The weather has finally started to warm up here in the UK, and this can only mean one thing: dress season is officially here! Of course, you’ll still find me in my versatile jeans and breezy linen trousers for the time being; however, when summer officially comes around, I always turn to dress as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. And ahead of the new season, I decided to go on the hunt for some on-trend dress styles that feel fresh and elevated for 2026.
My first port of call? The runway, of course. And as someone who works in fashion and, in turn, tracks trends for a living, I’ve already spent hours scouring the spring/summer 2026 runways to determine which dress trends will dominate the upcoming summer season. And you’ll be pleased to know that the vast majority of them feel wearable, and equal parts trendy as they do timeless. Not to mention, I can guarantee you that you’ll spot the chicest editors, influencers, and fashion people wearing at least one of these this season.
From pretty polka-dots to elegant drop-waist silhouettes, below, I’ve rounded up the five dress trends that every it girl will be wearing in summer 2026.
5 Dress Trends Every It Girl Will Be Wearing This Summer
1. Drop-Waist
(Image credit: Phan Dang Hoang, Buttonscarves, Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If there’s one dress trend a minimalist like myself can fully get on board with, it’s the drop-waist silhouette. It makes for an interesting and eye-catching silhouette without feeling too out there. Plus, this elegant dress style will lend itself particularly well to more formal events, especially with the wedding season just around the corner.
Shop the Trend:
Topshop
Dropped Waist Maxi Dress
Simple, chic and easy to style.
Staud
Gwen Cotton Minidress
This mini iteration is perfect for holidays.
Free People
Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi Dress
This comes in 16 other chic colours.
MANGO
Contrast-Bodice Dress
I’d wear this with loafers to the office, and then swap these out with kitten heels for a dinner date.
2. Polka-Dot
(Image credit: Vetements, Sa Su Phi, Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Polka-dot dresses are set to be everywhere yet again this summer. They’re elegant, timeless, and can be taken from day to night with ease. I’ll personally be styling mine with a pair of ballet flats or strappy flat sandals for the office, and heeled flip-flops for summer evenings out.
Shop the Trend:
This is one of Rixo’s bestselling dresses for very good reason.
ZARA
Zw Collection Halter Dots Dress
Wear with sandals, ballet flats and heels alike.
H&M
Halterneck Satin Dress
Perfect for a summer night out.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Ruffled Polka-Dot Cotton-Blend Mesh Midi Dress
Straight from the runway.
Friends Like These
Polka Dot Midi Dress
No one will guess this from the high street.
3. Nightie
(Image credit: Ferragamo, Victoria Beckham, Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Wearing a “nightie” dress outside of your house might initially feel daunting. But trust me when I say they’re actually incredibly easy to style, due to the fact that this statement dress stands on its own with minimal accessories needed. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward dress that you’ll rely on from now until early autumn, not to mention it’s the perfect style to wear in the warmer weather.
Shop the Trend:
ZARA
Zw Collection Satin Lace Dress
Dôen never lets me down.
Miu Miu
Silk Jersey Dress
I love the contrast cups.
Chloé
Lace-Trimmed Minidress
The prettiest shade of pink.
Anthropologie
Lace-Trim Slip Dress
This chartreuse and teal combo is calling to me.
4. Two-Tone
(Image credit: Akris, Lili Blanc, Magda Butrym Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you’re more of a pared-back dresser and unlikely to branch out from your neutrals, then the two-tone monochrome dress trend thats set to dominate this season is the one for you. Not only does this style feel more elevated than your typical one-coloured dress for summer, but this cohesive and high-contrast trend will look expensive and polished at any price point.
Shop the Trend:
MANGO
Two-Tone Satin Dress
SIMKHAI
Jolie Bow-Detailed Velvet-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress
Reformation
Jillian Silk Dress
Sandro
Two-Tone Mini Dress
This iteration from Sandro has such a retro feel to it.
PROENZA SCHOULER
Daliah Satin-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress
It’s no surprise that Proenza Schouler has created one of the most elegant dresses I’ve seen in a very long time.
5. Draped
(Image credit: Christopher Esber, Balmain, Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2026 – Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Draped silhouettes are nothing new, but for summer 2026, luxury fashion houses have taken it to the next level with even more exaggerated draping that feels both fresh and elevated, but equally as romantic in a way that lends itself to formal styling with ease. The best part? It will act as the focal point of every summer outfit, allowing me to keep the rest of my accessories pared back just as I like.
Shop the Trend:
& Other Stories
Draped Jersey Mini Dress
Perfect for in or out of the office.
reiss
Asymmetric Draped Midi Dress
HUGO BOSS
Slim-Fit Dress With Gathered Details
Just look at the draped waistline!
Entire Studios
Draped Cotton-Blend Minidress
This chocolate hue makes for a nice point of difference from black.
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