The Fashion Memo

The Best Summer Dresses To Invest In Now

L-R: Mary Leest, Michaela Coel, Lila Moss

Effortless, breezy dresses are the ultimate slip-on-and-go staple in summer – and there’s one to suit every occasion. Read on to find your new-season favorites at NET-A-PORTER

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
In order of appearance: Simone Ashley (green dress), Cindy Bruna, Karlie Kloss, Irina Shayk

When it comes to our summer wardrobes, there’s one piece that we’ll be reaching for repeatedly over the coming months – a chic, sunshine-ready dress. The beauty of this go-to garment lies in its ease and versatility, so it’s worth having a few on rotation. Simple to style up or down, it will see you through everything from weekend escapes (with a tote and flip flops) to workdays (think an oversized linen blazer and ballet flats).

The cocktail dress

In search of the ultimate occasion dress? Look no further than Khaite’s ‘Raina’ style, which is cut from lustrous pink silk with elegant ’80s-style ruching and a subtle sweetheart neckline framed by delicate straps. Wear yours to a summer wedding with barely-there sandals and a snake-effect clutch. Elsewhere, Isabel Marant’s black satin mini dress delivers timeless glamour in spades and is perfect for cocktail hour when paired with heels and a red lip.

  • ALAÏA
    Halter jersey maxi dress
    £2,705.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - low stock
    40
    42 - low stock
    44
  • ISABEL MARANT
    Neline satin mini dress
    £605.00
    Select a Size
    34 - low stock
    36
    38
    40
    42
  • DÔEN
    Benoit tiered gathered floral-print ramie midi dress
    £295.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock
    xx large - low stock
  • KHAITE
    Raina ruched silk midi dress
    £1,910.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large - low stock

The resort-ready dress

If your out-of-office is already on and your next getaway imminent, then be sure to pack Chloé’s pretty peach mini. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it’s made from silk-georgette in a romantic, prairie-style shape and looks effortlessly put together. Wear it to a pool party with peep-toe sandals and stacked bracelets. Missoni’s crochet-knit maxi, on the other hand, is super easy to slip on over swimwear, making it perfect for blissful beach days. If you’re attending a drinks reception or a summer soirée, pull out all the stops in Bottega Veneta’s draped cady midi dress, complementing the soft mint shade with white accessories.

  • CHLOÉ
    Shirred tiered silk georgette mini dress
    £2,140.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36
    38
    40 - low stock
    42
    44
  • MISSONI
    Pleated striped crochet-knit maxi dress
    £1,635.00
    Select a Size
    36 - low stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    42
    44
    46
    48 - out of stock
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Gathered cady halterneck midi dress
    £2,009.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42
    44
  • PUCCI
    Asymmetric printed silk-twill halterneck dress
    £1,075.00
    Select a Size
    38
    40
    42
    44
    46
    48 - low stock
From mini to maxi, pastel to Pucci, a resort-ready dress is a versatile summer staple
From dusk until dawn, a timeless wear-everywhere dress is ideal for every occasion

The wear everywhere dress

For a style sleek enough to wear to the office and dinner afterwards, look to Toteme’s midi. It has an elegant open back and a dropped waist that creates fluid movement through the skirt – accentuate the effect with heels. Alternatively, if you love a pop of red but want to level up, take Róhe’s ‘Dahippa’ midi dress for a spin. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, the ’50s-inspired silhouette is timeless and ultra flattering. Just add oversized sunglasses and a raffia bag for weekend picnics or garden parties.

  • ZIMMERMANN
    Aster scarf-detailed organza maxi dress
    £720.00
    Select a Size
    00 - low stock
    0 - out of stock
    1
    2
    3
    4
  • RÓHE
    Cotton midi dress
    £615.00
    Select a Size
    34 - low stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    40
    42 - low stock
    44 - out of stock
  • TOTEME
    Scarf-detailed woven halterneck midi dress
    £645.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34 - low stock
    36
    38
    40
    42
    44
  • CALA DE LA CRUZ
    Lucca printed linen mini dress
    £340.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large
    x large - out of stock

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