After months of waiting, it finally feels like I can declare that summer has arrived. Whilst the British weather will never be fully reliable, we’ve been blessed with a smattering of 20-degree and over days, calling out for one summer hero in particular, dresses. As soon as the sunshine arrives, most of us find ourselves reaching for easy throw-on styles that leave less time spent in front of our wardrobes figuring out an outfit and more time soaking up the sun. Alongside the everyday dress callings, we’re well into wedding season and with various other occasions along with the way, it felt only right that we celebrated the best summer dress brands around.
As soon as the sunshine arrives my outfits tend to rotate between pretty dresses and linen trousers. Both excel in their easy appeal, though dresses often win out for the fact that they simply call for accessories to complete the look. With hundreds, if not thousands of dresses around, finding a place to start when expanding your forever summer wardrobe can feel like a huge task. Thankfully, I’m all about doing the hard work for you.
When it comes to finding the best summer dress brand, there are a few details I look out for to ensure any addition to my wardrobe is the best that it can be. Elegant detailing from shirring to cut can be the difference between a good and a great dress, or a striking neckline can add an elegant touch to a simple piece. For me, silhouette is a big factor when the temperatures rise, leading me to look to straight or looser styles rather than a full bodycon silhouette. As you’ll see, each brand has something different to offer. Take Rixo, for example, who has an array of playful prints, whilst others like Matteau are all about understated design details. Some excel in dressier frocks whilst others are ideal for everyday dresses that will take you from picnic to work meeting to dinner out. One thing all these brands have in common is that their dresses are undeniably chic.
Keep scrolling to explore the 6 best summer dress brands.
1. Dôen
Style Notes: Dôen is a master of pretty styles, and the latest collection is one of my favourites yet. With soft ruching, delicate bows and pared-back colour palettes, the brand’s dresses are incredibly easy to fall for.
I haven’t stopped thinking about this dress.
Dôen
Sandia Dress — Bleu Frolicking Floral
Add a pair of sandals for beachside trips or add ballet flats and a cardigan for the city.
A great, flattering black dress will always come in handy.
This silhouette has become iconic to Dôen.
2. Nobody’s Child
Style Notes: Taking a peek at any one of these dresses, you might be surprised to find out that they’re from the high street. With most styles coming in at under £100, Nobody’s Child takes great dresses seriously, meaning there’s a style for everyone and every occasion.
Nobody’s Child
Khaki Shirred Cassandra Midi Dress
The elegant square neckline and delicate shirring has made this a favourite amongst our editors.
Nobody’s Child
Brown Gingham Elsa Midi Dress
Relaxed, easy and one to rely on.
Nobody’s Child
Black Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress
You’ll always have something to wear this summer with this chic black dress.
Nobody’s Child
Black Gingham Tie Detail Bertie Midi Dress
I’m all about pretty details right now, and the bow motifs are it.
Nobody’s Child
Green Starlight Button Down Midi Dress
This versatile dress comes in 16, yes 16 different colourways.
3. Rixo
Style Notes: London born Rixo does all things dresses very well, from the dressier occasion styles to the everyday, with many pieces ready to be dressed up or down at will. The brand is a standout when it comes to bold prints and playful shades.
Rixo
Evie – Amelie Floral Red
Dress down with sandals or elevate with heels.
Rixo shows off its design prowess with the many intricate details of this dress.
Rixo
Clarice – Navy Polka Dot
Naturally, this style is selling fast.
Rixo
Cinzia – Tiger Patchwork Black
The bold print is balanced out by the understated design, making for a very chic result.
Rixo
Lauriane – Hibiscus Black
This would make for a great wedding guest dress.
4. Free People
Style Notes: Bringing a sense of bohemia to the proceedings, Free People’s dresses embody the East Coast we’re all looking forward to this summer. The attention to detail for each style is always a standout, along with the array of shades that their best styles come in.
Free People
Free-Est Oasis Midi Dress
Free People brings this dress back every year due to popular demand.
Free People
Free-Est Taking Sides Maxi
This is the first piece I’ll be packing for my summer holidays.
Free People
Free-Est Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi
The V-shaped dropped waist sets this dress apart.
Free People
Free-Est Milan Midi
I always find joyful shades when exploring the brand’s new-in section.
Free People
Free-Est Dixie Maxi
The addition of pockets shows how thoughtful each design detail is.
5. Reformation
Style Notes: It’s hard to pin down on category that Reformation does the best, as it really is that good, but special mention is deserved for it’s dresses. Mixing contemporary cuts with a sweet edge, Reformation manages to create It dress after It dress, and continues to re-issue the very best.
Reformation
Aubree Linen Dress
This airy linen style is beginning to pick up.
Reformation
Balia Linen Dress
Everyone I’ve seen in this dress looks incredible.
Reformation
Tagliatelle Linen Dress Es
Reformation’s best pieces come in extended sizes too, like this consistently chic Tagliatelle dress.
Reformation
Pennington Dress
This playful piece is destined for my wardrobe.
Reformation
Samara Linen Dress
From the light linen fabrication to the delicate print, this dress is sure to be a favourite.
6. Matteau
Style Notes: Matteau knows that subtlety can still make waves. Taking neutral colour schemes the brand’s designs are impactful through design details of texture and cut.
Matteau
Shirred Organic Cotton Midi Dress
From the colour to the shirring to the length, every detail of this dress is perfection.
Matteau
Pleated Broderie Anglaise Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
Matteau does understated elegance so well.
Matteau
Gathered Organic Cotton Midi Dress
The gathered texture is truly beautiful.
Matteau
+ Net Sustain One-Shoulder Organic Cotton and Silk-Blend Maxi Dress
Matteau
+ Net Sustain One-Shoulder Organic Cotton and Silk-Blend Midi Dress
The dramatic one shoulder is just as relevant for al fresco dinners as beachside lunches.