I find summer dressing more of a faff than winter, especially in the heat and humidity. Wearing a tight or restrictive high street summer dress during a hot and humid day has me starting to sweat at the thought of it. My secret solution? Breezy and billowy summer smock dresses, all tiered and terrifically loose to waft around a British beach in.
Finding the sweet spot between summer loungewear and cute fashion, a smock dress is as stylish as it is sweat-free. Typically tiered, they're voluminous in shape and oversized, without a pinch of a button or a restrictive strap in sight; some come with shirred busts to add a little definition, but the best smock dresses are nothing but big, beautiful swathes of easy-breezy material.
How to style a smock dress
Wondering how to wear a smock dress? They're the perfect pairing to a chunky dad sandal, which helps to balance out the width of the dress, a light loafer reminiscent of a 00s Alexa Chung or dressed up with a block heel; you can even rely on them come autumn, by swapping your sandals for boots and a pair of tights if needed.
I even love to wear a smock dress with slim heels for summer events - there's something about the volume of the dress versus the slimness of a pencil heel.
How we chose the best smock dresses
- Comfort: Although I haven't tried on these dresses, I've only chosen the ones that are breezy - that means nothing tight, nothing restrictive and plenty of flow.
- Price: From £10 to £100, there's a smock dress here for every budget. They can be worn throughout the year, so will work out brilliantly for cost per wear.
- Material: Smock dresses are best in linen, cotton and breathable fabrics, so I've omitted any polyester, polyester blends and synthetic fabrics, known for making you feel warmer rather than cool.
Best smock dresses
Fancy adding a smock dress to your wardrobe? I've done a sweep of the high street for the coolest (if every sense).
Nobody's Child Smock Dress
The Vienna smock dress is created in the cool sounding organic cotton, and the fit looks relaxed and roomy - just the thing for a hot summer's day. I particularly love the cut-out back detail, offering an extra slice of air!
Bonus: Celebrities including Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby love Nobody's Child.
Albaray Linen Smock Dress
Everything about this dress makes me want to relax in the sun with an Aperol Spritz. There's not one tight spot on the maxi-length dress, with a billowy silhouette and comfortable-looking wide straps. It's cut from linen, the ultimate in summer material.
ASOS Smock Dress
With its floral design and cap sleeves, ASOS' smock dress has a retro feel. It's reminiscent of Princess Kate's lemon yellow dress, and would look great worn with white heels.
Farm Rio Midi Smock Dress
Farm Rio's 100% cotton smock dress is the one you never knew you needed; I can envision wearing this all through summer. It looks far more luxurious than the price tag, and has a textured finish on the material for extra style. It looks like a nice, easy fit that won't make you sweat.
New Look Smock Dress
An affordable option from New Look setting you back £29.99, this high street dress comes in sizes 6-22 and would suit every body shape - it really is a universal flatterer! I love the bright cobalt blue colour, another great choice for all skin tones.
H&M Smock Dress
I think this H&M smock dress is a real steal, coming in under £20 and looking super stylish - who doesn't love broderie anglaise detailing for the summer? It's made from poplin, a light fabric, and available in sizes small to extra-large. One to pack in your suitcase, wherever you're heading to on holiday.
River Island Smock Dress
If you're looking for a punchy print, they don't get much bolder than River Island's smudge print smock dress, in orangey tones. The square neckline is a great choice for all bust sizes, especially large busts, and if you've got a great decolletage this is the neckline for you.
Albaray Smock Dress
Gingham prints are always in vogue come summer, and Albaray's gingham smock ticks all the boxes - loose, flowy and in an on point print. Wear with chunky sandals in the summer, or dress up with heels; come winter, add tights and knee high boots. This comes in sizes 8-18.
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