The 10 Top Summer Dress Trends to Try, from Drop Waists to Kitschy Prints (2025)

By

Maxi MagicMini MomentDrop WaistsEyelet DetailsVoluminous Silhouettes

Subtly SheerShirt DressesKitschy PrintsColorful MetallicsArt Class Aesthetic

• Audree Kate López is a professional fashion stylist and editor based in New York City.
• Kyla Flax is the head of styling at Anthropologie.
• Divya Mathur is the chief merchandising officer at Revolve.
  

Maxi Magic

According to New York City-based stylist Audree Kate López, maxi dresses will be everywhere this summer. “Maxi dresses have been at the forefront of dress trends the past year, and this summer, you’ll see a mix of printed, cotton, linen, and silk styles,” she says. This is one of my go-to silhouettes for summer because they’re breathable, loose, and you can wear it as a beach cover-up or to a nice dinner.”

A few maxi dresses that instantly captured our attention include the Bec + Bridge Cedar City Maxi Dress, Show Me Your Mumu Long Weekend Maxi Dress, and Rendoll Nadine Dress.

Styling Tip: Maxi dresses might seem more formal, but López assures us they go with everything. “[They can be] styled with strappy sandals, sneakers, or even heels,” she says.

Mini Moment

On the opposite end of the spectrum, mini dresses are an eternal standout. “You cannot go wrong with a mini,” says Anthropologie head of styling Kyla Flax. “With their playful allure and flirtatious charm, minis offer endless possibilities for both casual outings and special occasions. They can take you from brunch dates with friends to weddings and rooftop soirées—and the best part is that they allow you to effortlessly transition from day to night.”

A few of our favorite mini dresses for summer 2024 include the Splits59 Polo Airweight Dress, Showpo Alesya Mini Dress, and Hutch Jones Halter Mini Dress.

Styling Tip: Like maxi dresses, mini dresses are easy to dress up and down with a little accessorizing. For a more casual look, opt for fashion-forward sneakers, like Adidas Gazelles; for a dressier appearance, consider platform strappy sandals or chunky heels.

Drop Waists

You may have noticed that waistlines are looking notably lower these days, on denim and dresses alike. “If you hate low-rise jeans, don’t discount the drop waist silhouette that has made a resurgence this year,” López says, noting that tube top mini and midi versions are especially popular for summer 2024. “The drop waist is fashion-forward and can elongate your frame.”

A few stand-out drop-waist silhouettes include the Free People Onda Drop-Waist Tube Mini, Abercrombie & Fitch Drop-Waist Cutout Maxi Dress, and Never Fully Dressed Lola Dress.

Styling Tip: The drop-waist dress is another versatile silhouette that you can adapt to any occasion. “The drop-waist feels like the newest news on the dress scene,” Flax says. “Celebrities and A-listers alike are embracing this stylish silhouette. What sets this trend apart is its effortless pairing with flat or casual shoes. Whether it's a sleek pointed-toe flat or a laid-back fisherman sandal paired with socks, this combination adds a chic perspective to the statement dress.” Meanwhile, if you want to dress it up, Revolve chief merchandising officer, Divya Mathur, suggests opting for heels. “Style it with classic thin gold hoop earrings, a small neutral shoulder bag, and brown or nude open-toe heels,” she tells us.

Eyelet Details

Looking to add a dainty element to your summer dressing? Flax is a fan of incorporating eyelet into the mix. “Eyelet dresses are making a major appearance this summer,” she says. “With delicate patterns and lightweight fabric, they’re a go-to choice for all warm-weather outings.”

Many brands are hopping on the eyelet trend, but for a few who have really nailed it, check out the Diarrablu Rama Dress, Helsa Petite Eyelet Column Dress, and the Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress: Eyelet Edition.

Styling Tip: Eyelet is a versatile textile pattern that can work for casual brunches as well as slightly dressier dinner parties. “An eyelet dress can be paired with a woven bag, gold jewelry, and a pair of wrap-up sandals to truly enhance that summer feeling,” Flax says.

Voluminous Silhouettes

Ready to feel like a princess? Slip into a voluminous silhouette for a dramatic, on-trend moment. “Volume, yes please,” López exclaims. “I love a full skirt, puff sleeves, A-line silhouette, and extra ruffles.” You don’t have to opt for all of those elements at once, though: Leaning into this trend can be as simple as donning a maxi tent dress, puff-sleeve mini, or ruffled strapless dress. No matter what you choose, it’s about the oversized drama of it all.

A few of our favorite princess-coded voluminous silhouettes include the Staud Landscape Dress, Bardot Fleurette Mini Dress, and For Love & Lemons Clementine Mini Dress.

Styling Tip: “In my opinion, this is the city girl’s version of cottage core—it’s whimsical, romantic, and so fun,” López says. “It’s like playing dress-up and works perfectly with an opposing shoe, like chunky loafers or super strappy sandals.”

Subtly Sheer

Sheer dresses are trending for summer 2024, among mesh flats and countless other translucent pieces. This year, we’re seeing slightly more subtle stylings, with less truly see-through silhouettes. That said, those definitely still exist, so whatever your fancy is, you’re bound to be able to find it. Kickstart your wishlist with a few of our faves, including the Free People x Intimately FP Suddenly Fine Maxi Slip, Free People Sheer Bliss Maxi Dress, and Showpo Evelynn Maxi Dress.

Styling Tip: “Sheer and lace dresses are not going anywhere for summer 2024, so style yours as a beach coverup or layer the dress over briefs or mini shorts and your favorite bralette,”López says. As for accessories, Mathur recommends pairing your sheer dress with a white clutch and strappy heels for a peak summer take on the see-through trend.

Shirt Dresses

Shirt dresses have been rising in popularity over the past few months, and when Anne Hathaway rocked her Gap maxi shirt dress at the end of May, the silhouette became an instant must-have in wardrobes across the world. “Easy and breezy, a shirt dress will forever be a staple for summer,” Flax says. “With options ranging from crisp, cinched waists to relaxed and more flowy cuts, the shirt dress offers a tailored look for every occasion.”

Truly, just look at the differences between Anthropologie Pollie Short-Sleeve Swing Tunic Mini Dress, Staud Michelle Dress, Lurelly Bleu Linen Shirt Dress, and Sndys x Revolve Button Down Midi Dress: The range in these styles is proof that there's something for everyone.

Styling Tip: An easy way to elevate any shirt dress? A statement belt, of course. “Try styling it with a belt or two,” Flak encourages. “Shirt dresses can be classic and clean or styled with boots and belts for a boho feel.”

Kitschy Prints

As versatile as solid-colored dresses are, this summer, we’re seeing more and more kitschy printed silhouettes pop up on our feeds. “Summer 2024’s theme is Italian Summer—we’re seeing food and alcohol prints, lemons, oranges, pasta, and even nautical prints with seashells, lobsters, and seafood,” López says. “But this is not the outdated, cheugy vacation tropical prints your grandparents, and even your parents wore. It’s chic, it’s fun, and I need to book a trip to Italy, stat.”

A few kitschy dresses you simply can’t go wrong with? The Lisa Says Gah Savannah Cinch Dress, Reformation Noha Dress, Petal & Pup Mellonie Strapless Maxi Dress, and Show Me Your Mumu Steph Mini Dress are instant head-turners.

Styling Tip: Kitschy prints tend to be create a more casual vibe on their own, but with the right shoes and jewelry, they can be date night-ready in a cinch. Consider pairing your favorite kitschy dress with gold heels and hoops for an effortlessly chic update.

Colorful Metallics

Looking to go a bit more glam in your daily life? Or maybe you just like bold, dopamine dressing? In either event, colorful metallic dresses are a must-try. “Metallics have been a trend for a while now, but for summer 2024, you can expect to see more colorful metallics, sequins, neon hues, and new prints,” López says.

The Rendoll Sequin Maxi Dress is an absolute summer dream in aquamarine, but if you prefer mini silhouettes, check out the LaQuan Smith Strapless Cocktail Dress. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an evening gown (and are willing and able to drop some serious cash), consider the LaQuan Smith Mockneck Column Gown.

Styling Tip: “I love the idea of wearing a colorful metallic dress as a ‘daytime party dress’—you can balance out the look with sandals, boots, or a sneaker,” López says. “I like to keep jewelry minimal and hair ‘undone’ for that effortless look.”

Art Class Aesthetic

For a quirky, creative summer dress trend, López turns our attention to the art class aesthetic. “Some of the major texture elements we’ve seen on the runway the past couple of years are fringe, ruffles, feathers, beading, sequins, and 3D embellishments—it’s giving fashion meets art,” she says. “Beaded details, beaded embroidery, and beaded trim are the key elements you’ll see this summer and into fall and winter.”

A few dresses that fit the art class aesthetic include the Eloquii Strappy Paillette Column Dress, Nasty Gal Tassel Beaded Mini Shift Dress, and Ramy Brook Lucie Sequin Midi Dress.

Styling Tip: The art class aesthetic is all about infusing your imagination into your outfits. There are no rules when working with these dresses: Opt for an ultra mini and pair it over bike shorts as seen above, or get wild with denim underneath. Alternately, you can rock an over-the-top mini or midi dress with knee-high gladiators for an artsy, boho vibe.