Every year, as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we start taking a long hard look at our wardrobe contents. The somewhat unhealthy attachment to our oversized blazers and favourite straight-leg jeans we developed in winter is happily bid adieu for our summertime staple: the sun dress.
Sure, we can don a dress year-round, but the flowy, strappy and lightweight numbers we wear so freely in the spring and summer months seem to have an unyielding hold on us.
The Best Summer Dresses In Australia, According To marie claire:
From minis to maxis and everything in between, the perfect summer dress is a wardrobe chameleon, with the ability to be dressed up or down according to the occasion (and even be worn with that beloved blazer on cooler nights).
For those following the style set, in 2026 summer dresses strike a balance between nostalgia and romance. Noughties and ’90s silhouettes such as knee skimming midis and slip dresses are prominent, particularly in a polka dot print.
And for those who embrace the ability to show a little—or a lot—of skin, sheer styles are once again in favour. Leaning into the sultry, we’re also seeing loose-fitting silks and lace detailing making nightgown-esque pieces perfectly on-trend.
Whatever your personal style may be, we’ve found the best summer dresses that will get you through any occasion in the warmer months.
Read: If You’re Eagerly Awaiting Summer, Consider This Your Guide To The Best Swimwear Brands
Sheer Summer Dresses
Just when we thought naked dressing had had its moment, sheer dresses are enjoying a second wave. For 2026, the look feels less about barely-there dressing and more about considered layering, with lace maxis, sheer midis and transparent column silhouettes that can be styled over trousers, tonal slips or flowing skirts.
COS
Semi Sheer Layered Wool Mini Dress
ARIANA DEGREAS
Sheer Open-Back Lace Maxi Dress
FLEUR DU MAL
Charlotte Lace Dress
STAPLE THE LABEL
Aria Sheer Layered Midi Dress
Polka Dot Summer Dresses
The 2010s favourite print is back with a decidedly more sophisticated spin. For summer 2026, expect to see polka dots across everything from romantic tea dresses and bias-cut midis to playful mini dresses, with both micro-dots and larger spots making an appearance.
FAITHFULL
Solana Maxi Dress
NUDE LUCY
Serpentine Maxi Dress
H&M
Chiffon Halterneck Dress
REALISATION PAR
The Leila
Silk & Lace Summer Dresses
This summer, we’re seeing delicate lace trims, semi-sheer panels and lingerie-inspired details incorporated into slinky silk slips, bias-cut midis and feminine maxi dresses. Whether it’s a lace-edged neckline, a sheer hem or an unexpected cut-out, the look is all about balancing sensual details with an otherwise pared-back silhouette.
DÔEN
Lise Dress
SIR
Elsia Lace-Trimmed Gown
KIVARI
Anki Midi Dress
MESHKI
Louise
Embellished Summer Dresses
With maximalism firmly back on the fashion agenda, this summer is all about dresses that catch the light. From all-over sequins and glittering metallic fabrics to crystal embellishments, sparkle is making its way into everything from slinky minis to flowing maxis. It’s a little bit glamorous, a little bit playful and an easy way to make an entrance.
DECJUBA
Selena Sequin Midi Dress
MAJE
Ribis Dress
CLIO PEPPIATT
Embellished Mini Dress
RAT&BOA
Gaia Dress
Floaty Summer Dresses
Bohemian style dresses are all about relaxed silhouettes with an effortless approach to summer dressing. Think loose-fitting maxis, softly gathered minis and lightweight fabrics that skim rather than cling to the body. With little need for tailoring or structure, these are dresses you can slip on with a pair of sandals and be out the door—easy, breezy and inherently chic.
RIXO
Sandrine Floral Cotton Midi Dress
CHLOÉ
Gathered Silk-Georgette Mini Dress
COUNTRY ROAD
Scoop Maxi Sun Dress
ALEMAIS
Winifred Lace Mini Dress
Think about your summer wardrobe in terms of your calendar—a considered mix of work-appropriate, day-to-night and holiday-ready styles will give you plenty of versatility. Black and white dresses can be dressed up or down with ease, while bold prints and vibrant colours create instant outfits that can be worn on repeat.
For summer 2026, dresses are taking a more expressive approach, with sheer fabrics, polka dots, lace details and plenty of sparkle all making their way into the spotlight. Floaty, bohemian silhouettes are also having a moment, with relaxed maxi dresses and soft, unstructured shapes offering an effortless alternative to more fitted styles.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
