We think our imagination might be playing tricks on us, but what’s that big yellow thing we can see outside. Could it be perhaps… the sun?! After something of a disappointing start to the year, weather-wise, it looks like it's time to get excited for some good weather and better yet, a Summer holiday.
In our dreams we’re on our way to Mykonos. In reality, our destination might be Morrisons, but that doesn't mean you still can't get dressed up for the occasion and make the most of some fabulous weather, be it at home or abroad.
Eager to inject a little dose of sunshine into your summer wardrobe? Fret not, you're in the right place.
A Fashion Week attendee looking glorious in a silk ombre dress in Paris
So whether you're counting down the days to an island hopping trip with friends, or staying closer to home and visiting family. One thing unites all holidays: the need for a bumper selection of holiday dresses, and we have put our heart and soul into compiling the below list for you.
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Gabriella Berdugo wears a full Zimmermann yellow and white look topped off with purple heels in Paris
The best holiday wardrobe dresses:
Off-The-Shoulder Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress
Mare Mare
The Details
- Composition: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
There's something so gloriously flirty about polka dots that just feels right in the balmy sunshine. We adore the wide shape and puff sleeves too.
Mare Mare is a Costa Rican brand, established in Venice and designed in Miami, so it's fair to say they know what they're talking about when it comes to summer dresses.
Minnie Bow Cami Dress
Sister Jane
The Details
- Composition: 70% Polyester, 30% Bamboo Fibre
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Sister Jane can always be relied upon for their wedding guest dresses and party ensembles, but don't snooze on their effortless sunny day offerings either.
Fully lined with godet inserts and adorable bow trims, in the brightest red hot hue.
Arizona Lace Bust Slip Dress Brown
Hayley Menzies
The Details
Editor's Note
Hayley Menzies is renowned for making clothes for women who want to have fun, and get noticed. Sign us up!
Bias cut and midi length, this animal print dress sports a daringly low back and metal eyelet detail too.
Ursula Embroidered Denim Midi Dress
Kitri
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 6-16
Editor's Note
Denim doesn't have to be relegated to solely shorts come summertime. The fabric works beautifully in dresses and skirts alike, and we adore the floral embroidery here.
This motif on this sleek '90s-inspired column dress was inspired by ancient Greek flora and ceramics. Take us to Rhodes, at once!
Spring Pink Crochet Dress
Oceanus
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Editor's Note
Oceanus make dresses and bikinis that will make you want to stampede a Superyacht. This delicate crochet number will look just as amazing on the bus, we promise.
We love the soft pink case of this crochet dress, something a little different from the cream offerings we're inundated with at this time of year. Pair with big gold jewellery.
Hyacinth Lace Spliced Midi Dress
Urban Outfitters
The Details
- Composition: Nylon
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Urban Outfitters have released this dress before in different colours, so when we spied it slip back into stock in this oh-so-delicate ivory, we added to basket in a flash!
Featuring a sweetheart neckline and asymmetric ruffle hem, this dress is guaranteed to make you feel like a fairy, and perfect for frolicking through the fields in.
Rio Ruffled Silk Gown
Rixo
The Details
- Composition: 100% Silk
- Sizes: 6-16
Editor's Note
Ultra feminine with its chiffon ruffles, this silk crepe de chine gown is perfect party fare, but we say it's too good to save solely for special occasions
Designed to be slightly fitted under the bust and floaty from the waist down, it has a plunging open back and ties that draw you in.
Genevieve Mini Dress
Free People
The Details
- Composition: 68% Viscose, 28% Nylon, 4% Elastane
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Who could have predicted that balloon hems would be the hit of summer 2024? The drop-waist silhouette on this cute number has tie-up shoulder straps and a soft pink hue.
Very versatile, we say pair with red trainers during the day for day trips, and switch out for a killer pair of platforms come sunset.
Pure Cotton Beaded Midaxi Beach Dress
Marks & Spencer
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 8-24
Editor's Note
There's nothing we wouldn't buy in good old M&S, and there's not many places whose knickers, bread and summer dresses are all equally covetable.
Pure cotton for extra comfort, with adjustable straps and a shirred bodice for a perfect fit.
Blue Summer Foliage Scarf Organic Cotton Mini Dress
Farm Rio
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
We have to thank Brazilian brand Farm Rio for injecting sartorial sunshine into any wardrobe that needs a bit of resuscitation. You can guarantee gorgeous prints and bright, bold colours.
This vibrant botanical pattern is made up of lush green and sun-kissed yellow, and the relaxed fit and bishop sleeves guarantee comfort.
Lightburst Floral Printed Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Zimmermann
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 00-4
Editor's Note
Zimmermann excels at romantic summer dresses you'll be yearning to keep wearing even after the Mercury plummets.
Everybody needs light, airy cotton come summertime, and this super wide a-line shape reduces the chance of getting all hot and bothered (unless that's what you're after of course).
Chelsea Strap Mini Dress
Rebecca Vallance
The Details
- Composition: 98% Polyester 2% Elastane
- Sizes: 4-16
Editor's Note
If you spend your summers wanting to look like a mermaid goddess, this dress is the answer. Sleek white silhouette with gold seashell detailing. We say nab it before Ariel does.
This adorable dress sports a cowl neckline, fitted bodice with boning, a cinched waist and an a-line mini skirt. Topped off with golden shells, of course.
Cream Polka Dot Satin Maxi Dress
Self Portrait
The Details
- Composition: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: 4-16
Editor's Note
We've never met a Self Portrait dress we didn't like, and this polka dot baby is no exception. Team with clashing accessories (we vote fuschia or orange) to stand out from the crowd.
This dress sports a strappy neckline, corsage detail and a long, slippery skirt, perfect for dashing through the streets of Paris (or Portsmouth) in...
Penny Gingham Ruffle Tiered Midaxi Dress
Neon Rose
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Neon Rose are known for their perfectly pretty prints. We adore their gingham offerings but highly recommend checking out their postcard and fruity prints too.
This square neckline is super flattering, and is teamed with ruffle trims for a romantic touch and green ric rac, perfect for a picnic we say.
The Details
- Composition: 100% FSC Viscose Georgette
- Sizes: XXS-XL
Editor's Note
When we close our eyes, we're dancing on a beach somewhere in a Rat & Boa dress, while sipping on a cocktail, and this flirty mini is perfect for shimmying across the sand.
We say keep accessories simple (a cross-body bag for the essentials) and let the drama of this glorious butterfly print speak for itself.
Laguna Fringed Ruffled Crochet-Knit Cotton Maxi Dress
ESCVDO
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Balmy nights and sunset-hued crochet go together like ice cream and a big dollop of chocolate sauce. Perfection. Ideal for a sunset dinner gazing at the ocean or the dessert menu.
This cotton crochet is achieved by five different types of stitching, and is topped off with a fringed trim that swooshes in a very satisfying manner.
Josie Square-Neck Mini Dress
Forever New
The Details
- Composition: 72% Lyocell, 14% Linen, 14% Polyamide
- Sizes: 6-16
Editor's Note
This bright orange mini dress was born to be worn with big gold jewellery and a raffia bag (aka your staple holiday accessories), or would make the most beautiful contrast with bright turquoise. Heaven!
Fluttery sleeves, a square neckline and circle skirt make this dress very flattering and nice and comfy too. Perfect for adventures and cocktail-sipping alike.
Mosaic Crochet Midi Dress
Aje
The Details
- Composition: 65% Viscose, 35% Nylon
- Sizes: XXS-XL
Editor's Note
This dress might look relatively simple up top but the asymmetric hem with intricate crochet detailing really amps up the drama.
Team with silver accessories for a very sophisticated holiday look, and this probably goes without saying but perhaps avoid eating spaghetti bolognaise or anything a bit 'splashy' in this one.
The Details
- Composition: 5% Viscose, 35% Rayon, 10% Polyester
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
No one does a fun silhouette quite like Celia B, and this gloriously joyful dress is part of a collaboration with fellow maximalist Zandra Rhodes.
Teaming elegance with playfulness, this perfect summer dress has a front slit and a slightly low back.
Pia Dress - Pastel Stripe
Damson Madder
The Details
Editor's Note
If your Tik Tok feed is anything like ours, you can't swipe more than a few minutes without stumbling upon an outrageously gorgeous Damson Madder dress. Our summer pick is this pastel stripe midi with shirred bust.
Choose whether to wrap the multi-way tie around the dress for a bow-bandeau effect, or wear as a halter neck.
Cobalt Check Immy Dress
Pink City Prints
The Details
- Composition: Cotton
- Sizes: XXS-L
Editor's Note
Dorothy called, and she wants her dress back. But frankly she can't have it, it's far too perfect for our summer jaunts. Sorry Toto.
Oh we love a patch pocket! This dress boasts the cutest touches from ric rac hems to tie-shoulder scalloped straps.
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton Poplin
- Sizes: 6-14
Editor's Note
Airy as a cloud, this statement mini dress is printed in the brand's hand-drawn Blue Hydrangea print.
Featuring short voluminous sleeves and a frill at the neckline, this dress is the perfect ode to whimsy carefree holiday dressing.
Corfu Midi Dress - Azure
Seafolly
The Details
- Composition: 100% Linen
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
This print transforms us to a Greek island, and we are not mad about it in the slightest. We'll be popping ours over a bikini and wearing with an absolutely massive raffia bag.
Has adjustable straps, a V-neck line and an effortlessly relaxed slip shape.
Winnie, 100% Linen Dress Poldark
Dear Prudence
The Details
- Composition: 100% Linen
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
This effortlessly wearable linen dress offers summer comfort but still packs a sartorial punch. We adore this softer-than-soft lilac shade.
We're big fans of this slow fashion brand that's committed to making as little environmental impact as possible (and works with a small family run factory).
Claodia Dress with Black Stripes
Balzac Paris
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
You can always rely on a French brand to deliver effortlessly chic pieces that the majority of us would wear with glee. Merci!
This easy to wear dress brings shape, thanks to a side slit and a flared cut on the hips.
The Details
- Composition: 55% Cotton, 43% Tencel, 2% Stretch
- Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
Minimalists rejoice! Summer doesn't have to mean an abundance of colour and print, as this slick monochrome slip dress proves with aplomb.
Consider this a little black dress, just elevated by white piped trim and sweet cut out.
How we chose:
Aesthetic: Summer dresses have the freedom to be a little more playful than their Wintery alternatives. Summer dressing is a chance to really show off your personal style and I've tried to pick a range of pieces that will prove sartorially inspiring yet comfy too.
Price: I've selected items from a wide range of price points to try and suit most budgets, without compromising on quality.
Why you should trust me?
Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop, and summer ensembles are my jam. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
