Dresses are a mainstay in a summer wardrobe, and there are some cool pieces to know about for the season ahead that you’ll want to add to your suitcase. Curious to find out which styles our editors are excited to add to their shopping carts right now, I asked them to weigh in about the styles they’ll be wearing in the coming months, as well as the outdated summer dress trends they are skipping in 2022. That isn’t to say that these dress styles need to be completely ditched, but rather, we aren’t investing in them as new buys right now.
Ahead, Who What Wear editors are sharing the eight dress styles they’re skipping and the eight cool styles they would recommend ordering right now. Go on to see which ones made the cut and the exact pieces to order for the season ahead.
Based on the F/W 22 collections, long maxi hemlines are set to be one of the biggest trends for fall, but it’s never too early to adopt them into your wardrobe. There are so many takes on the floor-sweeping hemlines that you’re sure to find one that feels right for you.
“I haven’t bought one yet, but a chic little tube dress is topping my shopping list for this summer. The ’90s sexy sophistication of all is just my speed. This season, I’m less interested in the kind of romantic, ruffly, puff-sleeve dresses that have been dominating the last few years.”
“This summer, I am skipping the tie-dye slip dress we saw everywhere last summer and shopping for crochet instead. You still get that carefree, ‘summer of love’ vibe without appearing to be too trendy. Crochet is a limitless fabric because it comes in so many iterations the opportunities are endless. My favorite ways to wear it are as a maxi dress moment or over my favorite [swimwear].”
“While tiered babydoll dresses are playful and fun, this summer I’m setting them aside in favor of sleeker silhouettes. I’m particularly fond of chic halter neck silhouettes with delicate string ties. They’re super flattering (not to mention Insta-worthy).”
“This summer, I’m not as into puff-sleeve dresses as I once was. While I wouldn’t go so far as to name them ‘out,’ it’s a silhouette that feels a touch too sweet for my personal style. Instead, simple little ’90s minidresses are on my mind. They’re uncomplicated, low-key, and best of all, easily styled for day or night depending on the accessories. I just added this white number to my closet and I’ve already been wearing it nonstop.”
“Though linen sundresses have long been a summer staple, this season, I’m focusing my attention on maxi-length silk slip dresses that can easily be dressed up or down all depending on shoes and accessories. Not only are they versatile, [but] they’re also breezy and comfortable enough to wear on even the hottest days.”
“Ribbed knit dresses are certainly very comfortable, but they’re a little too clingy for my taste. I like something with a little more structure. Lately, I’ve been into shirtdresses that almost just look like oversize button-downs.”
“To be clear, it’s not that I’m skipping out on cutouts, it’s just that at this point I have to accept that I’m fully stocked (and therefore banned from further investing). Right now, I have my eye on the quietly trending wrap dresses that are having themselves a little moment. Happy maxis by the OG Diane von Furstenberg always feel like vacation in a dress, but I’m also eyeing modern takes like this very chic, minimal style by Mara Hoffman, and this oversized number by Cecilie Bahnsen is 100% set to become my default dress this summer.”
