Summer weddings are in full swing and everybody wants to the be the best-dressed guest (see our how-to guide here). As the weather – hopefully! – turns a corner, these are the brands doing the prettiest dresses that are perfect for summer occasion dressing. They’re the labels who always seem to know exactly what we want in a good dress and they play on shape, pattern and pure whimsy like no others. Scroll below for the brands we’re loving right now. 

Main image: Instagram @_aje_.

Nostalgic and whimsical, Sister Jane works from small batches, releasing drops once every six weeks. Expect floral patterns, sugary hues and puff-sleeve dresses by the bucketload. @dreamsisterjane

The zenith of West Coast cool, Dôen has long been on our wishlist thanks to its elegant dresses that riff on classic prairie style. The brand’s muses such as model Alex Noiret are equally as inspiring when it comes to style, too. @shopdoen

Championing considered pieces with a focus on craftsmanship and creativity, Sea found popularity thanks to the patchworked coats it showed a few season’s ago. However, the brand’s dress offering is equally as appealing. See the Pippin patchwork apron dress, pictured above, as a chic case in point. @seanewyork

If the idea of pleating, scallop edges, embroidery and ditzy patterns appeals than Horror Vacui is for you. The Munich brand takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning ‘fear of empty spaces’, referring to the desire we have to adorn ourselves and our surroundings. Invest in a midi-dress for summer, you’ll wear it on repeat. @horrovacuimunich

Upcycling is at the heart of Freya Simonne’s sell-out dresses that are made with the future in mind. The designer’s zero-waste policy sees her fashion pieces from old quilts. The result is eye-catching dresses in statement shapes that are earth-friendly, to boot. @freyasimonne

A favourite brand at Brown Thomas is Australian brand Aje which fuses masculine elements with unbridled femininity. The stand out for the season? The raw-hem finish dresses which manage to be at one bucolic and super polished. @_aje_