The Fashion Memo

The Best Summer Dresses To Invest In Now

Easy, effortless dresses are the ultimate slip-on-and-go warm-weather staple – and there’s one to suit every occasion, says COLLEEN ROSS

Fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

As warmer days return, there’s one closet stalwart we all reach for again and again – a sunshine-ready dress. The beauty of this go-to garment lies in its ease and versatility. Simple to style up or down, it will see you through everything from weekend escapes (with a raffia tote and sunglasses) to workdays (think an oversized linen blazer and ballet flats).

In search of the ultimate event dress? Look no further than Khaite’s chic ‘Sicily’ slip, which is cut from lustrous satin-twill in a simple column shape and playfully printed with raspberries. Match your shoes to the sweet illustrations and finish with delicate gold jewelry for a destination wedding. Elsewhere, Alaïa’s one-shoulder cut-out jersey style delivers glamour in spades and is perfect for midsummer weddings. Complement the asymmetric hem with heeled thong sandals.

  • KHAITE
    Sicily printed satin-twill midi dress
    £550.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    One-shoulder asymmetric cutout jersey dress
    £1,950.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • VICTORIA BECKHAM
    Crepe midi dress
    £495.00
    Select a Size
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - out of stock
  • ZIMMERMANN
    Tiered lace midi dress
    £875.00
    Select a Size
    00 - out of stock
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    3 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock

For something classic, suitable for garden parties and networking events, consider a tea dress (yes, it’s back and prettier than ever) – Erdem’s version is dappled with a soft-focus floral print that beautifully complements the chic, ’50s-inspired silhouette. If your ‘out of office’ is already on and your next getaway imminent, then be sure to pack Lido’s striped cotton and silk-blend midi dress. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, the floaty halterneck shape is effortless and super-easy to slip on over swimwear, making it perfect for blissful beach days. Wear it with woven leather sandals and stacked bracelets.

  • ERDEM
    Ruffled gathered floral-print cotton-poplin midi dress
    £358.00
    Select a Size
    4
    6 - low stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14
    16 - out of stock
    18 - out of stock
    20 - out of stock
    22 - out of stock
  • LIDO
    Striped cotton and silk-blend halterneck midi dress
    £311.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - out of stock
  • MAISON MAYLE
    Valentine ruffled printed silk-crepe halterneck maxi dress
    £590.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
  • JOHANNA ORTIZ
    Encanto Pacifico asymmetric linen and ribbed-knit dress
    £458.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - low stock
    10 - low stock
    12 - out of stock

Whether you’re attending a drinks reception or a summer soirée, there’s a whole spectrum of colors and silhouettes to choose from this season. If you’re drawn to neutrals this season, then you’ll love Sir’s asymmetric midi dress – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive. Accentuate the soft ecru tone with optic-white mules and a matching top-handle tote. On the opposite end of the scale, Alémais’s ‘Contessa’ dress from the brand’s collaboration with artist Greg Sindel of Studio A is every maximalist’s dream and looks so fun styled with colorful accessories. Alternatively, try Faithfull’s button-down linen ‘Seema’ dress from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Our top tip? Save it for the end of your vacation to accentuate sun-kissed skin.

  • FAITHFULL
    Seema linen mini dress
    £120.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - low stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - low stock
    x large - low stock
    xx large
  • ALÉMAIS
    Contessa printed linen midi dress
    £196.00
    Select a Size
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - out of stock
  • SIR
    Twisted gathered linen midi dress
    £125.00
    Select a Size
    00 - out of stock
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    3 - out of stock
    4
  • THE ROW
    Valenit cotton and silk-blend jersey maxi shirt dress
    £1,155.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    2 - low stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock

DISCOVER MORE

SHAPE UP

12 items

  • SKIMS
    Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit - Clay
    £78.00
    Select a Size
    XXS - out of stock
    S - out of stock
    M - out of stock
    L - out of stock
    XL - out of stock
    XXL
    XXXL
    XXXXL
  • SKIMS
    Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist Brief - Cocoa
    £34.00
    Select a Size
    XXS
    XS
    S
    M
    L
    XL
    XXL
    XXXL
    XXXXL
  • SKIMS
    Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra - Onyx
    £50.00
    Select a Size
    32A - low stock
    34A - low stock
    32B - low stock
    34B
    36B - low stock
    38B
    32C
    34C - out of stock
    36C - out of stock
    38C - out of stock
    32D - out of stock
    34D
    36D - out of stock
    38D
    32DD - out of stock
    34DD - out of stock
    36DD
    38DD - out of stock
    32DDD
    34DDD
    36DDD - low stock
    38DDD - out of stock
  • SPANX
    SPANXshape™ Invisible High-Waisted thong
    £48.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - low stock
    medium
    large
    x large - out of stock

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