Débora wears a cream knitted dress from NA-KD.
Living in the UK, where complaining about the lack of sun is part of our identity, I’m always nervous to admit that there’s a lot I enjoy about the cooler climate. At the top of the list is the fact that I find it easier to dress with layers—give me a chunky jumper and a wool coat, and I’m happy out.
While I am also desperately ready for brighter spring days, I find warm-weather clothing trickier to navigate. As soon as it’s too balmy for jumpers, I feel sartorially lost. So, it’s important that I have a few effortless items to chuck on and feel comfortable in. For the past few years, dresses have been a key in fulfilling this role while keeping me looking chic.
I naturally gravitate towards simple dresses; free from details which might date them down the line. It’s a category I allow myself to invest in, so I want any dress I add to my collection to transcend trends and have long-term potential.
I’ve been weighing up my options for spring/summer 2024, and after much to-ing and fro-ing, the following 24 dresses have made it onto my shortlist. There are budget-friendly styles, great for plugging last-minute gaps, and on the other end of the spectrum, I’ve selected a few luxury designs I know will feel special with every wear.
Take a look at my pick of the best simple dresses below, starting at just £28.
The Best Simple High-Street Dresses:
& Other Stories
One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Such an elegant piece for spring and summer evenings.
NA-KD
Fine Knitted Midi Dress
A fail-safe transitional dress.
So understated, but the gathering at the waist makes it look really considered.
Recycled Polyester
Riviera Midi Dress in Lavender Violet
Omnes’ slip dresses are unmatched—especially at that price point.
Black Crochet Trim Seattle Midi Skater Dress
This versatile dress is screaming to be brought on your next holiday, whether you’re headed on a city break or a beach getaway.
ARKET
Oversized Shirt Dress
Dress up with heels and gold-toned jewellery or keep it casual with sandals or sneakers.
Hush
Riley Ribbed Maxi Dress
Hush’s new-ins are so good right now. These ribbed maxi can be worn at the weekend or on holiday with a simple swap of accessories.
& Other Stories
Slim Satin Midi Dress
I can’t not include a classic slip.
COS
Square-Neck Knitted Slip Dress
COS
Contrast-Panel Midi Dress
For a T-shirt-style dress, this looks exceptionally sophisticated.
The Best Mid-Price Dresses
ME+EM
Mixed Media Fit and Flare Maxi Dress
Navy is always a chic colour choice.
Embrace your inner siren with this head-turning number.
Jigsaw
Stripe Jersey Dress | Black
This would also look cool layered over a white T-shirt.
BRIGHT STUDIOS
Mermaid V-Neck Knitted Dress
This exact shade of green is a key colour for spring.
GANNI
White Cotton Poplin Tie String Mini Dress
I’ve seen the top version of this all over Instagram, but the dress has my heart.
Reformation
Tagliatelle Linen Dress Es
Linen is synonymous with the warmer months.
This gives me Kate Hudson in 10 Things I Hate About You vibes.
Whistles
Leather Bandeau Dress
The luxe fabrication does all the talking with this dress.
The Best High-End Dresses
JOSEPH
Silk Satin Clea Dress
This olive green shade is just as versatile as a neutral.
Toteme – INT
Jacquard-Striped Tunic Dress Caramel/cornsilk
Tove
Solene Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
The juxtaposition between the full skirt and the spaghetti straps is perfection.
Victoria Beckham
Cami Fit and Flare Midi in Steel Blue
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring.
THE ROW
Venusia Jersey Maxi Dress
Carry this one through the seasons with a few clever layering tricks.
LOEWE
Anagram Embroidered Ribbed Metallic Cotton-Jersey Midi Dress
With a hint of metallic thread running through it, this shimmery number is made for day-to-night dressing.
KHAITE
Wes Pintucked Silk-Organza Maxi Dress
Prepare to be showered with compliments.
DÔEN
Emmaretta Shirred Gingham Organic Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
It wouldn’t be spring/summer without adding a Dôen dress to your roster.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
+ Net Sustain Nahna Linen Maxi Dress
MARA HOFFMAN
+ Net Sustain Alora Belted Organic Cotton Midi Dress
Wear with trainers, sandals or heels.
