9 Summer Dresses that Can be Casual or Dressy
Plus, how to tweak the styling for different occasions.
I’m a big fan of versatility in a piece of clothing. I’ll often wear items in all seasons, even if they’re traditionally only designed for one (
wrote a great piece on this recently). I like pieces that can be styled or worn in different ways. And if I can make clothes work for a casual breakfast with friends, and a fancy dinner out, even better.I’ve scoured the internet for summer dresses that can do just that: tick the casual and the dressy boxes. Often, it’s how you style them that makes all the difference. A strappy kitten heel, gold cuffs and a clutch bag will have a completely different effect on a dress than flip-flops and a straw bag would, so I’ve got notes on how to make these dresses work for different occasions too.
Amsterdam-based brand Róhe excels in effortless elegance. While a lot of its pieces are on the dressier end of the scale, there are a few that slot neatly in the middle, like this dress. It’s made from lightweight scuba with a fitted (but not so tight that it feels uncomfortable) bodice, pleated floaty skirt, and an off-the-shoulder detail. And it’s black, which makes it a bit of a blank canvas — ideal for dressing up or down.
How to dress it up: Make it all about the accessories. I’d add gold jewellery (there are some beautiful pieces in Daphine’s final sale. Snap them up before the brand shuts up shop), a statement clutch (I have this one from Soeur and it’s fabulous) and fancy flats.
How to dress it down: Keep it simple. A dress like this doesn’t need much, so add some leather flip-flops, a straw bag and a big pair of sunglasses, and you’re good to go.
If you like wearing black but want something that feels a little softer for summer, this Toast dress is a great option. The colour is ‘black pepper’, so it’s slightly lighter than true black. It’s made from 100% linen, has a relaxed fit with a V-neck and back, and — music to all of our ears — it has two side seam pockets. It’s one of those easy pieces you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come.
How to dress it up: You don’t have to wear heels for this dress to be ‘dressy’; a good pair of Mary Janes would look just as chic. Add a red lip (I love Cabo from Merit) and finish off the look with a brooch or two.
How to dress it down: If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I’m a big fan of fisherman sandals, and this dress lends itself well to a chunky, wearable style. I’d add a bit of print with a tote bag you can chuck anything and everything in.
And if you reaaally don’t want to wear black in summer, this dark brown linen-blend dress is an excellent alternative. It’s a simple column-style dress that has thin ties around the waist; tie them around the back or the front to create a bit more shape.
How to dress it up: I went to a wedding recently where I wore a dark brown top and trouser set. I paired it with this plexiglass bracelet and a resin one from Dinosaur Designs, and I loved how the stack looked. I wore heels similar to these and this clutch bag, and felt dressy without being overdressed.
How to dress it down: If you follow a few Substack fashion writers, you’ll know a lot of us love a silk scarf around the waist (
created an incredible version of this look with a top, too). I recently got this scarf from Moismont; the colours would complement the brown, while brightening up the full look slightly.
The beauty lies in the simplicity of this piece. A classic dark green, mid-length dress (although the model pictured is 5’9”, so it would probably be more of a maxi on me) with a scooped round back and neckline at the front, thick straps, and made from 100% linen. The perfect foundation for versatility.
How to dress it up: I love how the silver looks with this dress, so I’d add a silver cuff and, if my ears were pierced, earrings. A low heel would look great with this dress, too.
How to dress it down: Slim (but comfy) flip-flops and a simple pendant necklace will be more casual but still chic. I love the look of these zodiac necklaces.
This reminds me of an Albus Lumen dress I have and wear a lot. I’ve worn it on casual and more dressy occasions, so I know it works well for both, and I always get compliments whenever I wear it. The print is summery, but not floral — if that isn’t your thing — and it’s nice and flowy.
How to dress it up: I’d lean into the brown stripes and pair the dress with dark brown mules or flat slides, and a chocolate brown mini bag. The print speaks for itself, so it doesn’t need much else.
How to dress it down: I tend to wear my Albus Lumen dress with a pair of leather sandals from Grenson I’ve had for years. They’re no longer available, but I like the look of these, which are on sale. Add a basket bag (I have this one) and it’s all you need.
The more you look at this dress, the more you appreciate the details. The twisted shoulder straps, the draped, flowy jersey and the loose shape that billows behind you as you walk all add up to a design that, though simple, makes for a very special dress. It also comes in black.
How to dress it up: Flat sandals can still be dressy, especially if they have a sleek finish like this pair. I’d add a stack of gold cuffs to zhuzh it up a bit more.
How to dress it down: A casual daytime look calls for a big straw hat (I have this one, and it’s a lifesaver on hot sunny days) and simple fisherman sandals. The dress will do the rest of the work.
“What’s so special about a sleeveless T-shirt dress?” I hear you ask. Yes, it’s simple — very simple — but hear me out. Six or so years ago, I bought a very similar dress to this from Acne Studios, a very good find at a sample sale. I’ve worn it so much that it’s a little faded now, but it’s been a saviour on hot days when I just want to throw something on, and for summer parties that are dressy but not overly so.
How to dress it up: One of my favourite ways to dress my Acne dress up is with a light jacket over the top. This short jacket from Róhe will create a really interesting silhouette with the dress and will add an elegant touch. I’d wear my hair in a low bun to show off the collar, and wear simple black Mary Janes.
How to dress it down: This dress is inherently casual, so you don’t really need to “dress it down” as such. Add a colourful necklace (I just got this necklace from Melanie Auld*, which is so fun to wear with a little charm) to make it “summery” and your favourite sandals.
A relaxed, flowy dress that isn’t floral print? Sign me up. This is made from 100% cupro (similar to silk but more robust), it’s naturally moisture-wicking, and the thin straps are customisable — lengthen them, shorten them, wear them straight or cross them at the back. It comes in black, too, if you want something that’s more classically “evening”.
How to dress it up: Silver jewellery would look great with the colour of this dress, so I’d wear a long silver pendant with matching earrings and keep the rest of the look pretty simple. A pair of minimalist evening sandals would finish off the outfit nicely.
How to dress it down: This dress is beautiful as it is, so I wouldn’t add much to it for a casual look. A simple pair of A. EMERY sandals and classic black sunglasses would look great for a casual outfit.
Nothing says summer quite like a white dress, and this 100% organic cotton piece from Rachel Comey is up there with the most classic of white dresses. It has a deep V-neck with a low back (get yourself some NOOD nipple covers), thin spaghetti straps and a relaxed fit. It’s the kind of piece that’s made for holidays in the Mediterranean, and would make a nice piece for brides if you’re hosting any extra events around your wedding, too.
How to dress it up: I love colourful shoes with white dresses, like these oxblood red slippers. Simple gold drop earrings would complete the evening look.
How to dress it down: These sandals tick the boxes for a colourful shoe, but are more casual and everyday. I’d add an oversized raffia bag (which is big enough for putting an extra layer in, should you need it).
Any items marked with * have been gifted by brands. All thoughts, picks and reviews are my own.
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Beautiful picks! I'm starting to suspect I might be on the no-floral team together with you and Anna Newton... I do admire floral prints but on me they just mostly feel too girly? Have a hard time making them work whereas all of these would be welcome in my closet instantly
Solid colours for the win! So easy to dress up or down, amazing picks as usual 🤍