Whether you’re enjoying the heatwave at home, flying off for a European beach holiday or planning a long weekend in the English countryside, the best late-summer dresses will keep you comfortable, cool and stylish.
Whether it’s a dress made from kaftan or linen, the high street is brimming with novel iterations of classic summer fabrics, as well as fresh takes on looks straight from the SS25 catwalks. As we ease into autumn, look for transitional styles that you’ll get your wear with right through to October – think midi hemlines and denim or cotton materials.
This season’s trends are as eclectic as ever. Bold prints have replaced ‘quiet luxury’ dressing – think gingham, plaid, polka dot, stripes and kitsch florals. When it comes to silhouettes, the Eighties-era bubble hem continues to dominate designs from Free People, M&S and Mango, while contemporary drop-waist styles take inspiration from the 1920s.
Moving from the high street to the catwalk, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta made a case for tomato red designs, while the butter yellow trend shows no sign of stopping, with new designs dropping from Alaïa, Toteme, and Chanel.
Whether you plump for feminine frocks from Realisation Par or Damson Madder; go big with bold prints from the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch and Kitri; lean into vintage-inspired pieces as seen at Free People; or want an affordable everyday dress from River Island, Asos or New Look, you’re spoiled for choice with our edit of the best summer dresses.
How we tested
I enlisted the help of fellow fashion experts on the team to find the best summer dresses for 2025. At IndyBest, we always advocate shopping consciously for pieces you’ll wear summer after summer, so dresses had to fit the bill to make it into our edit. We’ve worn these dresses on holidays, to special evening events, to the office, festivals and more.
- Trends VS timeless: We took note of trends – think polka dot, gingham and butter yellow – while also considering how timeless each dress was. We didn’t want dresses we wouldn’t want to wear in a year’s time, so we only picked out styles that felt classic while nodding to the season’s hottest prints and hues.
- Quality: Considering the fabrics, design details and durability of each dress, only the frocks that delivered on quality made the cut. We didn’t want to see any fraying hemlines, dodgy zips or loose buttons – all the dresses had to feel like they’d last you summer-after-summer, and through multiple washes.
- Wearability: All the dresses we’ve included are either suitable for the office, stylish yet comfortable for special occasions or the perfect breathable style for a summer holiday.
- Value-for-money: If we’ve included more expensive dresses, it’s because the quality, timelessness and fabric live up to the price tag. But we’ve also listed high street and mid-range options that impress, considering their affordability. Whatever your budget, there’s a summer dress for you.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent. She specialises in reviewing fashion, so she knows what makes a well-crafted, comfortable and on-trend garment. Where summer dresses are concerned, she turns to the best brands that combine affordability and quality, looking for trend-led styles that are still timeless investments.
The best summer dresses for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Free People full of sunshine cotton-linen mini: £60, Freepeople.com
- Best budget buy – Asos Design scoop neck crinkle maxi dress: £32, Asos.com
- Best midi dress – Nobody’s Child black and white drop waist dress: £46, Nobodyschild.com
- Best yellow dress – Abercrombie & Fitch linen drop-waist dress, yellow: £69.99, Abercrombie.com
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Free People full of sunshine cotton-linen mini
Best: Overall summer dress
Size range: XS-XL
Colours: 14
Materials: Cotton, linen
Why we love it
- Good range of colours
- Lightweight and breathable materials
- Easy to style
Take note
- Easy to crease
Simple and effortless, this mini frock ticks all our boxes for the perfect summer dress. Crafted from a cotton and linen blend, it’s not only lightweight and breathable for balmy weather, but rolls up small enough to make it easy to fit into hand luggage.
Featuring a scoop neckline, sleeveless silhouette, low-cut armholes and a flattering deep scoop back, the relaxed cut makes it extra airy and comfortable. Available in 14 colours from bold red to sunny yellow, this easy-breezy mini has you covered for everything from beach days to al fresco dinners.
Buy now £60.00, Freepeople.com
New Look black gingham bow-back midi dress
Best: Budget summer dress
Size range: UK 6-22
Colours: Black gingham, blue gingham, red gingham, yellow gingham
Materials: Viscose, cotton, linen
Why we love it
- Everyday appeal
- Timeless
Take note
- It isn’t very breathable
This gingham number is the perfect everyday style for the office. Featuring a flattering V-neck and puffed sleeves, the dress has a timeless, relaxed cut and midi hemline. There’s a concealed side zip and elegant bow detailing on the back, and the dress fits true to size.
Crafted from a cotton and linen blend, it’s lightweight but not quite as breathable as we would have liked. For the purse-friendly price, however, this is a hard-working dress, whether worn to the office with sliders or reached for on milder days. As well as the classic black gingham colourway, this dress is available in blue, red and on-trend yellow.
Buy now £11.00, Newlook.com
Asos Design scoop neck crinkle maxi dress
Best: Crinkle summer dress
Size range: UK 4-18
Colours: Black, steel blue, aqua blue, floral
Materials: Polyester
Why we love it
- Stretchy fit
- Adjustable straps
- Comfortable
Take note
- Thin fabric on the skirt
The drop-waist silhouette on this sundress reminds us of Dissh designs without the hefty price tag. A hardworking addition to your summer wardrobe, the laidback style features a stretch-shirred bodice, flattering-shaped waist and crinkle-textured A-line skirt.
We love the contrasting textures of the body and skirt, too. Complete with adjustable straps to help find the perfect fit, the wafty design is lightweight and airy for hot summer days. Available in a black or brown floral print, it’s perfect for those days when you don’t know what to wear. Just bear in mind that the lightweight fabric can feel a little flimsy.
Buy now £32.00, Asos.com
Never Fully Dressed polka dot lola dress
Best: Strapless summer dress
Size range: UK 6-28
Colourways: Black and white polka dot, orange, green
Materials: Cotton, elastane
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Breathable cotton
- Bold print
- True to size
- Option to wear it strapless
Take note
- No built-in bust support
Sabrina Sahota
The lola dress is a lovely option for those who want an elevated occasion dress that still feels comfortable, thanks to the breathable cotton design and stretchy, t-shirt-like material on the top. I wore it during an August heatwave, and felt cool the whole day thanks to the lightweight material and skirt that flows out from the hips. The dress features ruched side seams that are super flattering and accentuate your waist without feeling constricting. There’s also enough material to pull the dress down if you want more of a drop waist look. The straps are detachable, so you have the option to go without. There isn’t any built-in support around the bust, but the back of the dress is high enough to cover a strapless bra if you want to wear one.
Keep in mind that if you’re folding the dress into a suitcase to wear to a destination wedding, you’ll need to give the skirt a quick steam or iron. However, once that’s done, it stays mostly crease-free the whole day. If you usually veer away from bold prints, the neutral black and white polka design is a nice way to experiment. Plus, if you prefer a pop of colour, you can get the same style in a plain green or orange design.
Buy now £99.00, Neverfullydressed.com
Nobody’s Child black and white drop waist dress
Best: Midi summer dress
Size range: UK 4-18
Colours: Black/white
Materials: Cotton
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable fit
- Timeless design
Take note
- The white skirt is slightly see-through
Combining comfort and affordability, Nobody’s Child’s summer collection is its best yet. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, the design is simple yet elegant, with a flattering drop-waist silhouette that accentuates your figure.
The black body of the dress is stretchy, too, making for an incredibly comfortable fit. Complete with a voluminous poplin white midi skirt, the dress scores extra points for its handy pockets. The monochrome colour palette is easy to style, whether with statement jewellery and kitten heels in the evening or ballet flats and a cardigan at the office. My only gripe is that the skirt could do with a lining, because in some lights it's a little see-through – nude underwear is the way to go with this one. However, the airy skirt makes the dress a great choice for hot weather.
Buy now £46.00, Nobodyschild.com
Damson Madder Mallory check midi dress
Best: Check summer dress
Size range: UK 8-20
Colours: Blue check
Materials: Organic cotton
Why we love it
- Flattering cut
- Super comfortable
Damson Madder is one of the buzziest names in British fashion. The brand’s co-ords, gilets and playful accessories probably dominate your Instagram feed, and its dress collection is equally stellar. The Mallory dress is finished in a vintage-inspired blue check. With a smocked bodice and scooped neckline, the dress flows down into a drop-waist midi skirt.
The corset-style cut is super flattering and not too tight, with elastic at the back to ensure a comfortable fit (there’s also a side zip for easy entry). The brand is all about details, and this dress is packed with them, from the keyhole button at the front to the DM logo at the back, or the hand-sewn finish on the body. Made from breezy cotton, I’ve found that the dress keeps you cool in a heatwave, too.
Buy now £90.00, Damsonmadder.com
Nobody's Child x Poppy Delevigne leopard print dress
Best: Leopard print summer dress
Size range: UK 4-18
Colours: Leopard print
Materials: Viscose
Why we love it
- Statement print
- Flattering fit
Leopard print is perennially cool, but the style is back in a big way this summer. If you’re going full Kat Slater, consider this sophisticated take on the trend from Nobody’s Child. Coming from the brand’s collaboration with taste-maker Poppy Delevigne, the maxi frock boasts a body-skimming cut that flatters your silhouette.
Crafted from viscose for a satin-effect finish, the dress features subtle pleating along the bodice and ruching on the wide shoulder straps (they easily conceal a bra). Double lined for full coverage, the top layer is lightweight and beautifully floaty. Finished in an all-over leopard print, it’s a statement choice for summer occasions, or dress the maxi down with trainers day-to-day.
Buy now £78.00, Nobodychild.com
Abercrombie V-neck linen blend mini dress, yellow gingham
Best: Gingham summer dress
Size range: XXS-XXL, petite, regular, tall
Colours: Yellow gingham, red gingham, black, blue, green spot
Materials: Linen, cotton
Why we love it
- Flattering fit
- Pockets
- Can conceal a bra
This dress embraces two of this season’s biggest trends: butter yellow and gingham. The playful mini hemline and super flattering V-neck makes for a figure-hugging fit. We love the attention to detail, from the handy pockets to the wide adjustable straps that help support and lift your bust, and the straps are wide enough to conceal a plunge bra.
The fabric is a blend of cotton and linen, so the dress is breathable during hot summer days. There’s also elastane smocking at the back, for extra comfort. This is the ultimate mini dress to make you look effortlessly put together, whether you dress it up for dinner with kitten heels or throw it over your bikini for beach days.
Buy now £28.99, Abercrombie.com
Next polka dot mini dress
Best: Polka dot summer dress
Size range: UK 6-22, petite, regular
Colours: Polka dot, blue gingham, red floral, pink, shell print
Materials: Linen, livaeco, elastane, viscose
Why we love it
- Pockets
- Comfortable
Take note
- Comes up short
Polka dot never really goes out of style, but the kitsch print is dominating this season. If you’re after an easy-breezy everyday take, look no further than this Next dress. Made from a lightweight linen, viscose and elastane blend, the dress features a button and zip-up fastening at the back, as well as stitched panelled detailing to create a flattering silhouette.
We liked its thin straps, racer-style high neck and mini hemline, but its standout feature is the handy pockets. It comes in regular and petite lengths, but we would have liked the option of a tall length, too; our tester is 6ft and found the regular length came up a little short. If the ivory and black polka dot isn’t for you, the style is also available in pink, red geo print, black shell print, and trendy gingham.
Buy now £17.50, Next.co.uk
River Island white sleeveless strappy corset midi dress
Best: White summer dress
Size range: UK 6-18
Colours: White, black, orange
Materials: Cotton, elastane
Why we love it
- Structured design
- Crisp cotton material
River Island is at the top of its game right now. You’d never guess this white midi dress hails from the high street (it looks like a Reformation number) and costs less than £60. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and super-flattering corset-style body, this dress has a zip fastening for easy entry and adjustable straps to help it fit snug around the bust.
Cups and A-line pleating down the skirt adds to the chic look. Made from cotton with a bit of elastane for stretch, the material feels crisp and structured. The minimalist white colour means it will slot into your existing wardrobe, whether styled with flip flops on holiday or red kitten heels in the evening.
Buy now £35.00, Riverisland.com
Aligne Grace denim pocket mini dress
Best: Denim summer dress
Size range: UK 4-22
Colours: Denim
Materials: Cotton
Why we love it
- Well-made
- Wearable year-round
Take note
- Expensive
The perfect transitional number for the unpredictable British summer, this frock is crafted from a cotton-blend stretch denim fabric, complete with a mini hem. The super flattering yet comfortable style takes the form of an A-line silhouette with a relaxed, oversized fit.
Aligne always nails the detailing, and this Grace dress features large gold buttons, a smart collar and exaggerated sleeves. We’ll be styling this right into autumn, swapping bare legs and loafers for tights and boots when the weather cools.
Buy now £49.00, Aligne.co
Nobody’s Child cream tie front Penelope midi dress
Best: Feminine summer dress
Size range: UK 6-18
Colours: Cream
Materials: Organic cotton
Why we love it
- Timeless
- Lightweight
Nobody’s Child is quickly becoming one of the best destinations for affordable and trend-led fashion. Its summer dress selection is particularly good, and there’s no better example than this cream tie-front Penelope midi dress. The perfect feminine frock for hot days, the Penelope has a vintage-inspired pleated bodice, pretty tie detailing and a flattering square neckline.
Falling down into a slightly flared and pleated skirt, the midi dress is finished in a timeless cream shade. The thick straps ensure they don’t fall down throughout the day, while the fit is comfortably relaxed. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, the dress is pleasingly soft and breathable. You can lean into the feminine feel by styling with dainty pumps.
Buy now £45.00, Nobodyschild.com
Realisation Par the Allegra in Verona
Best: Luxury summer dress
Size range: XXS-XXL
Colours: Yellow floral, black, red spot, floral
Materials: Silk crepe
Why we love it
- Premium silk material
- Drapes beautifully
- Timeless
Take note
- Very expensive
Realisation Par is almost synonymous with occasion wear thanks to its figure-hugging selection of vintage-inspired dresses. This style is a bestseller for good reason, lending itself to wedding guest attire, city breaks and summer holidays. The ankle-grazing piece is fitted in all the right places, thanks to the bias-cut silk fabric, fishnet detail along the hem, and wide straps.
While the dress’s butter-yellow hue is this season’s hottest shade, the floral detailing gives it a timeless feel, making it a real investment piece you’ll wear summer after summer. The dress is slightly sheer, owing to the unlined design, so make sure to wear skin-coloured underwear, though this may not be an issue in the other prints. Though we love it, £250 is a lot to spend on a dress.
Buy now £250.00, Uk.realisationpar.com
Topshop puff-sleeve square-neck shirred maxi dress in buttermilk
Best: Maxi summer dress
Size range: UK 4-18
Colours: Yellow, black, white, green
Materials: Polyester, cotton
Why we love it
- Statement design
- Can be dressed up or down
- Bra-friendly
All the best dresses come in butter yellow this season, and Topshop’s maxi milk-maid-style dress is no exception. The vibrant hue makes it an elevated everyday style, with the wearable silhouette taking you from your desk to dinner.
Complete with a square neckline and short, puffy sleeves, the fitted shirred body flows down into an A-line maxi skirt. The dress is bra-friendly, while the polyester and cotton blend fabric is crisp and structured. For day-to-day wear, style with gold jewellery and ballet flats before switching to kitten heels in the evening.
Buy now £33.00, Asos.com
House of CB seren pistachio floral lace back maxi dress
Best: Evening summer dress
Size range: XS-XL, plus cup sizing
Colours: Pistachio, pink, white, black, floral
Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane
Why we love it
- Versatile
- Comfortable
Take note
- See-through skirt
House of CB dresses are famous for fitting like a glove. If you have a wedding to attend this summer, this romantic gown might earn you the title of best-dressed guest. Characterised by the brand’s signature corset-inspired detailing, the dress has a vintage-inspired lace-up back and jacquard finish in a lovely pistachio shade.
Embellished with floral patterning, the fabric is slightly sheer, so opt for nude underwear. The cups are supportive enough to go without a bra, and, thanks to the bodice’s curved hem and floaty, maxi skirt, the silhouette is universally flattering. We’ll be keeping the accessories simple with strappy silver heels and silver jewellery.
Buy now £189.00, Selfridges.com
Abercrombie & Fitch linen drop-waist dress, yellow
Best: Yellow dress
Size range: XXS-XXL, petite, regular, tall
Colours: Yellow, white
Materials: Linen, elastane, cotton
Why we love it
- Removable straps
- Breathable linen design
- Different lengths available
Take note
- Expensive
We love a dress that can be customised depending on the occasion or mood, and this style fits the bill nicely. Designed with a strapless body, you can wear it as a bandeau or with hook-on spaghetti straps for extra support and detailing. The frock comes complete with a functional belt, but it can be removed for a more seamless look.
Crafted from 100 per cent linen with a cotton lining and elastane for stretch, flattering drop waist and pleated skirt, fits true to size. It comes in petite, regular and tall lengths, too. Though breathable, the fabric has some weight in it, making it perfect for summer evening wear. In real life, we’d say it’s more of a neutral butter yellow compared to the images on the brand’s website.
Buy now £69.00, Abercrombie.com
Asos Design v neck waisted button down midi dress in red
Best: Red summer dress
Size range: UK 6-14
Colourways: Red, white, toast, buttermilk
Materials: Cotton
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Colour options
- Flattering bodice
Rivalling dresses from the likes of Dissh or Reformation, this lightweight number from Asos is designed in this summer’s hottest silhouette. The corset-inspired bodice features a V-neckline, wide bra-friendly straps and a button-down front (faux buttons, sadly), while the paneling shows off your waist.
The drop-waist falls down into an ankle-grazing A-line skirt with just the right amount of volume. A long zip up the back fastens you in. The red finish is a joyous shade of tomato while the white, toast and buttermilk colourways available offer a more understated look. As for comfort, the cotton fabric is crisp and cooling against skin with the wide armholes preventing sweat patches on the colourful dress.
Buy now £40.00, Asos.com
What are the best summer dresses?
Affordable, comfortable and easily styled, Free People’s linen swing dress is the perfect summer dress to prop up your wardrobe during warm weather. It’s available in various colours and I’ve been getting my wear out of it for the second summer in a row. Aligne’s denim dress offers everyday wearability, while Realisation Par’s yellow Verona, Nobody’s Child’s Penelope, Never Fully Dressed’s bandeau style are best for summer occasionwear.
Want more sartorial inspiration? Check out our guide to the best wedding guest dresses
