Best 2025 summer dresses: Breezy maxis to party-friendly midis
Shoppers are rushing to get their hands on this limited edition JAG dress that is so comfortable and fits in all the right places.
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Summer is about relaxation but on humid, sweaty days it can feel anything but laid-back. That’s where summer dresses come in — the easiest option for hot days, the perfect shift or wrap dress will become your go-to wardrobe staple.
Dresses are one of the most versatile items in our wardrobe as they can be easily dressed up or down for the beach, office or nights out. They’re also great pieces to layer with knitwear during that spring-summer transition period.
Our top pick is the gorgeous JAG Sunshine Linen Dress. This bestselling dress is perfect for summer and sure to get you a compliment every time. We're obsessed. Plus, it's currently on sale for 20 per cent off.
Another favourite is the Cotton On Romee Maxi Dress. Currently on sale for $48.99, this affordable pick is available in four colourways and is super flattering on all body types.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS
JAG Sunshine Linen Dress, $176 (down from $220) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Exclusive in-house print that's perfect for Australian summer
What to consider: The print may date quicker than a block colour
Material: 75 per cent linen, 25 per cent cotton| Colour: Only one colourway | Size: 6 to 16
What You Need To Know
This mini shirt dress from revived Aussie label JAG screams summer. It is part of the brand's limited-edition capsule, created in collaboration with musician Jess Kent, and we can guarantee it will sell fast. We love the fun food drawings, which are subtle enough not to draw too much attention but also fun enough to add a bit of personality to your outfit.
Cotton On Romee Maxi Dress, $48.99 (down from $69.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Affordable, timeless style
What to consider: Cotton On pieces aren't always the highest quality
Material: Skirt: 100 per cent cotton & Top: 79 per cent cotton + 17 per cent polyester + 4 per cent elastane | Colour: Black, white, chocolate, buttermilk | Size: 6 to 24
What You Need To Know
Available in a large range of sizes, this maxi dress from Cotton On is not only super flattering but also great for multiple occasions. Dress it up or dress it down, however, you wear it you're sure to be the best-dressed person in the room.
Lioness Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress, $109 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic design; flattering; super stretchy material; lightweight; versatile - can be dressed up or down.
What to consider: Light colourways may be slightly sheer; maxi length - may be too long on those that are shorter in height.
Material: 75 per cent rayon, 17 per cent polyester and 8 per cent spandex | Colour: Soft Blue; Black; Blush; Oatmeal and Navy | Size: XXS to XXL
What You Need To Know
The dress of your dreams is officially here: Meet Lioness' Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress. Crafted from a rayon-polyester blend, this lightweight maxi features a gorgeous off-shoulder design, a bandeau neckline, a pleated maxi skirt, and a stylish drop waist. It's easy to dress up with heels for special events like weddings and day parties or down with sandals for baby showers, long lunches, and more.
It's available in multiple colours, including black, navy, blush, and soft blue—our personal favourite and very fitting for spring and summer — and oatmeal, which went viral on TikTok and has since been sold out. Not to mention, eagle-eyed shoppers also discovered that the black colourway of this $109 dress is a 'dupe' for the designer Khaite Marca Dress, which costs a whopping $4600—what a steal!
TikTok comments say the dress is "absolutely beautiful" and they "got tons of compliments".
"SO dreamy and beautiful! Fabric is soft and has a soft metallic threading," one wrote.
"Cute, comfy and pregnancy friendly. True to size," another wrote.
BEST SUMMER WORK DRESSES
Atmos&Here Sara Cotton Sateen Midi Dress, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Sophisticated shape; lined; work appropriate; easy to dress up or down.
What to consider: No stretch.
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Colour: Black and Stone | Size: AU 6 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
This is the quintessential work dress with a little twist. If you’re after something stylish, work appropriate and unique, look no further than this piece from Atmos&Here. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, this sleek and chic midi features cap sleeves, a crew neckline, gathered detailing, a sateen panel detail and a flattering midi length. It's an elevated take on the class black dress, and it's super easy to dress up or down for any occasion.
Atmos&Here Elsa Cotton Twill Mini Dress, $89.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic shape; lined; work appropriate; easy to dress up or down.
What to consider: No stretch.
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Colour: Natural, Black and Blue | Size: AU 6 to AU 16
What You Need To Know
This dress is perfect for those hot summer days at work. It features a standard length that isn't too short and feature sophisticated elements like a boat neckline, wrap detail on the skirt and flattering A-line shape. It's a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down too.
Linen Blend Maxi Shift Dress - Preview - Navy Blue, $60 at Target
Why we love it: Classic navy dress that will last years
What to consider: Made from a linen blend so not the highest quality
Material: Linen/viscose | Colour: Navy, red, cream | Size: 4 to 20
What You Need To Know
This sleeveless maxi is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Whether you're wearing it to a fancy dinner or to corporate work, it seriously will become one of your wardrobe's hardest working pieces. Plus, this is something you can totally wear into autumn with a jacket. It really is the perfect transeasonal piece.
BEST SUMMER PARTY DRESSES
Atmos&Here Maldives Linen Blend Mini Dress, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Bright print great for summer
What to consider: Not made from 100 per cent linen
Material: 54 per cent linen + 46 per cent cotton | Colour: Five available colourways | Size: 6 to 16
What You Need To Know
If you're looking for the ultimate summer party dress, call your search off now. Featuring puff sleeves, a flattering v-neckline and a cinched waist, this mini dress from Atmos&Here is sure to garner tons of compliments.
And if the pink and green tropic print isn't your cup of tea, there are four other available colourways to choose from.
SNDYS x REVOLVE Tahlia Dress, $108.12 at Revolve
Why we love it: Lightweight; perfect LWD; stunning back detail.
What to consider: Unlined; may be too short for those taller than 5'5.
Material: 100 per cent Cotton | Colour: White | Size: XXS to XXL
What You Need To Know
When you think of a summer dress, you think of something short, fun and flirty. This pick from Revolve is just the ticket. Made from 100 per cent cotton in a lightweight linen-like fabric, this easy breezy piece is perfect to throw on no matter the occasion.
The crisscross back straps paired with the bust cut-out help to add a little bit of sensuality while the white colourway ensures it is the perfect summer dress.
Wear with a sleek back bun on a hot, humid night and you will look composed, chic and ready to go.
BEST CASUAL SUMMER DRESSES
Dazie Main Focus Mini Dress, $69.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Staple summer LBD; fully lined; airy.
What to consider: May be too short for those that are tall; no stretch
Material: 100 per cent Cotton | Colour: Black, White, Brown | Size: AU 6 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
This 100 per cent cotton mini dress is perfect for any summer occasion. Whether you’re throwing it on to go to the beach, pairing it with slides to duck down to the shops or popping it on for a few cocktails in the late afternoon, this dress will see you through.
It’s flirty and fun and the simple design means it won’t go out of fashion any time soon.
Cotton On Haven Slip Midi Dress, $41 (down from $59.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Versatile; breathable; affordable.
What to consider: Some reviewers say the white colourway is see-through; it runs small; maybe be too long for those who are petite.
Material: 55 per cent Linen and 45 per cent Viscose-Rayon | Colour: Desert Sage, Black, White | Size: AU 6 to AU 24
What You Need To Know
Made from a linen-viscose blend, this light and airy number will be your go-to all summer long. It features a soft V-neckline, slim straps, splits on the side and the perfect midi length. It skims your figure ever so slightly and looks great when paired with chunky sandals or heels. Wear it to your next lunch with the girls for an easy ensemble.
Available in sizes AU 6 to AU 24, five-star reviewers say it’s the “perfect summer staple” and “effortlessly chic”.
“This is the perfect summer dress with 90s vibes … Nice and cool on a hot day and I will be wearing this non-stop in the coming months! Will def be purchasing more in this style. Dress is true to size,” one wrote.
“Perfect black midi dress for every occasion. Size runs true. Material is nice and not too heavy. Perfect for spring and summer,” another wrote.
Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $146 at SKIMS
Why we love it: Size inclusive; figure-flattering; versatile; stretchy.
What to consider: Some reviewers say it clings; thin.
Material: 91 per cent Modal and 9 per cent Spandex | Colour: Onyx, Heather Grey | Size: XXS to 4XL
What You Need To Know
Like Kim Kardashian’s famous champagne photo shoot this dress broke the internet when it was first released by the shapewear company. To this day shoppers continue to rave about just how comfy — not to mention flattering — this SKIMS dress is.
Unsurprisingly it’s gone viral on TikTok, where the hashtag #skimsdress has been viewed a whopping 674 million times.
Shoppers rave on the video app about how the “amazing” dress “fits like a glove”, with many saying the style is so supportive you don’t need to wear a bra with it either.
Whatever your opinion on the Kardashians may be, the consensus is that this dress is a staple piece you’ll want to invest in for summer.
Sitting Pretty Dress, $89.95 at Showpo
Why we love it: Size-inclusive; lined; flowy silhouette
What to consider: Runs large; may be too long for those shorter than 5'5; may be a bit revealing in the bust area.
Material: 100 per cent Viscose | Colour: Natural, Khaki, Rust, Black | Size: AU 4 to AU 20
What You Need To Know
With a size range spanning from an AU 6 to 20, this effortless summer dress can easily be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. The fitted waistline cinches your waist, while the button skirt allows for a little leg, or none at all depending on your mood.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SUMMER DRESS
There's really no "right" or "wrong" answer when it comes to fashion, it all generally comes down to your personal preference. So, while we can't tell you exactly what to choose - we can tell you a few factors to take into consideration when finding a summer dress that's perfect for you.
Budget: Are you willing to spend a pretty penny on a quality summer dress or are you after an affordable piece?
Material: There are a tonne of summer dresses made from different materials, so you should consider investing in pieces made from pure linen pieces which is lightweight and breathable - they tend to be more expensive, however, pieces made from cotton or polyester tend to be more affordable but are still lightweight and cooling.
Length: Do you prefer a mini, midi or maxi dress?
Occasion: Choosing the right summer dress according to the occasion is generally important. For a casual day out, you could opt for a flowy mini dress pared back with sneakers. For a day party, a tiered midi dress with chunky sandals works perfectly as it's not too casual and not too dressy. For a dressy soiree, a figure-skimming maxi with a kitten heel does the trick.
However, these aren't hard and fast 'rules' but just general ideas of what type of summer dresses you can wear to certain occasions - you can of course wear what you prefer.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
There are many summer dress options available in the market and it’s impossible to test every style out there. However to help you find the best pair, we spoke to Rozalia Russian and asked for her tips on styling summer dresses for a night out, we also sifted through reviews and and ratings from product review sites to help you find the right summer dress for any occasion from budget to premium.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BEST SUMMER DRESS STYLES?
Maxi: A long dress that reaches to at least your ankles, a maxi is a perfect summer option because they are usually made from light materials (plus their long length offers extra sun protection). They’re also versatile and can be easily dressed up or down depending on your accessories.
Halter: Featuring a neckline that goes around the neck leaving the shoulders bare, a halter dress is a sophisticated look perfect for more formal occasions. A floral halter dress is a timeless summer classic.
Shift: Typically short, a shift dress hangs loose from the body, making it ideal for the warmer months when tighter styles can feel too restrictive. Shift dresses are a great office wear or casual summer option.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MATERIALS FOR A SUMMER DRESS?
Linen: Top of the list is linen. Made from natural fibres, linen is woven loosely together meaning heat can escape more easily from the body. It also has the added benefit of feeling cool on the skin, drying quickly and lasting a long time.
Cotton: Affordable and natural, cotton is another excellent choice, especially given it’s so widely available. Cotton is lightweight, soft on the skin and will dry easily if it gets wet with sweat.
Polyester: Ideal for activewear, polyester sneaks its way into many summer dresses alongside cotton. Made from plastic fibres, polyester is sweat wicking and stays cool even when hot.
HOW TO DRESS FOR A NIGHT OUT
Unsure of how to style a dress for a night out? Rozalia Russian told news.com.au it’s all about making sure your clothes fit and feel comfortable.
“Tailoring and wearing the right undergarments is my number one tip. There is nothing worse than being out and about and having to adjust your dress because the straps are too long or your dress is falling down at the bust,” she said.
“I have all my dresses tailored to ensure they fit me like a glove, and I don’t need to worry about adjusting anything while I am out.”
Rozalia also recommends investing in shapewear like Spanx as “not only does it smooth everything out including underwear lines, but it also creates another barrier for those pieces in your wardrobe that are a little bit see-through”.
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