7 Trending Summer Dress Styles for 2025

Words by Kate Blyth

When your next destination beckons and temperatures soar at home, a confident collection of summer dresses will see you through. Discover the seven styles that deserve a place in your everyday wardrobe and holiday packing list.

Recalling the ’50s and ’80s, polka-dot dresses are experiencing a major resurgence this season. The tried-and-tested print will bring high spirits to casual city days and sun-soaked garden parties alike. Look to Dolce & Gabbana for classic monochrome minis and midis, while Dôen and Posse perfect trending silhouettes and palettes. Elsewhere, polka dots also prove their power as a key occasionwear trend for 2025.

Nothing speaks to the height of summer quite like an all-white ensemble – a styling blank canvas, if you will. From bridal-worthy dresses at Zimmermann to the eternal bohemia of PatBo crochet and Charo Ruiz Ibiza broderie anglaise – ready to match the shores of your island escape – there’s a style for every occasion and personality.

The moment we step off the plane and the heat hits, a universal joy is awakened in daring to dress a little bolder. Unapologetic prints from Pucci and colourful zigzags at Missoni will match the mood, before you show off your well-earned glow with perfectly beachy knitwork from Isabel Marant. Just grab your raffia bag and you’re good to go.

Maxi dresses and kaftans are essential pillars of a summer wardrobe, offering effortlessness and modesty all at once. Either paired with your favourite swimwear for a poolside lunch or to welcome White Lotus glamour come sundown, this season’s styles are all about floaty movement – just look to La DoubleJ and Mary Katrantzou for richly patterned designs and Taller Marmo and Johanna Ortiz for elegant ease.

When it comes to summer workwear, allow office-ready tailoring to relax into the season with a versatile shirt dress that can segue from meetings to alfresco dining with finesse. Rely on midi lengths – as seen at Simkhai and Max Mara – to accentuate cinched waists and A-line skirts, while keeping things professional.

If you’re looking to channel Kendall Jenner, minimalism is a must when dashing around a hot metropolis. Sir. runs the gamut of the less-is-more approach – think understated minis with subtle asymmetry and backless maxis in pastel hues. Meanwhile, Toteme and By Malene Birger lead the way in Scandi streamlining.

The ’70s love affair is going nowhere as the Spring/Summer 2025 runways proved. Boho is back. This year sees the free-spirited aesthetic refined, with flowing tiered dresses, ruffled accents and romantic florals led by Zimmermann, Chloé and Lug Von Siga. Elsewhere, neutral crochets, broderie anglaise and nonchalant draping welcome a coastal twist that will resonate all summer long.