We Try Before You Buy: 15 Summer Dresses Our Editors Love
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I have succumbed to this year's neon trend and am a big fan of washed-out acid prints, so I was immediately drawn to Warehouse's fruit salad midi. Admittedly, the glow-in-the-dark effect makes this look like toxic fruit. I'd wear this on weekends with my Vejas.
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"It's bloody M&S! I think this slinky crepe tea dress looks way beyond its price tag. I'm usually in avoidance of tea dresses because I think they can make the fuller-busted like myself look a bit frumpy, but this one is cut so well and is so simple that it works. Added to the fact that its rendered in my favourite shade and we have ourselves a high-street winner." — Hannah Almassi
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"It's taken me a little while to get on board with the fact that minidresses have returned, but thankfully, this season's iterations are super grown-up and elegant. Case in point? This Self-Portrait (I couldn't believe it either) minidress has a stylish '70s spin to it, with the flared cuffs and collared neckline. I also think it would look just as good with strappy heels as it does with chunky sandals." — Joy Montgomery
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I'm a sucker for a floral dress, and Net-a-Porter has just brought one of the prettiest dress labels over to the UK exclusively: Dôen. I love the soft vintage-style print, the shirred bodice and the pretty bows on the shoulders. The fanciest weekend dress I've ever considered buying...
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Available at the Portobello London store.
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"Shirred dresses offer a comfort that few other frock styles can compete with. This one from Zimmerman is light, floaty and super pretty. I'm sold." — Elinor Block
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"I have to admit that I did buy this dress before our try-on trial even began. I had seen the Three Graces founder wearing it at press day and fell in love with everything about it. The comfy, flattering shirred waist, the full skirt to swish around in, the modern sleeves and angelic off-white colour all speak to the Grecian goddess I'd really love to be this summer!" — Hannah
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"I've spotted so many influencers wearing the floral version of this dress on Instagram, and it gives me butterflies every time I think about it, so I decided to try the same dress but in 2019's favourite fabric: gingham. Needless to say, it's love at first sight. The sleeves! The tailored silhouette! It's not exactly a shrinking violet of a dress, but, boy, does it make me feel like a million dollars. I'm sold." — Joy
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When I put on this dress, my team exclaimed, "Emma, your legs!" which might sound like a rather bizarre comment to a colleague, but there's no need to alert HR. It's because I always hide my knees behind printed midi dresses. But this Rhode dress has me sold on the minidress revival. The oversized sleeves and relaxed fit around the waist make it feel really relaxed despite the thigh-high length. This is one of those dresses I won't forget about quickly.
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"I really love kaftan-style and oversized dresses right now, as they seem perfect for a heat wave. They keep you cool but cover you up if you don't want to flash any flesh. I'm especially obsessed with this bright '60s-style print too." — Elinor
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"This splodgy multicoloured print won't be for all the Rixo fans out there, but I'm always inclined to choose something a little off-beat rather than cute or obvious, so this new look from the London label has piqued my interest. It will be a brilliant wedding-guest option, but also pretty cool on holiday with flat sandals and a basket bag. All of Rixo's dresses fit like a dream, and this is no exception." — Hannah
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"If you're looking for a more affordable way to update your summer dress wardrobe, New Look has some great options this season. I love the slightly vintage-inspired tea dress silhouette of this dress, and the tie detailing means you can cinch it around the waist or wear it slightly more loose and flowing. I sized up to get a more casual shape I can wear all summer long with trainers. This will definitely be the dress I reach for during the busy summer months when I have breakfast meetings to dash to before work and don't want to get hot and sweaty." — Mica
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"I love a wrap dress, as they always fit me in just the right places. This one is no exception, and it's especially ideal if you've got a bigger bust. I paired mine with one of my favourite pairs of gold sandals from Aldo (these are a couple of years old now) and am fully prepared to wear this to a wedding this summer." — Elinor
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"I never thought I'd be the sort of person to go for a floaty milkmaid frock, but the moment I put this Free People style on, I fell in love. I think the fact that it's black helps it to avoid looking too boho for my taste, but most of all, the shape is just so flattering, thanks to the shirred bust detail and full skirt. If you need me, I'll be floating round Hyde Park in this baby." — Joy
