If You Thought These H&M Summer Dresses Were Designer, I Wouldn't Blame You

If this onset of glorious weather has you feeling like you're in need of some summer dresses stat, then you're in luck. We found ourselves in a similar position this week and, of course, went straight to our favourite high-street brand for affordable but impressive dresses: H&M. As usual, we didn't walk away disappointed, since the brand's new-in section is positively overflowing with seriously expensive-looking styles that we wouldn't blame you (or your friends) for thinking were designer. You know, the kind of dresses that someone stops you on the street to ask you where it’s from.
I'm wearing H&M's embroidered cotton dress here.
Below, we've put together an edit of the very best ones that will elevate your summer looks now but also last for many seasons to come. There are plenty of pretty, throw-on dresses, which H&M always does so well, but also some more minimalist options that would work for the office and, of course, great wedding guest options that you'll wear again and again after the event.
Most importantly, they are all really versatile, and you could just as easily throw them on with chunky sandals for a beach day as you could with strappy heels for date nights or balmy holiday evenings.
The only thing to note about good H&M dresses is they tend to sell out pretty quickly, so I can't guarantee that our top choices below will be around for long. Keep scrolling, then, to see the edit, and shop the best H&M summer dresses.
Shop the Most Expensive-Looking H&M Summer Dresses
Next up, The Best High-Street Buys We've Seen on Instagram This Month

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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