The dresses you’ll be seeing everywhere this summer

Summer isn’t summer until you’ve stepped out in a new sundress, and while it’s still a few months away here in Australia, the recent warm weather has us getting prepared.
It can feel like we’re always playing catch-up in the southern hemisphere, with summer styles having just reached the end of relevance for our friends up north. However, we know exactly what will be trending, so we can be prepared once December arrives.
Drop-waist silhouettes, white dresses, bold prints, and puffy silhouettes were the trends adapted from the runway this year so we’ve rounded up options for each category (and some that span several) to help you get started on your summer wardrobe.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
This can be a difficult silhouette to nail, but we love this option from Atmos&Here. Simple colouring makes the shape of the dress stand out, and you can always build up your look with accessories. Now on sale in both colours for $69.99, you can also grab it here in white.
Another dress that leads from a tank into a longer, fuller skirt, this option from Glassons is both chic and affordable. Coming in classic black, this can serve as a staple piece that you can style in myriad ways.
White sundresses will always be a summer staple, but they’re particularly trendy this year. This midi-length dress from Sndys is now on sale, featuring a button-through front and subtle ruffles to the neckline. Pair it with simple jewellery and your favourite sandals for a complete look.
Shirring is a comfortable feature of summer dresses, offering a touch of extra support. This simple dress from Staple the Label also features a flowing skirt and wide straps for easy summer dressing.
This crisp mini dress comes in a classic summer silhouette. With button-down detailing, it also has an adjustable buckle on the back if you need to adjust the fit.
With a white base and subtle drawings, this Forever New number is giving ‘European summer’.
If you like a print, but want to keep it sensible, this lightweight dress from Country Road is ideal for summer. Perfect for a weekend, or even a low-key day in office, it features a simple striped print and a cinched waist for shaping.
Putting a twist on classic floral, this green slip dress features a black print and lace trim detailing to the V-shaped neckline.
This shift dress from Aere features a delicate floral print that won’t age.
Australian label Kivari specialises in summer-ready dresses, infusing bright colours and prints into their pieces. This simple tie-front dress can be worn a few different ways, and dressed up or down as you please.
If prints are definitely your thing, look no further than Alemais. The label specialises in bright colours, drawings, and interesting silhouettes. The Jet Midi Dress also features the rounded silhouette that’s popular this year with its puffy sleeves.
While sleek silhouettes are usually the go-to, the return of the bubble skirt has seen volume become more popular. This pale blue piece from Aere has a subtle puff sleeve and a drop-waist design, making it ideal for summer 2024.
This boxy fit from Camilla and Marc is a staple that’ll last for years. With a wider silhouette, it also features cornelli embroidery and a button-through design.
While less of a ‘puffy’ silhouette, season trends also favour tank-top style bodices that lead into fuller skirts. This dress from Odd Muse has a delicate square neckline and a light sage tone.
This chocolate-toned dress has an adorable bubble skirt and a strapless bodice. Available in a range more colours, you can check it out in white, black, and cornflower blue.
A ‘special occasion’ dress, this stunning floral number from Aje is an investment piece. Perfect for someone who goes to a lot of weddings or big events, you’ll get plenty of wear out of its simple print and trendy silhouette.
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