Summer is officially here, and with temperatures soaring, it's finally time to dress for the new season. While admittedly I wear midi dresses all year round, I can never resist updating my collection at this time of year with the pieces dropping online (and selling those dresses that have stayed firmly at the back of my wardrobe).
A midi dress is so versatile as it can be worn with boots or trainers in the cooler weather, and sandals or slides in the warmer months, making them a worthy fashion investment.
From my high street go-to & Other Stories to celebrity-favourite Reformation, now is the time to shop the new-in styles. Expect lighter, brighter colours, breezy fabrics and fun prints. Think white, pink, green, and floral options, as well as long sleeve and satin styles. Plus, of course, I've included a classic black midi dress or two.
Royals and celebrities wearing midi dresses
It's arguably a wardrobe staple, but you'll see some royals wearing midi dresses more than others, and none more so than the Princess of Wales. She's synonymous with a printed midi, pictured here in Rixo's Izzy Dress. The 42-year-old royal looked effortlessly elegant, wearing the look with fresh-faced makeup and a pair of Castaner wedge espadrilles. Kate also likes to pair a floral midi dress with her Superga Cotu classic trainers.
Jennifer Lopez is another celeb who loves a midi, and was spotted wearing Reformation's Tagliatelle dress on her honeymoon in Paris. The Hollywood star looked beautiful in the breezy floral linen dress, which she styled with heeled sandals and oversized sunnies.
© Neil MockfordYou can't go wrong with a white midi dress in the spring/summer season, as proven by Victoria Beckham. Featuring subtle stripes in a floaty cut, I love how she's styled it with colour pop shoes.
How I chose the best midi dresses
- New-in: Your wardrobe deserves a new season refresh, so everything in this edit is from the just-dropped spring/summer collections.
- Style: Summer is synonymous with floral prints so I've made sure to include the prettiest ones available to shop. For colours, I've mostly gone for neutrals, pastels and brighter hues.
- Cut: In the warmer weather most of us tend to lean towards floatier, breezy cuts and dresses with shorter sleeves or spaghetti straps, so I've considered this while curating my edit.
- Fabrics: Our wool-blend midi dresses are now firmly in our winter wardrobes, making way for more lightweight fabrics like linen and pure cotton.
1/14
M&S Pure Cotton One Shoulder Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-24, Petite-Long
Colours available: Black
There's still a place for black dresses in the spring/summer season, and with its stylish one-shoulder design and flattering shirring at the waist, this chic midi from M&S is a must-have.
2/14
Sizes available: EUR 32-46
Colours available: White
Drop hem dresses are having a moment and if you're looking for a wear-everywhere white summer midi, this one is so versatile. The tank midi dress features a ribbed top with embroidered detailing and a gently flared skirt.
3/14
Rixo Seraphina Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-14
Colours available: Angel floral print
Royal-approved Rixo has just dropped the summer midi dress of my dreams as part of their Ciao Lucia collaboration. Cut with the brand's signature empire seam and bias-cut skirt, it features scalloped ruffles at the collar and satin ribbons that tie in a bow.
4/14
Mint Velvet Pink Cotton Tie Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Pink, Black
I love a hot pink hue for summer, and this Mint Velvet midi is the perfect statement daytime dress. Made from 100% cotton, it has a sleeveless silhouette with a V neckline, gathered details and ties in the front.
5/14
River Island Gold Crochet Metallic Bodycon Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Gold, Black, Green, Striped
With its crochet fabric, gold metallic detail and casual cut, River Island's midi dress is ideal for your next holiday. It's fitted and sleeveless with an open back and split hem.
6/14
New Look Daisy Print Ditsy Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-22
Colours available: Red
Inject some colour into your summer wardrobe with New Look's red ditsy print midi dress. The popular piece has a fitted bodice falling to a flared skirt. Style it with everything from chunky trainers to heeled sandals.
7/14
ASOS DESIGN Tie Back Linen Midi Sundress
Sizes available: UK 4-18
Colours available: Black, Oatmeal, Green, Striped
This popular black midi dress from ASOS is a capsule wardrobe piece. It has a stylish square neckline and playful cut-out back detail with a tie fastening.
8/14
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours available: Leopard Print
Leopard print is trending right now, and this button-down shirt-style midi dress can be worn straight through to winter. Style it with everything from strappy heeled sandals to chunky boots.
9/14
Reformation Woodson Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16, Regular & Petite
Colours available: White, Black
With its shirt style, short flutter sleeves and subtle sheer detail, I think Reformation's Woodsen dress is the perfect daytime midi this summer. Wear it everywhere from the office to on holiday.
10/14
Mango Side Slit Long Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-12
Colours available: Blue
Looking for a versatile holiday midi dress? I've found it at Mango. This striped midi comes in pastel shades, and is made from a lightweight linen blend. It pairs perfectly with flat leather sandals and a rattan bag.
11/14
Reiss Stacey Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-18, Regular & Petite
Colours available: Orange
This bright orange midi dress from Reiss hugs the body but has a flattering insert panel that ruches the fabric at the waist. A favourite of both Princess Kate and Meghan Markle, their dresses always expertly mix style with comfort.
12/14
Whistles Sketched Cheetah Dobby Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-20, Regular & Petite
Colours available: Purple
For a unique twist on classic leopard print, Whistles' Sketched Cheetah Dobby Dress comes in this gorgeous purple shade. It features a whimsical tiered skirt and flutter sleeves.
13/14
The Abercrombie & Fitch Mara Vest Midi Dress
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Colours available: Blue, Black, White
Denim dresses are timeless and this one from Abercrombie is a bestseller thanks to its classic sleeveless cut and quality material. Made from the softest denim, it's available in three different shades and three different lengths.
14/14
Nobody's Child Cream Pinstripe Starlight Midi Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-18
Colours available: 12 different colours & prints
Nobody's Child's stripe midi dress is a gorgeous casual piece for the new season. The figure-skimming midi is made entirely from organic cotton, with puff sleeves, pockets, and a pretty line of covered buttons.
