Every time warmer weather rolls around, I get the sudden urge to find the best summer dresses on the market. Which can take me weeks, because I spend so much time sifting through the spring and summer 2023 fashion trends to find the ones that are going to prove timeless rather than just being a flash in the pan. This year, though, I turned to the experts to decipher exactly which sundresses I should be investing in this year, and my finds are truly second to none. And, luckily, many of them fall in line with the trends that have already been dominating the runways (and the streets) this season.
What Should You Look For in a Summer Dress?
If, like me, you’re not much of a dress-wearer during the other the three seasons of the year, finding the right summer dress for you can be tricky. My best rule of thumb is to look for a dress that you can wear for more than one occasion. “Versatility is key,” agrees Rickie De Sole, The Women’s Fashion Director at Nordstrom. “The best summer dresses can pair just as well with a simple flat for day as they can with a platform sandal for night.”
Just as important as it is to find a dress you can wear from day to night, It’s just as important to find event dresses that can you can wear over and over again with ease. While shopping for a new dress for every spring and summer wedding you’re invited to sounds fun in the moment, the real secret to being on the best-dressed list is re-invigorating something you already own with fresh accessories. “The perfect summer dresses also solve for the many weddings and summer events on the schedule! Romantic leaning, longer length ethereal gowns are on my must-have list,” says De Sole.
What Colors are Trending For Summer 2023?
While classic options like white dresses and linen dresses are everywhere this season, so too are a few select trendy colors for spring and summer 2023. Shopping for a timeless dress in a trendy color is an easy way to refresh your collection and luckily, there are tons for you to choose from, like sunshine yellow, lavender, and pink. ”The color pink is trending across all categories this season,” says De Sole. “Pink oozes joy and optimism, and we’re loving it in all shades from soft candy hues to hot pinks.”
If you’re someone already owns dresses in your favorite trending color, try picking one up in a print rather than a bold color. And no, these don’t have to be basic-feeling florals. Tie-dye, for one, is making a comeback (in a cool, adult way!) this season, as are geometric options. “Playful prints are always a fun way to tackle summer dressing,” says De Sole. Prints will give any silhouette an eye catching spin.”
Are There any Silhouettes That Are Trending This Season?
While mini skirts and mini dresses dominated last year, longer styles are everywhere for summer 2023. “We’re seeing that clothing is getting a little closer to the body,” says De Sole. “We’re loving longer, leaner silhouettes for summer and into fall,” he continues. This means that you can shop a dress now and wear it into the fall season with tall boots and tights.
Shop Summer Dresses
Classic White Options
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
I can’t possibly talk about summer dresses without mentioning a few all-white options. A classic in any summer-weather-lover’s wardrobe, my favorite picks for this season include a lacy options from Banana Republic and romantic casual frocks from Anthropologie and Hill House Home.
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J.Crew Collection Limited-Edition Feather-Hem Shirtdress
Banana Republic Isa Cotton Dress
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Hill House Home Athena Nap Dress
The Somerset Collection Maxi Dress: Cutwork Edition
WAYF Convertible Strapless Dress
Linen Wonders
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Just like white frocks, the best linen dresses are my go-to when the weather heats up. The famously lightweight fabric was basically designed to be worn when scorching temperatures roll in. But, they needn’t all be white, as evidenced by a few picks from SIR and Everlane.
Reformation Marcie Linen Maxi Dress
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J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Dress in Blue Gingham Linen
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Quince 100{588b6a73d0fd0030a7dfcc3258d1c6d259509b7ec0f2eecf331d98a5c91e6f21} European Linen Shirt Dress
Everlane The Linen Workwear Dress
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Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Print Play
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
While florals are massive for spring (obviously) think outside of the garden when it comes to finding your favorite printed spring dress. Abstracted versions in bright colors (like the one below from FARM Rio below) provide just enough punch while still coming in a classic shape. Or, stick to classically pretty picks from brands like Tanya Taylor.
& Other Stories Ruched Frilled Edge Mesh Dress
Ulla Johnson Phoebe Midi Dress
MELLODAY Print Tie Waist Dress
FARM RIo Gathered Printed Crepe Midi Dress
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Tanya Taylor Harley Dress
Pretty in Pink
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
While Barbiecore raged on in 2022, remnants of the trend can still be seen in the sheer amount of pink dresses on the market right now. Whether you’re shopping for a great wedding guest dress or just another option to throw on ahead of a date night, I’ve got you covered with these picks from Lioness, Zara, Lulus, and more.
Lioness Rendezvous Strapless Ruffle Midi Dress
Zara Short Satin Effect Dress
Treasure & Bond Woven Favorite Slipdress
Danielle Guizio Backless Satin Mini Dress
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Lulus Feeling Like Forever Rose Jacquard Organza Lace-Up Midi Dress
FP Beach Ruffle Romance Midi
Maxi Effect
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Wearing a longer frock in the summer might seem counterintuitive, but maxi-length dresses are rapidly growing in popularity right now. Available in a variety of fabrications ranging from slinky slip dresses to delicate sheer options, long dresses are going to be surprisingly versatile in your collection right now and even as we transition into fall. Ahead, shop options from COS, DISSH, and more.
COS Strapless Ribbed Bodice Maxi Dress
City Chic Passion Smocked Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress
DISSH Lulu Ombre Midi Dress
Jacquemus Open-Back Stretch-Knit Maxi Dress
Norma Kamali Open-Back Stretch-Mesh Gown
Meet The Expert
Rickie de Sole is the Women’s Fashion Director at Nordstrom.
