I Just Spent Hours Searching for the Best Throw-On Midi Dresses for Summer
Avalon Afriyie wears one of her favourite spring midi dresses.
I’m a firm believer that midi dresses can be worn year-round and styled in myriad ways, whether that’s with a polo-neck and knee-high boots, an oversized jumper or wrap styles worn untied like a flowy bohemian-style cardi. However, come summer, when our choices are less about retaining heat under bundled layers and more about fanciful styling, the midi dress really comes into its own. I’m already envisaging flocking through tufts of overgrown grass and picnicking with friends at the mere thought of wearing a dress without tights.
The efficiency of the summer midi dress is one of its many appeals. In one step, you’re dressed head to toe, with only accessories and outerwear to mull over. They’re just the right length to make you feel warm enough on blustery days yet light enough to see you through stickier temperatures. The same goes for day-to-night styling. Trainers with midi dresses are a match made in heaven, and for eveningwear, swap in a blazer and slip-on heels.
Monikh Dale wears a green floral spring midi dress.
The last few years have seen this style somewhat elevated. We’re seeing puff sleeves, perforated knits, slits and cut-outs, balancing the proportions of fabric-heavy styles, and best of all, they’re timeless.
This season, expect to see midis in a rich jewel-toned pallet with a healthy dose of florals to boot. (Despite what some people believe, I fully think it wouldn’t be summer styling without some pattern.) Also, powder blue, burnt sienna, greens spanning from emerald to chartreuse and cocoa browns are dominating this year, in addition to classic neutrals.
Below is a curation of the best summer midi dresses that have caught my eye lately, from high-street to high-end. If you too go weak at the knees for a midi, you’re in for a real treat.
Queen of throw-on dresses Claudia Berresford wears a orange midi dress with puff sleeves.
Shop Summer Midi Dresses:
This dress is our summer 2023 wardrobe hero.
You can't go wrong with a white linen dress. Maybe just avoid coffee...
This throw-on LBD is so easy to dress up (add heels) or down (swap in sandals).
Matteau's dresses are always worth investing in in my opinion.
For something a little different, this gorgeous Ulla Johnson dress really packs a punch.
I'd wear this dusty pink midi with brown ankle-tie sandals or chunky flip flops.
Dôen is one of my favourite brands for comfy, stylish summer dresses that I'll love and wear forever.
There's something so chic about this tank top midi dress. I love the entire look.
Next Up: I Just Spent Hours Searching for the Best Summer Mini Dresses—You're Welcome
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.
She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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