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
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.
KHAITESicily printed satin-twill midi dress£660.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size02 - low stock46 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock
ALAÏAOne-shoulder asymmetric cutout jersey dress£1,950.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - low stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
VICTORIA BECKHAMCrepe midi dress£594.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - low stock68 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - low stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock
ZIMMERMANNTiered lace midi dress
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.
ERDEMRuffled gathered floral-print cotton-poplin midi dress£358.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock68 - low stock10 - low stock121416 - low stock18 - out of stock2022 - out of stock
LIDOStriped cotton and silk-blend halterneck midi dress
MAISON MAYLEValentine ruffled printed silk-crepe halterneck maxi dress
JOHANNA ORTIZEncanto Pacifico asymmetric linen and ribbed-knit dress£458.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - out of stock46 - low stock8 - low stock10 - low stock12 - 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.
FAITHFULLSeema linen mini dress
ALÉMAISContessa printed linen midi dress£196.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock
SIRTwisted gathered linen midi dress
THE ROWValenit cotton and silk-blend jersey maxi shirt dress£1,386.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - low stock2 - low stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock
DISCOVER MORE
SHAPE UP
12 items
SKIMSSeamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit - Clay£78.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeXXSS - out of stockM - out of stockLXL - out of stockXXLXXXLXXXXL
SKIMSSeamless Sculpt Mid Waist Brief - Cocoa
SKIMSFits Everybody T-Shirt Bra - Onyx£50.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32A34A32B34B36B38B32C34C36C - low stock38C - low stock32D - out of stock34D36D - low stock38D32DD - low stock34DD36DD38DD32DDD34DDD36DDD38DDD
SPANXSPANXshape™ Invisible High-Waisted thong
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown