20+ High-Low Dresses To Wear For Any Occasion This Summer
By The Gloss
Whether you’re searching for a pretty dress to pack for holidays, a sophisticated wedding guest dress or a ‘90s-inspired slip dress – shop our selection for every occasion …
Fashion has been all about separates, but we’re re-entering the era of the dress, according to those in the know. “We talk about our dresses as ‘chuck-on dresses’ because you just pull them on and feel great,” says Ginny Seymour, CEO of Aligne. A SS26 preview of the new Aligne collection revealed the Harley dress, which – while at first glance looks like separates – is a dress with an inbuilt waistcoat. It’s apt as our appetite for easy, wearable clothes has never been more intense. Shop our favourite summer dresses below …
SUMMER DRESSES
White Harley sleeveless waistcoat dress, €285; www.aligne.co.
Black cotton waisted midi dress, €60, M&S Collection, at Marks & Spencer.
Black Clarice rose-print midi dress, €285; www.rixolondon.com.
Floraison de Mûres Adelana Dress, €706; www.shopdoen.com.
Floral Eleanor cape printed dress, €421.95; www.queensofarchive.com.
Tan fawn-print Soho dress, €185; www.neverfullydressed.com.
OCCASION DRESSES
With race days, graduations, weddings – and the humble garden party – dominating social calendars, we’re craving a dress-up look that feels current. More novel than summer-favourites chiffon or cotton, a silk dress feels luxurious for summer occasions – as exemplified by the style set. Shop our edit below …
White and peach Junia silk dress, €598; www.shopdoen.com.
For something more wedding-appropriate, we’re embracing chocolate brown. In the case of this draped dress, it feels like a sophisticated choice, especially when paired with a tonal bag and accessories.
Chocolate brown satin midi dress, €255, at Reiss.
Whether you’re trying to nail wedding guest dressing or you’re the bride, a draped satin dress is an entirely elegant choice. On our wish-list is Toteme’s fluid satin floor-grazing dress with inbuilt slouch, in a wearable shade of black or taupe.
Taupe slouch waist dress, €670; www.toteme.com.
Lilac Lysandra satin dress, Rixo, €525; www.net-a-porter.com.
Moss satin ruffle maxi dress, M&S Collection, €129, at Marks & Spencer.
Brown Jessa maxi dress, Tove, €591; www.mytheresa.com.
Blue Jonelle silk dress, €318; www.thereformation.com.
Pink ruffle silk midi dress, €360; www.boden.com.
’90S SLIP DRESSES
If the most popular spring trend is ‘90s minimalism, then perhaps the zenith of this look is the slip dress. On the moodboard of every aspiring minimalist – and bohemian – worth their salt, the elusive dress, popularised in the 1990s by Kate, Christy, Naomi et al, has a certain je ne sais quoi. In other words, it’s got an unquantifiable coolness. Or rather, if done right, it endows the wearer with such a flex.
Light blue Florence satin slip dress, €277.95; www.homeofhai.com.
Black satin midi column dress, M&S Collection, €49, at Marks & Spencer.
Light pink crushed satin slip dress, €89, at Arket.
White polka dot extra long top, €55.99, at Mango.
Peach V-neck midi slip dress, €89, at & Other Stories.
Chrome Soleia slip dress, €348; www.thereformation.com.
White two tone satin dress, €49.99, at Mango.
SEE MORE: 7 Simple Spring Outfit Formulas That Always Look Elegant
We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site
