As soon as there's even a whisper of sunshine in the UK, it's officially dress season. It's the same every year; the clocks go forward, the pub gardens fill up and I suddenly have a calendar full of reasons to wear warm-weather outfits again. For me, this always starts with a summer dress. Dresses are my favourite kind of wardrobe shortcut. You don't need to think too hard about what to wear with them, they always look put-together and—crucially—they allow for maximum air circulation when the inevitable heatwave arrives.

This season, I'm gravitating towards the same classic styles that come out of storage every year: midis, wrap dresses and airy cotton pieces, but with a 2025 update. Think sculptural silhouettes, bolder colour choices and a subtle return to structure. Whether it's a floral dress I'll wear to death with sandals, or something a bit more tailored I can throw a blazer over, dresses are doing all the heavy lifting in my wardrobe right now.

Every summer, I end up back on NET-A-PORTER, not just because it has everything (it really does), but because the edit always feels one step ahead. There's a kind of ease to the way the site picks dresses that actually work in real life. Not just influencer-on-a-boat-in-Capri life, but running-to-a-meeting-then-out-for-drinks life. I'm not saying I plan my wardrobe around the site's new-in section… but it has been known to shape a few holiday looks.

I've purchased some brilliant pieces from the e-tailer in the past (including the perfect black linen Toteme dress I wore on repeat last year), and this summer's drop is especially strong. From minimalists to maximalists, from those who brunch to those who do the school run, there's something for everyone. The key is knowing what to look for, and I've done that part for you.

This time around, I'm adding a few pieces that fall into the key summer dress categories I know I'll reach for on repeat. I've got an eye on a couple of floral numbers that feel more elevated than tween, and a breezy poplin dress I can wear to the beach and into town. There's also a slip style I've bookmarked for an upcoming wedding, and one perfectly-structured midi dress that'll make dressing for the office in 28°C-degree heat slightly more bearable.

I'm always looking for items that won't date too quickly and will work with the sandals, basket bags and light extra-layer knits I already own, and whilst—yes, some of the pieces are investment buys, they'll work hard in your wardrobe for years to come.

Scroll on to see the summer dress styles I'll be living in this year.

Florals aren't exactly groundbreaking, but this year's crop feels a little more grown-up. Think bold blooms, painterly prints and retro-inspired patterns in wearable shapes that aren't too fussy. I'm after styles that work with chunky sandals, a raffia bag and sunglasses I found at a market last year.

When I'm off on a beach escape or just want to dress like I am, these are the kinds of dresses I pack first: lightweight, minimal effort and high impact. Ideal with a tan and sandy feet.

On days you want to look put-together without trying too hard, a minimalist dress is key. Clean lines, interesting details and nothing too trend-led; these are the quiet heroes of my wardrobe.

Weddings can be tricky to dress for, but these pieces do all the work for you. From countryside ceremonies to city celebrations, they tick the boxes for style and comfort.

Dressing for the office in summer can be confusing, but these dresses help take the guesswork out of it. They're polished enough for meetings, but still cool enough for the tube journey home.

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