minis to maxis and everything in between, the perfect summer dress is a wardrobe chameleon, with the ability to be dressed up or down according to the occasion (and even be worn with that beloved blazer on cooler nights).
What Summer Dress Trends Are In For 2025/26?
For those following the style set, in 2025 summer dresses strike a balance between nostaliga and romance. Noughties and ’90s silhuettes such as knee skimming midis and slip dresses are prominent, particularly in a polka dot print.
And for those who embrace the ability to show a little – or alot – of skin, sheer styles are once again in favour. Leaning into the sultry, we’re also seeing loose-fitting silks and lace detailing making nightgown-esque pieces perfectly on-trend.
If minimalism is more your pace, capsule wardrobe devotees will delight in the array of pared-back pieces that can take you from the office to the bar with ease.
Scroll on for our pick of the best spring/summer dresses of 2025/26
Sheer Summer Dressses
Just when we thought naked dressing was over, sheer dresses are seeing a second wave in popularity. In 2025/26 see-through styles feel fresh again and it’s all down to the styling – I’m loving seeing sheer dresses worn over trousers, slips and even layered over skirts.
MADRE NATURA
Collector Dot Dress
SOLAQUA
Aurora Tunic
DISSH
Elba Strapless Dress
ELKA COLLECTIVE
Lillian Maxi Dress
Polka Dot Summer Dresses
The 2010s favourite print is back with a vengance in 2025. There’s no faster way to make your summer wardrobe feel fresh than incorporating the pattern into your warm weather looks, which is why a polka dot dress is the top of my wishlist right now.
SHONA JOY
Houston Lace Back Dress
DE LA VALI
Esperanza Dress
BENNI
Harlow Halter Dress
WITH JEAN
Maude Dress
Silky & Lace Summer Dresses
I’m loving the transition of lace from the bedroom to day wear. Whether it’s a subtle cut out or peeking through hem and neck lines, this summer is for sultry dressing.
DÔEN
Obelia Dress
FREE PEOPLE X INTIMATELY
Party Crasher Dress
ROWIE
Lily Mini Dress
FLANNEL
Brodie Dress
Subtle Sparkle Dresses
Is it just me or sequins and sparkle suddenly everywhere? With maximalism on the rise, summer dresses with a touch of shimmer are everywhere, and I’m surprisingly loving it.
ROAME.
Estella Dress
ASTA RESORT
Ana Dress
LOVER
Astrid Mini Dress
ALEMAIS
Simona Denim Dress
Think about your summer wardrobe based on your calendar – a range of work-appropriate, day-to-night and holiday-ready pieces should fit in nicely. Black and white styles can be easily dressed up or down. But prints and colours will help create instant outfits that you can wear on rotation.
Looking to save money on summer dresses? Check out our coupon codes for Oroton, Net-A-Porter and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
