The first signs of summer are finally blooming: skies that are more blue than grey, people stepping out in T-shirts and sandals, and sunshine that lingers long into the evening. Just as it feels natural to dress in moody hues for gloomy winter days, wearing vibrant colours is an appropriate response to warmer weather. With summer’s arrival, even those partial to a neutral wardrobe are bound to feel the pull of pretty pastels and citrus shades.
One category which has been given the saturated treatment this spring/summer is dresses; we’re seeing some of 2024’s biggest colour trends come out in full force across linen midi dresses, slip styles and voluminous poplin frocks. Greens, pinks and oranges are all prominant, but five specific colours have emerged as the defining shades of this season’s dress bounty.
Dresses are one of the easiest items to throw on once the temperature rises, so it’s worth getting clued up on what’s current before you add to your collection. We have the fiery hue that’s defined the last 12 months, a soft purple backed by designers like Nina Ricci and Carolina Herrera, plus a ‘safer’ shade for the colour-averse minimalists. Scroll on to take a look.
See the Dress Colour Trends Fashion Experts Are Backing for Summer 2024
1. Cherry Red
(Image credit: Courtesy of Isabel Marant; Alexander McQueen; Alberta Ferretti; Cecilie Bahnsen)
Style Notes: Where Barbie pink took pride of place in 2023 wardrobes, bright red has slowly surged in popularity, reaching its peak on the SS24 runways. We’ve covered the red shoe trend, but the siren shade’s latest target is dresses. Brands such as Reformation and Rixo are leaning into the look, delivering confidence-boosting dresses for dinner dates, park picnics and everything in between.
Shop red dresses:
Reformation
Tagliatelle Linen Dress
A dreamy dress for a European summer.
ST. AGNI
Ribbed-Knit and Poplin Maxi Dress
This isn’t just incredibly chic—it’s comfortable, too, thanks to the stretchy knitted bodice.
APIECE APART
Porta Shirred Gathered Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Such a pretty summer style.
2. Muted Lavender
(Image credit: Courtesy of AZ Factory; Nina Ricci; Carolina Herrera; Holzweiler)
Style Notes: Pastel lilac comes out every spring—it’s not as bold as other colours, making it a wearable but no less uplifting choice for sunny days. This year, a softer, more muted lavender has cropped up in many runway shows, particularly in the dress department. Pair it with black to give it some edge, or style it with white accessories for a lighter look.
Shop lavender dresses:
& Other Stories
Strappy Linen Midi Dress
Layer this over a T-shirt and add sneakers to dress it down.
Omnes
Riviera Midi Dress in Lavender
Omnes’ sustainable slip dresses are so reasonably prices but feel really luxe.
ME+EM
Cheesecloth Gather Detail Maxi Dress
The gathering on this dress is divine.
GUCCI
Cotton-Poplin Maxi Shirt Dress
Just add slingbacks and a basket bag.
3. Butter Yellow
(Image credit: Courtesy of Del Core; Loewe; Molly Goddard; Zimmermann)
Style Notes: Pale yellow has made an entrance no one expected this season; specifically, buttery shades that verge on cream. There’s something so luxurious about this subtle and versatile shade, and now we’re left wondering why it hasn’t always been a top colour choice for the warmer months.
Shop yellow dresses:
Reformation
Percy Linen Dress
Butter yellow linen is fast becoming a new obsession of mine.
& Other Stories
Tank Midi Dress
Mango
Mango France Linen Blend Midi Dress, Yellow
This feels like something out of Roman Holiday.
Nobody’s Child
Nobody’s Child Maddy Linen Blend Midi Dress, Yellow
Keep the styling simple and let the dress shine.
4. Sky Blue
(Image credit: Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead; JW Anderson; Staud; Aknvas)
Style Notes: Blue skies might still be pending in parts of the UK, but perhaps this trend will manifest them? Dresses with a mid-blue tone feel suitably spirit-lifting for the lead-up to summer—designers like Staud, Loewe and Emilia Wickstead are in firm agreement.
Shop blue dresses:
BONDI BORN
Bormio Strapless Poplin Mini Dress
H&M
Broderie Anglaise Dress
H&M has done it again: the broderie anglaise detailing and puffed sleeves make this dress feel designer.
RIXO
Sandrine – Daisy Jacquard Blue
H&M
Long Cotton Shirt Dress
Wear this into the office with mules and a tote bag.
5. Pure White
(Image credit: Courtesy of 16Arlington; Alberta Ferretti; Cecilie Bahnsen; Staud)
Style Notes: That’s right, not all colour trends need to be bold and highly saturated. Bright, angelic white—without any hint of cream or greige—presents a blank canvas to reset your style for summer. There’s no better feeling than swanning around a warm city in a white cotton dress, even if it means taking extra care when drinking your morning coffee.
Shop white dresses:
DÖEN
Katherina Shirred Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
Döen is the brand influencers all turn to for breezy summer dresses.
This went straight in my basket.
COS
A-Line Mini Shirt Dress
The ultimate throw-on-and-go dress.
Reformation
Frankie Linen Dress
Sometimes simplicity wins out.