Moncler x Lulu Li Project
7 Trending Summer Dress Styles for 2024
When temperatures are soaring and spirits are high, only a summer dress can match the mood. These are the seven styles you’ll need on hand (and in your wardrobe) this year.
1. Maxi Impact
Breezy maxi dresses and kaftans will be your saving grace in sweltering conditions. Play to tropical surroundings with larger-than-life prints courtesy of La DoubleJ, Pucci and Etro, or keep things cool and chic in more muted silhouettes by Sir., Matteau and Loewe Paula’s Ibiza that work just as well in the city as they do by the beach.
2. All in White
What Margot Robbie did for Barbie pink last year, Zendaya is doing for tennis whites in 2024 thanks to her Challengers press tour wardrobe. Whether sports-inspired or not, these cooling styles are quintessential ‘summer’ – this year arriving in the form of edgy cut-outs at Christopher Esber, boho broderie-anglaise at Zimmermann and crisp shirting silhouettes from palmer//harding. There’ll be nothing else you’ll want to wear during a heatwave, or when sitting courtside.
Christopher Esber dress, Hermès scarf, Dior shoes, Loewe Paula’s Ibiza bag, Pomellato bracelets, Le Specs sunglasses
3. Down to Earth
Perhaps more traditionally an autumnal colour, rustic shades of brown and burgundy have made their way into a year-round rotation thanks to this season’s surplus of sundresses at Matteau, Loewe Paula’s Ibiza, Posse, Tove and more. Lean into its warm, earthy undertones with polished gold jewellery and natural textures in the form of raffia bags and woven hats.
4. Keep it Short
From short-shorts to skirts, micro hemlines are having a moment across the board, and itsy-bitsy mini dresses are set to put in some serious legwork this summer. Lean into ‘cottagecore’ with Farm Rio, Sea and Dôen’s bucolic styles, or show off your sun-kissed glow from head to toe in skin-baring cut-outs and spaghetti straps.
5. After Dark
That feeling when you slip into your eveningwear after a post-beach shower? Sublime. Hit golden hour in style with a few glamorous options for dinner reservations or nights on the town. Lurex, silk and sparkles from the likes of Oséree will catch the last light come sundown, while summer’s take on the little black dress is chicer than anything when paired with gleaming gold jewellery.
6. In the Midi
The sartorial sweet spot of dress lengths, the midi has long been a mainstay of our summer wardrobes. Thrown over a bikini or styled up for a sunset dinner, this multitasking cut proves versatile and stylish whatever the destination – leaving you room in your luggage for yet another pair of sandals.
Khaite dress, Loewe Paula’s Ibiza bag, Manolo Blahnik sandals, Balenciaga sunglasses, Jil Sander earrings
7. Sheer Fun
Spring/Summer 2024’s sheer trend may have dominated the runways, but it’s never more at home than at the beach. From fisherman-net crochet to crystal-embellished mesh and see-through silks, these styles work perfectly over swimwear – though there’s nothing to say you can’t wear them inland, too. Did someone say pool party?
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