I Just Spent Hours Searching for the Best Summer Minidresses—You're Welcome

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

We talk a lot about midi and maxi dresses, especially as we fly towards the summer months, but you might have noticed that our mini-dress recommendations are few and far between. This isn't always a conscious choice—frankly, the versatility and comfort offered by longer silhouettes make them an easier and less-risky choice. But, I've recently fallen back in love with mini dresses, and I'm here to tell you why they deserve your attention. Or rather, show you why.

To prepare for the start of the new season, I've spent some time browsing new-in sections and keeping an eye out for styles worth shouting about. On my travels, a selection of mini dresses caught my eye. I've tried out some of the below in-store, but they've also inspired me to rediscover the shorter dresses previously shoved to the back of my wardrobe.

As the temperature rises, so does the temptation to show a little more skin. After all, we've spent the past six months shrouded in layers of wool. Mini dresses are the perfect way to mark the beginning of brighter days by letting the sun hit your legs. If you're worried about thigh-chafing or accidentally flashing your undies, just slip on some bike shorts underneath. 

It might sound like a weak argument, but short hemlines are also just fun to float around in. Particularly the more voluminous shapes courtesy of brands like Döen. Since I started wearing mine a few weeks ago (with sheer tights for the time being), I've really enjoyed the new styling options they offer. Plus, they let me show off my favourite shoes where midi dresses usually detract from them.

But I've done enough chatting—scroll on to see the best mini dresses to add to your repertoire, from simple LBDs to holiday-ready iterations.

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

THE BEST LINEN MINI DRESSES

THE BEST BLACK MINI DRESSES

THE BEST FLORAL MINI DRESSES

THE BEST HOLIDAY MINI DRESSES

THE BEST EVENING MINI DRESSES

Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.