I’m a self-confessed dress addict, and I think by the time you finish reading this, you will be too. Why? Because there is no better wardrobe staple for summer. Dresses are easy to wear, you can pretty much throw them on and you’ve got a put-together look, and versatile enough to be worn with anything from fancy heels to trainers. Not to mention they’re the ultimate choice for summer weddings and events. Even if you’re not a dress person, trust me when I say there’s a style out there for you. You don’t need to go down the fussy route, there are plenty of pared-back, tailored or floaty styles that will convert even the most hard-core trouser wearers. In fact, two of this season’s biggest dress trends are as classic as they come: waterfall styles and white dresses. As for the maximalists amongst you, you’ll love the other two big trends: sequins and feathers - yes, you can wear them in summer too. Keep reading to shop and style the trending dress styles for summer 2022.
Waterfall dresses
After several seasons of bias cut and straight hems, the waterfall dress is finally back, and what glorious news that is. As its name suggests, this style drapes elegantly around the body, mimicking the movement of water falling down. It’s particularly flattering as it dips at the back and rises at the front or side, creating the illusion of longer legs. Plus it’s ideal to show off whichever fabulous shoes you’ve decided to wear that day. Think of it as the wrap dress’s chicer, older sister. In terms of styling, where you’re planning on wearing yours will dictate the length you go for. A mini dress is great for holidays or more casual occasions like pub lunches. Wear it with flat sandals or white plimsolls. A midi dress is best for the office or events that require a smart-casual dress code, like afternoon tea or the races. As the hem will highlight your ankles and calves, style it with shoes you want to show off. Colourful heels and strappy sandals are a big trend for SS22, and one that works well with waterfall dresses - don’t be afraid to mix and match different colours, the more joyful, the better! Finally, as waterfall maxi dresses are more formal, keep those for the really fancy occasions, like weddings and evening dos.
White dresses
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more timeless style than the white dress, the summer counterpart to the little black dress, or LBD. Long deemed a safe - and dare I say it - boring choice, the key to refreshing the trend this summer lies in the detailing. Think ruffles, lace trims, embroidery and strategically-placed cut-out details, as well as opulent fabrics such as crochet, brocade and silk. That said, there’s always room in your wardrobe for more classic styles, so don’t dismiss a tailored linen or shirt dress. If you’re unsure which styles to invest in, I’d say these three will cover all bases: a crochet dress for beach holidays, a shirt dress for formal occasions, and a floaty bohemian style for everything else. There’s something clean about keeping your accessories muted when styling a white dress. I personally love pairing mine with chunky white or black sandals and a basket tote bag. However, you can also treat it as a blank canvas to which you can add pops of colour or metallic tones. Jewellery is a great way to do that, with cocktail rings and statement earrings being at the forefront of accessories trends this summer.
Sequin dresses
I know what you’re thinking: surely sequin dresses are just for party season, right? Wrong. Why keep the fun to just one month a year? Of course, they are best kept to evening dos, however you can absolutely get away with more subtle styles during the day too. For example, a floaty maxi dress with a discreet smattering of rhinestones around the sleeves and collar can be worn for any occasion. For holidays, I love a sequin cami dress for sunset cocktails on the beach, paired with flat gold sandals. And of course, if you have a wedding or two to go to this year, then sequins are the best way to stand out on the dance floor. While Christmas is the time to embrace gold, silver and black, summer sequins call for colour. Oranges, reds and pinks are particularly in for SS22, and so are blues and greens so don’t be afraid to go bold. With this trend, it’s best to let the dress do all the talking, so I encourage you to keep accessories to a minimum. Perhaps some small gold hoops or a fine chain for jewellery, and minimal sandals for footwear.
Feather dresses
Much like sequins, feathers are having a bit of a moment for SS22, as we start embracing joyful dressing again after too many months of nothing but tracksuits and leisurewear. Granted, it’s not the easiest trend to pull off, but if you avoid head-to-toe feathers, it’s surprisingly easy to wear. The below styles all feature feathers around the neckline or hem, making them much more subtle and therefore wearable. A midi or maxi length with feathers on the skirt works best for weddings and more formal occasions such as Ascot, whereas a cute mini with a feather Bardot top is perfect for nights out. Feathers call for all-out glamour, so do wear your best heels with this style. If in doubt, just ask yourself what an Italian movie star would do, and you’ve got your answer.
