• House of CB £219

House of CB broderie anglaise maxidress

If you’re after a dress that channels the eternal elegance of Audrey Hepburn, this is the one. Finished with delicate broderie anglaise and a classic boat neckline, it’s made from 98% cotton with 2% elastane, meaning it holds its shape without collapsing into creases. It’s structured but not stiff, perfect for the kind of event that calls for something special, but that’s not quite black-tie.

• Mint Velvet £160
• Next £160

Mint Velvet broderie midi dress

A white midi dress, sunglasses and a pair of sandals are often all you need. The low waist shifts the shape into something more relaxed, and the broderie keeps it firmly in summery territory. The flattering high neckline and pearlescent buttons up the back are nice details.

• M&S £40

M&S drop-waist midi dress

One way to bring interest to a dress that’s simple in colour is through shape. This relaxed drop-waist midi, a style recently revived on the runways of Dior, Balenciaga and Chanel, is Marks & Spencer’s everyday take on the trend, while puff sleeves add an 80s tinge. Keep the styling sharp to stop it from feeling too romantic.

• AYM £119

AYM midi dress

AYM Studio makes exceptionally soft dresses. Made from a bamboo blend, the Audrey midi has a classic square neckline and faux-corset style cinching in the back. With a bra-friendly cut, it has a double-layered finish, meaning it’s smoothing and comfortable enough for all-day wear.

• Uniqlo £12.90

Uniqlo T-shirt dress

A T-shirt dress is the epitome of pyjama comfort that you can actually wear out of the house. This cotton oversized style (best described as white-ish) from JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration has subtle but in-the-know branding – a small embroidered JWA logo on the front. The contrast inner lining looks great peeking over a rolled-up sleeve.

• Monsoon £45
• John Lewis £52.50

Monsoon sun-print bandeau midi

This batik dress is made for the seaside. The bandeau neckline keeps things minimal, while the basque waist adds shape without feeling overworked. Removable straps offer versatility, and the sun-washed neutral print would pair with almost anything.

• Boden £159
• John Lewis £159

Boden square neck dress

The archetypal sundress – floral, midi-length and cut with a clean square neckline and slim straps – works because it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. In a lightweight cotton with a touch of elastane, this offers enough stretch to move with you – whether you’re having a picnic in the park or walking all afternoon. Three length options make this dress really versatile.

• Nobody’s Child £59
• M&S £59

Nobody’s Child striped mini dress

With vintage flair, largely down to the bold palette and diagonal stripes, this shift dress is surprisingly straightforward to wear, as the pattern means you can keep everything else pared back. The breathable cotton-linen blend keeps that same easy feel, with linen adding a touch more structure in shape.

• Mode Mischief £92

Mode Mischief mini dress

From Australian brand Mode Mischief, this mini dress is crafted from lightly stretchy cotton in soft pink stripes. The simple boat neckline and tie-back detail create a flattering, easy shape, while the cropped sleeves offer a touch of extra coverage, ideal for when the temperature dips into the evening.

• Damson Madder £90
• Anthropologie £90

Damson Madder mini polo dress

This dress from gen Z favourite Damson Madder is a playful take on a sportswear classic. The contrast between the polo shirt neck and the babydoll shape, and the striped greens, is delightfully unexpected, and it even has side-seam pockets.

• & Other Stories £119

& Other Stories asymmetric midi

Gingham isn’t just for casual: this loose, asymmetric dress is a smarter take on this sweet fabric, while the drawstring detailing at the shoulders and waist allows for fit adjustments. Pair with silver angular earrings and a black shoulder bag.

• Aligne £199

Aligne waistcoat dress

With its nod to classic office wear, this sleeveless waistcoat dress reads like a suit without the extra bulk, and the co-ord illusion looks like you’ve done a bit more than throw on a dress. It’s kind of like a modern, summer adaptation of Dior’s 1947 New Look.

• the Shirt Company £135

The Shirt Company shirt dress

An air-conditioned office can be unexpectedly chilly, even in the height of summer, making sleeveless styles less practical. With a pencil-shaped skirt, this long-sleeve shirt dress has a more formal edge than a swooshing silhouette. In a lighter shade, it still feels seasonally appropriate.

• John Lewis £99

John Lewis dropped waist midi dress

The T-shirt-style top keeps this dress relaxed and easy to wear, while the structured shoulders stop it from feeling too informal. Combined with an on-trend drop waist and flowing skirt, it feels like a tailored alternative to the sundress. While khaki sits outside the classic summer brights, the earthy tone means it will last beyond summer.

• Kitri £195

Kitri pin dot dress

If you’re ready to dash the neutrals to the side once summer hits, this sunshine yellow pin dot maxidress – with its romantic flared sleeves and flattering bias cut – has you covered.

• Community Clothing £99

Community Clothing sun dress

There is something reassuringly straightforward about this dress. Cut and sewn in Blackburn, this square-neck linen dress is unfussy and made to last. Dress it up with sandals or down with boots.

• Cos £95

Cos pleated maxidress

A bright, block-coloured dress does all the work for you. The streamlined shape keeps this dress feeling sleek while the subtle pleating at the front adds soft movement. We love the barely there spaghetti straps and scooped back, too.

• Palome £60

Palome mini dress

This linen shirt dress has an oversized, relaxed cut for maximum comfort, while the structured sleeves and colour keep it from feeling shapeless. Pockets give your hands something to do.

• Abercrombie £55

Abercrombie bra-free mini dress

I love Abercrombie dresses because they cover practicalities that others seem to forget: the built-in bra and adjustable, supportive straps make all the difference when the weather is calling for minimal layers. The linen fabric and the sunny yellow make this dress unmistakably summery.

• Sassy Squid £94

Sassy Squid olive dress

This earthy green mini strikes the balance between playful and pared-back. The clean silhouette keeps it grounded, while the low back, finished with a delicate bow, is a subtle detail, but one that transforms an otherwise classic piece into something a little different. Wear a contrasting lace bralette for added interest at the back.

• Gimaguas £169

Gimaguas jewel dress

Usually, I would steer clear of satin in heat, but the loose drape of this dress offsets that. This black-and-white mini is quiet in shape but loud in print, making it an easy party companion.

• French Connection £130
• John Lewis £130

French Connection printed maxidress

The bold tulip print is graphic and expressive, balanced by a clean, understated backdrop. A twist-shoulder detail adds subtle interest, while the column maxi shape doesn’t cling. It’s the kind of dress that needs very little styling – the print does all the work for you.

• Massimo Dutti £169

Massimo Dutti long linen dress

With its deep V halterneck and loose, maxi-length cut, this red linen dress brings a sense of occasion, perfect for alfresco dinners on holiday, or a relaxed summer wedding. The halterneck frames the shoulders elegantly, while the sweeping skirt keeps the overall feel soft and unstructured.

• Nobody’s Child £110
• M&S £110

Nobody’s Child polka dot midi dress

Chocolate brown and powder blue work surprisingly well together – an unexpected pairing that feels both fresh and considered, perfect for event dressing. The soft polka dot print adds a playful touch, while the fluid shape keeps things elevated and easy to wear.

• Stine Goya £122

Stine Goya sleeveless dress

From Scandi brand Stine Goya, this A-line mini plays with a muted floral palette. In a jacquard weave, subtle flecks of silver run through the fabric, catching the light just enough to elevate it. The result is a floral dress with a distinctly party-ready edge.

• Topshop £40
• Asos £40

Topshop high-neck trapeze dress

You can never go wrong with an LBD. This linen-blend trapeze dress from Topshop lends itself to a more casual look, paired with simple jewellery and some minimalist sandals; and for the evening, the high neck transforms with an updo and a red lip.

• M&S £36

M&S satin midi dress

I understand, you’re probably sick of hearing about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, but if anything, CBK’s enduring popularity proves that 90s minimalism never really went away. This slip dress is one of the easiest styles to take from day to night. Layer a plain white tee underneath for daytime and wear bare for night-time.

• Rat & Boa £195

Rat & Boa shirt dress

This dress plays on a familiar styling trick. Button it up for more formality, and undo a few buttons to immediately relax it. The shirt dress shape can be changed with a removable scarf tie.

• Mango £45.99
• John Lewis £45.99

Mango asymmetric dress

The off-the-shoulder cut and flowing skirt give this dress a summery edge while retaining its formality with its two-tone palette. For the day, keep everything understated – flat shoes and minimal styling to balance the neckline. For the evening, swap in a pair of statement gold earrings.

• Zara £15.99

Zara boat-neck dress

This timeless boat-neck dress, with its cropped sleeves and clean lines, comes in three versatile shades: white, grey and navy. The navy, in particular, works in multiple settings, easily dressed up or down with a simple change of shoes. Take inspiration from Jane Birkin with woven accessories and ballet flats. By night, switch to a more refined heeled sandal and add a longline necklace.