It's officially peak summer, and at the Bazaar office, all we want to wear are breezy dresses. The best summer dresses of 2024 reflect the seasonal runway trends we've been loving, including crochet, long and lean lines, and new takes on light-as-air white fabrics. The best part? You can consider many of these an investment in your future wardrobe, as they can be worn with added layers during the fall.
Below, I've shopped out my favorite looks across seven trends. There's so much inspiration here, from Jil Sander's perfect drop-waist dress to The Row's perfect minimal black maxi. Whether you lean more bohemian or classic, there is truly something for everyone.
Drop-Waist Dresses
What better way to further elongate your maxi dress than with a dropped waist? These easy one-pieces give the look of a top and skirt, but with the ease of a dress. Come fall, throw on a pair of ballet flats and a crewneck sweater for the perfect transitional look.
Anna Quan Juliana Dress
Eres Ankara strapless dress
ESSE Studios Two-Toned Dress
Crochet Dresses
Crochet is one of summer's biggest trends, from bags to shoes to tops. When it comes to dresses, designers have worked in a bit of shine, making them feel more elevated. Nothing that says summer more than crochet—it gives instant vacation vibes, and makes for the perfect coverup with your favorite swimsuit.
Missoni Long cover-up dress
ESCVDO Marea Crocheted dress
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses in bold pops of color took over the spring/summer runways. I love how Proenza Schouler styled theirs with a monochromatic bag and simple black sandal for an effortless paired-back look. It's a streamlined statement with little fuss—perfect to wear from day to night.
Bottega Veneta Cutout maxi
Proenza Schouler White Label ribbed-knit dress
Statement Mini Dresses
Good things come in small packages, and this season there were an array of mini dresses that made a statement. On the runway, Marni took an artful approach with 3D flowers, but there are plenty of more wearable options that are just as fun. From bubble hems to pixelated gingham print, these dresses are short and sweet.
Bernadette Tippy gingham dress
GANNI mini dress
Minimalist Dresses
Less is more with this summer’s minimal dress trend, and when it comes to accessorizing, the possibilities are endless. The key is to go with pieces that are streamlined and elevated, such as a gold bangle and huggies with luxurious barely-there sandals.
Toteme Jersey maxi dress
Éterne Cotton-Blend Jersey Maxi
Tapestry Dresses
The bohemian trend is everywhere, and for summer, designers tapped into a vibrant, more '70s direction with rich colors and beautiful paisleys. Dresses with dynamic prints make a nice break from many of the other summer trends that are leaning more sweet or sporty. I also love the thought of wearing these in the fall, with high boots underneath and a trench coat on top.
Rabanne Ruched Knot Maxi Dress
Roy one-shoulder gathered floral-print silk maxi dress
White Dresses
Summer whites will always be a classic, and this summer, white dress options have exploded in the market, as did they on the runway from everyone from Balenciaga to Loewe. The best part about this trend is the wide range of beautiful textures—everything from eyelet to lace to ruffled poplin.
Khaite Wes Pleated Dress
![new york, new york may 05: (exclusive coverage) met gala co chair a$ap rocky and rihanna attend the 2025 met gala celebrating superfine: tailoring black style at metropolitan museum of art on may 05, 2025 in new york city. (photo by kevin mazur/mg25/getty images for the met museum/vogue)](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2213641932-681b3b03a5a9d.jpg?crop=0.662xw:1.00xh;0.205xw,0&resize=360:* "The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Inside")
