As for the materials to look out for when it comes to the perfect summer dress? Linens and lightweight, breathable cottons are a good place to start. You’ll thank yourself for it on those stuffy/humid days where anything too clingy will make you feel claustrophobic. There’s truly nothing worse. Floaty frocks and maxi and midi styles will, of course, always remain a comfort blanket for most of us, and although a miniature hemline can be quite daunting, don’t shy too far away from them – they’re everywhere this summer and your legs will be grateful for the hit of vitamin D.
How I tested the best summer dresses
As a consumer myself, I think it’s most helpful when you get to see what a dress looks like on a few different bodies before making a decision on purchasing. So that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the last three years (twice a year), with editor-led photoshoots where we show you the best products we’ve recently tried and tested. I rope in a few colleagues every season, and together we try on our favourite new-in styles to show you how they sit/fit/move on us as well as the gorgeous models on the websites. I’m currently planning the SS26 shoot, so below you’ll see some from last season. Stay tuned in the meantime for incoming newness.
Why you can trust me
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for eight years now, attending everything from press days to runways during Fashion Week, witnessing new collections before they hit the market – so I know what’s worth investing in (and what’s not). With that in mind I’ve been compiling a list of summer dresses from my favourite high-street brands to some of the top designer labels. I’ve sourced them via the best online clothing stores, taking things like colour variety, size range, material and price into consideration. And when we get round to testing the new styles I’ve shortlisted below, you’ll be the first to see them styled on a few different bodies.
Scroll down to see and shop 21 new-in summer dresses for 2026.
PSA we’ve also found modest summer dresses and summer dresses with sleeves if you want to cover up a bit more. For more from Glamour UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.