I've always been a fan of an LBD. Simple, sophisticated and chic for any occasion. A little black dress is a classic look, but it has kind of been 'done' a lot over the years. For summer 2025, I've actually seen so many of my most stylish friends, and fashion people all over my social feeds turning to another colour for their summer dresses. Just as universally flattering, versatile and timeless: brown is the new black, and I'm here to share the 28 best brown summer dresses to get your hands on for the season ahead.

Although it may initially seem like a more fitting autumn shade, brown is actually a really nice option for summer. Not quite as severe as black, but much more practical than white or cream (spoken like a true toddler mum over here). In fact, browns of all tones, from light beiges to rich chocolates, have been steadily taking over year round for a good few seasons now. Especially for us minimalists who are looking for something a little different, but like to err away from bold colours and prints. Brown is a really polished alternative option to a monochromatic palette, so its domination should really come as no surprise.

I'm personally a huge fan, and over the past couple of weeks I've been compiling a wish list of brown summer dresses as long as my arm. It seems every brand, from luxury designers to affordable high street brands are all embracing the brown dress trend, so it was honestly difficult to cut it down to just 28 styles.

I've come across beautiful but super comfortable everyday options (hello Nobody's Child Colorado dress), and some excellent versions in extended sizes from Reformation and ASOS. There's also some really stunning iterations to dress up with heels for summer events- from Tove's cult tie-front Ceres dress (I've worn my yellow version of this dress to so many weddings) to Sezane's french girl approved polka dot number. I personally love DISSH's fast-selling Gabby dress (as seen on stylist, Hannah Lewis above) and you bet I added COS's eternally chic linen column dress to my basket the second I saw it.

Keep scrolling to see all these and more of the best brown summer dresses...

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.