Summer Dress Guide for 2024

Now that false spring is behind us and the warmer weather is finally here, I’ve been keenly perusing our dress options. Dresses are magical. Pop one on and you’re ready to go - true instant style.

There were several years during my 20s that I exclusively wore dresses, so I do fancy myself a bit of an expert. Here’s my hot tip for you: the most important part about purchasing a dress is knowing what cut you enjoy wearing the most: maxi? mini? flowing? cinched waist? fitted? sleeveless? When you know the cut you’re looking for, the decision becomes much more simple.

Overwhelmed already? To help make it more simple, I’ve selected and categorized over 50 dresses for you to check out.

As always, message me anytime. I will always reply and love helping you feel awesome in whatever you wear.

Without further ado…

Crisp Whites

*Square-neck midi dress,* *Banana Republic*, *V-neck poplin dress,* *Tory Burch*, *Pointelle knit dress,* *Hilary MacMillan*, *Square neck cotton poplin midi dress,* *Loulou Studio*, Oversized shirt dress, Cos

Classic, timeless, tried-and-true, the white dress is a warm weather staple for good reason. Keep it dressy with pointed-toe flats and a handbag, or lean into the preppy trend by popping on a pair of runners and a baseball cap. Yes - tossing a cardigan over your shoulders is very approved.

If you want to bring a strong dress game to work, stick with a fit and flare classic like a square-neck midi dress or an uber-polished v-neck with a cinched waist. Personally, I’ll be throwing on an easy oversized shirt dress and pairing it with a simple leather tote and chunky platform sandals because who needs a dress code, anyway?

For more casual fits, I love the flirty hemline of this knit dress, or the no-nonsense styles on the other end of the spectrum.

Style tip: test out the transparency of the fabric, and nude undies always. 💯

Blues

*Striped shirt dress,* *J.Crew, Striped button up dress,* *Frame, Waimari crocheted cotton-voile dress,* *Net-a-Porter, Max Mara striped dress,* *Turnabout, Maxi dress in a dotted crepe de chine,* *J.Crew, Max Mara navy & white striped midi dress,* *VSP Consignment, Blue tile dream maxi,* *Farm Rio*

Blue stripes and patterns are such a fresh take on summer dressing. If you want to step it up from a white t-shirt and jeans, a dress with a hint of blue is a great option. Sticking with classic cuts like a striped shirt dress or a fitted knit are great for the uninitiated, but I’ll personally be pushing my own boundaries with more flowy fits, where I can experiment with subtle frills or higher neck lines.

I know that your arms are lovely and would love to be freed from the confines of that top, so let’s say f*ck modesty and (deep breath) go all out with some strapless dresses! Seriously, you’re gorgeous, and you’ll look stunning in an intricate lace-trimmed dress with wide straps, a simple dotted crepe-de-chine fabric, or in a very playful patterned maxi.

Style tip: wear what you feel wonderful in. If you need a second opinion, message me anytime!

Casual

*Twisted-back ribbed dress,* *Simons, Maxi t-shirt dress,* *Herskind, Black flared midi dress,* *Rue Sophie, Rib-knit midi dress,* *Simons, Ulla Johnson beige cotton ribbed dress,* *VSP Consignment*

Not all dresses are created equal: when you’re juggling school runs, sitting on the grass in the park, dealing with coffee spills, and managing sweat stains, sometimes a hearty cotton-jersey fabric is just what you need. The t-shirt dress maxi is a staple for me because it looks great with sandals or sneakers, doesn’t have high maintenance washing instructions, and bends and flexes with my body, easy peasy. I prefer roomier versions of a maxi t-shirt dress.

For those that love a fitted knit dress, I highly recommend considering ribbed-knits in neutral colours. These look mega-babe with a hat and sneakers, and some layered necklaces.

Also, how cute is this button-front knit dress? Pop on some brown suede Birkenstocks and you’re masterfully nailing the ‘put-together-but-somehow-casual’ look. How does she do it?!

Style tip: if it’s a cooler day, add an undone white button down over top.

Denim

You’ve heard that country style and western-dressing is all the rage, but I promise you don’t have to sport cowboy boots or a bolo tie to rock the look.

Dip your toe into a trend with a piece you’ll actually wear often - trend or no trend. If I had money to burn and was a true size medium, I’d be nabbing this consigned Prada dress. However, the budget is pretty tight with this tidy little media business I’m trying to build, so I will likely grab either a loose-cut shirt dress or a longer denim dress with a cinched waist.

For those that love to let their stems out to play, the options are endless!!

Style tip: pair your denim dress with a neutral leather sandal and suede bag. To get the look of the moment, the shoes and bag don’t need to match - varying shades of a similar colour will be perfect.

Pop of Colour

*Short sleeve bias dress,* *Silk Laundry, Strappy dress in textured gauze,* *J.Crew, Philosophy D Lorenzo maxi dress,* *Mine & Yours, Linen-blend midi dress,* *Banana Republic, Sleeveless textured midi dress,* *Anthropologie, Button-front lemon print,* *J.Crew, Bevza dress with side cutouts,* *Absolutely Fabrics*

I love it when you all dress like you’re juicy starburst candies!!!

For our colourful lot, I’m partial to the options from Silk Laundry, however sweat marks are a concern for this sweaty b*tch. If you don’t have that issue (or just DGAF) check out this Canadian brand’s fantastic options for a luxury fabric.

So, what makes a dress a ‘summer dress’? Ruched details and bow straps, cut-outs , and bold prints. Shorter hemlines in bright colours, crocheted patterns , and sheer fabrics also do the trick.

Style tip: keep accessories to a minimum and let the dress do the talking.

Cocktails with the girls / Date night

*One-shoulder midi dress,* *Madewell, Faithfull the Brand fringe trim dress,* *Net-a-Porter, Tessa dress in linen,* *Eliza Faulkner, Velvet slip dress,* *Vince, Fringe trim dress in twill,* *J.Crew, Black satin midi dress,* *LESET, Jean Paul Gautier cage trompe l’oeil dress,* *Net-a-Porter*

Weekend plans? Honestly, please invite me so I have an excuse to wear literally any single one of these fantastic dresses. Fun details like long fringe or girly frills, raw hems or (yes!) velvet are all in play this summer for those warm nights on a patio.

My personal favourites are the very grecian goddess-esque one-shoulder dresses, and the incredibly deep-v necklines. For those who are extra into the fun, please do me a solid and send me a photo of you wearing the Jean Paul Gautier print dress! It is FANTASTIC.

Style tip: laugh as loudly as you feel like, and have fun.

Breezy Neutrals

*Linen Kaftan Dress w/ waist tie,* *Banana Republic, Capitaine shirtdress in linen,* *J.Crew, Linen patchwork dress,* *Anthropology, Tiered seersucker dress,* *Hilary MacMillan, Paloma halter dress,* *Bird & Knoll*

Flowing neutral dresses in linen and linen-blend fabrics are at the top of my summer wardrobe staples list. They’re ever-stylish, breathable, and look extra-luxe against that slightly bronzed skin (spf 50+ foreverrrr).

Get extra coverage on your beach day with a longer kaftan dress, or hit the town with a strapless ruched-waist dress. I love a waist-tie for a little more definition, and a very flowy halter dress when I want to feel posh but am inevitably bloated from having too many fish tacos.

Style tip: add simple gold jewelry, brown leather sandals, and a raffia bag for anything from the farmer’s market to happy hour.

Preppy

*Polo sweater dress,* *Tory Burch, Twofer tennis dress,* *Anthropologie, Thom Brown tennis dress,* *VSP Consignment, Pleated golf dress,* *Tory Burch, Sacai striped shirt dress,* *Turnabout*

“Preppy” isn’t a trend…it’s a lifestyle!

For those who are dying to pull out those bright white tennis sneakers and pristine white baseball hats, you must be loving the preppy trend. Thank you Zendaya and her horny tennis movie for cementing the preppy look this season.

That said, you don’t need to play tennis or golf to sport the look. My favourite pieces in this category by far are the Tory Burch dresses - her long-sleeved polo dress, and the pleated golf dress are pristine, fun, and functional. She’s the OG prep-master.

Style tip: if you’re not sure you want to go all out prep, test more versatile looks like a twofer dress or a more unique take on the shirtdress.

Elevated

*Odetta pleated maxi,* *Banana Republic, La Ligne green smocked dress,* *VSP Consignment, Tiered maxi,* *Frame, Long-sleeved ponte fabric dress,* *Eliza Faulkner, Off-the-shoulder cotton jersey maxi,* *Loulou Studio*

I like to think of myself as high-maintenance low-maintenance.

To be low-maintenance requires some up front investment: if I take care of my skin, I need less makeup. If I take my vitamins, my hair is nicer. If I wear a slightly elevated dress, I look put together without even trying. It takes a bit more cash for the lasers and the supplements and the high-quality fabrics and cuts, but it pays off…big time.

Pretty pleats, excellent cuts, unique styles, piped details, and off-the-shoulder looks are all worthwhile for your summer wardrobe, especially if you know you’ll wear it frequently. I adore the Eliza Faulker number for a cooler date night. Hot with sandals in June, and hot with leather boots in October.

Style tip: pick one, wear it often.

Beachy

*Cross-back maxi dress,* *J.Crew, Open-back cover up,* *Madewell, Crochet cover up,* *Madewell, Faithfull the Brand halter maxi dress,* *Mine & Yours, Crochet dress,* *Zara*

Sun-smart girlies know that a beach cover-up is a helpful way to protect your skin. Stylish girlies know that they protect your skin and look freaking great over your swimsuit of choice.

J.Crew finally hit the mark with their cross-back dress, and I am in straight up shock and awe at Madewell’s selection this year. The backless option is my personal favourite. I spotted this consigned dress that is pretty special for the right person, and my friend Z just opted for this gorgeous piece that I had to include!

Yes, I know: Emily, there is no colour! It’s so boring! My personal preference is for a neutral palette in great fabrics - I get way more wear out of my clothes this way. I take great care with my seasonal wear like summer dresses year after year, which means I look forward to opening up the storage container each year because a) I don’t buy ‘trendy’ things and b) certain cuts and fabrics are always ‘in style’, and c) neutrals go with everything.

Style tip: give your beach dress a rinse after a day at the beach, and hang to dry.

Let me know what you land on and send pics! 🖤