It’s almost summer, which means it’s time for sunbathing, sea swims and summer dresses.
As the sun dances in the sky, there’s a sense of urgency to seize every sun-kissed moment before summer bids its seasonal adieu.
There is nothing quite like donning your favourite summer dress and dancing the night away amid Australia’s hot and humid weather, drink in hand and not a care in the world.
If you want to relish in our hot girl summers and really lean into the fun, your summer dresses may be in need of a refresh.
To celebrate our favourite season, we have rounded up our favourite summer dresses for your consideration as the perfect additions to your warm-weather wardrobe.
From minis to maxis and everything in between and whether you like cut-outs or prefer more coverage from your summer dresses (sun safety!), or whether you’re wearing it to the bar or the beach, we have got your back and found the chicest frocks available to shop right now.
2024’s TOP SUMMER DRESSES
- Landon Mini Dress in Yellow Floral, $42 (usually $70), Princess Polly (here’s why)
- Sabelle Shift Mini Dress in Blue Embroidery, $59.99, Cotton On (here’s why)
- Lover Peyton Strapless Mini Dress in Botanical Floral, $154 (usually $220), The Iconic (here’s why)
The best summer dresses 2024
Best short summer dresses

01
Landon Mini Dress in Yellow Floral
$42 (usually $70) at Princess Polly
You can’t look past a yellow floral when it comes to a classic summer dress. A versatile little number, the Landon Mini Dress from Princess Polly can be easily accessorised for a festival look and at the same time paired with a set of heels for a more elevated look.
Sizes: 4 to 16 | Colours: Yellow Floral, Red, Pink Floral and White | Materials: 97 per cent reclaimed polyester and 3 per cent elastane
Key features:
- Gathered detail at bust, lace up back with tie fastening and ruffle detail
- Mini dress design
- Non-stretch, fully lined
02
Sabelle Shift Mini Dress in Blue Embroidery
$59.99 at Cotton On
A dress like the Sabelle mini from Cotton On will have you moving between errands and weekend catch-ups with absolute ease. It’s boxy design not only lends itself to the slouchy style, but also to ultimate comfort and breathability.
Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colours: Blue and White | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- V neckline design
- Fully lined
03
Lover Peyton Strapless Mini Dress in Botanical Floral
$154 (usually $220) at The Iconic
“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”, but florals for summer, now that’s something to call home about. In all seriousness, if it is something chic yet simple that your wardrobe craves, then this little slip on number is the one.
Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colours: Botanical Floral | Materials: 65 per cent lenzing ecovero viscose, 23 per cent linen, and 12 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Strapless design
- Straight neckline
- Fully lined
04
The Fated Luca Shirt Dress in Ecru
$83.97 (usually $139.95) at The Iconic
If this silhouette doesn’t scream versatility, than we don’t know what would. A one-stop-shop for sartorially-driven women, a button down number like the Luca Shirt Dress was designed with the clean girl.
Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colours: Ecru and Chocolate | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- V neckline design
- Button-up front

05
ASOS DESIGN Denim Square Neck Shift Dress in Mid Blue
$76 at ASOS
A denim mini dress makes for a versatile wardrobe addition. With a flattering a-line fit and thigh-skimming length, you can dress this up or down in an instant. Perfect for those after something a little edgier and you can take into winter by swapping bare legs for tights!
Sizes: 4 to 18 | Colours: Blue | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Zip back fastening
- Square neckline
- Fixed straps
06
Dazie Endless Summer Cutout Mini Dress in Lemon
$79.99 at The Iconic
Not only is this mini the perfect cut for on-the-go styles, but we can’t get enough of this daffodil yellow that just screams summertime. Decorated with a set of playful beads, this adorable number is perfect for balmy days.
Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colours: Choc, Lemon and Natural | Materials: 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Notch neckline
- Back zip closure
07
Atmos&Here Romy V-Neck Mini Dress in Light Blue
$55.99 (usually $79.99) at The Iconic
We love a classic v-line design like this one from Atmos&Here. In a super chic and ‘clean girl’ light blue, this mini serves as a great everyday summer dress for those who like the simple life.
Sizes: 6 to 18 | Colours: Harper Floral, Black and Light Blue | Materials: 54 per cent cotton and 46 per cent linen
Key features:
- V-neckline
- Invisible zip at back
- Lined material
08
Seafolly Isla Palm Knit Mini Dress in Ecru
$149.95 at The Iconic
Breezy and elegant, the knitted mini dress has made a serious come back in recent times. Seafolly’s Isla Palm Knit in Ecru is the perfect mix of beachwear and day-to-day wear, you’ll never need to take it off!
Sizes: XS to XL | Colours: Ecru | Materials: 100 per cent viscose
Key features:
- Boat neckline with dropped armhole
- Mini length design with side splits
09
Larson Mini Dress
$69.95 at Showpo
The cottage-core trend is still alive and well, and we can see why with the Larson mini. Featuring a sweetheart neckline, consider your picnic attire decided with this casual slip dress.
Sizes: 6 to 14 | Colours: White & blue floral | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Sweetheart neckline design
- Inner lining with zip feature
Best maxi summer dresses
10
Lost in Lunar Cynthia Maxi Dress in Stone
$90.30 (usually $129) at The Iconic
Every wardrobe needs a nude maxi dress, we don’t make the rules. Thankfully for us, the good folk over at Lost in Lunar have performed a miracle, giving us the gift of this A-line silhouette just in time for summer.
Sizes: XS to XL | Colours: Stone | Materials: 90 per cent rayon and 10 per cent elastane
Key features:
- A-line silhouette
- Contrast piping
- Round-high-neckline
11
Cordelia Midi Dress in Floral
$109 at Petal & Pup
If fantasising life is a hobby of yours, then consider the Cordelia Midi the dress for the job. Combining timeless elegance and femininity, heads are guaranteed to be turned with your every step.
Sizes: XS to XL | Colours: Floral and White | Materials: 79 per cent polyester, 20 per cent rayon, and 1 per cent spandex
Key features:
- Sweetheart neckline
- Shirred back panel
- Invisible back zipper
12
SNDYS Alessia Dress in white
$119 at The Iconic
A white cotton midi is one of those summer pieces you will reach for year after year after year. We love this elegant number from SNDYS that accentuates the waist and falls just above the ankles. It’s also under $120, as if you need any more convincing.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colours: Black, Floral, White and Lemon | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Square neckline
- Midi length skirt
- Adjustable straps
13
Mercury Maxi Dress in Chocolate
$95 at Petal & Pup
This summer has taught us that the weather can change in an instant, and if a cool change comes you want something that can offer some coverage but won’t feel stifling. Picture wearing this Mercury maxi dress after a long day at the beach to get a much-needed cocktail – heaven!
Sizes: XS to XL | Colours: Chocolate | Materials: 100 per cent cotton
Key features:
- Square neckline
- Shirred back panel
- Thin adjustable straps

14
Lurex Knit Dress in Vibrant Blue
$79.95 at Mango
Summer is the time to show some skin, so opt for sheer fabrics that show just the right amount. Add some sparkle with this knitted metallic maxi dress and you have a head-turning summer party dress.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colour: Vibrant Blue | Materials: 57 per cent cotton, 27 per cent polyester and 16 per cent copper-coated polyester
Key features:
- V- neckline
- Thin straps
What style is a summer dress?
Typically, shorter dresses are considered a summer style, however, depending on the material, longer dresses like midi and maxi length are also suitable. If opting for a longer dress, look for lightweight materials including linen and cotton (100 per cent is preferable).
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