10 Outdated Summer Dress Trends We're Skipping and 10 We're Buying Instead

Photo:

@emilisindlev

With summer just around the corner, dresses are on my mind. Once the temps hit above 75, there is nothing more blissful than taking a break from my usual wardrobe components and instead, allowing a single item of clothing speak to my entire look. Easy, effortless, and reliable for work, the weekend, vacation, and a myriad of summer occasions, dresses are basically all I want to live in come June, July, and August.

Luckily, there are plenty of fresh styles to get excited about this upcoming warm-weather season. Determined to add some of-the-moment styles to my wardrobe, I did a dress deep dive—and scoured everything from the spring/summer 2023 runways to what's trending on Instagram, as well get plenty of notes from my fellow editors—to see what specific dress styles has the fashion-girl stamp of approval this summer. 

If you too are looking for a summer dress update, below, I’m sharing 10 noteworthy dresses to invest in this year as well as the dress styles I'll be retiring (for now). From the freshest take on floral dresses to sheer fabrics and strapless silhouettes, these dresses below are sure to get you excited for summer.

Skip: Gingham
Wear: Crochet

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

Open-knit and crochet fabrics are everywhere this summer and we're seeing plenty of neutral hues, warm yellows, and metallics come into play. So skip the gingham for now and instead opt for a crochet dress in a sleek and streamlined silhouette to keep the look polished.

Skip: Baby-Doll Silhouettes
Wear: Strapless Silhouettes

Photo:

@jordanarisa

It's all about shoulder-baring strapless silhouettes this summer. Whether you lean into the minimalist '90s trend or go for a bold print or color, the clean silhouette is dominating this season.

Photo:

@aimeesong

The spring/summer 23 runways were rife with beautiful goddess-like draped dresses and irresisitble ruching detail. The fashion set (and retailers) have been quick to jump on the pretty trend and there's no doubt we'll be seeing it in full force this summer.

Skip: Ditsy Florals
Wear: Rosettes

Photo:

@emilisindlev

Skip the ditsy prints in favor of bold and beautiful rosettes this season. The pretty appliqué is a trend-forward way to wear your florals this summer. (And luckily, its dominance continues into fall!)

Wear: Mermaidcore Dresses
Skip: Polka-Dot Prints

Photo:

@emnitta

From shimmery sequins to aquamarine hues and cascading ruffles—the mermaidcore trend is going strong this season and we're seeing plenty of stunning dresses that prove it. Skip polka-dot prints for now and go for something dreamy marine styles instead.

Silky and satin slip dresses always look so alluring and luxe. Go for a lingerie-inspired slip with lace or a '90s inspired silhouette for a look that will take you from day to night seamlessly.

Skip: Corduroy Dresses
Wear: Denim Dresses

Photo:

Getty Images

Denim dresses are in the spotlight this summer after their huge presence on the S/S 23 runways. Whether you go for a loose slip style dress or retro mini dress, you're guaranteed to look altogether on-trend sporting one this summer.

Photo:

@rubylyn

Fresh, fun, and feminine—sheer dresses were one of the biggest trends on the spring/summer 2023 runways—and celebs and fashion girls have been all over the transparent style this season. Leave your leather dresses for another time, and opt for a pretty subtle see-through frock instead.

Skip: T-Shirt Dresses
Wear: Linen Dresses

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

Set aside your casual T-shirt dresses for a breezy linen dress instead. There are so many chic options on the market right now with elevated details that will have you looking effortlessly elegant in an instant.

Photo:

@tamaramory

As we've seen with a number of styles in this story, minimalist chic '90s silhouettes are trending. Take a break from big puff sleeves and opt for a sleek and versatile dress that will literally go with everything in your closet.